Tried-and-Tested Tips for Removing Labels and Price Tags

[selforfun]

Selling on eBay for decades, I’ve found these tips super helpful and still see questions from sellers about removing labels, both here and on Facebook. Here’s a guide that covers different surfaces and tools to make the job easier.

1. General Tools and Tips

Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: Use low heat to soften the adhesive. Hold the device a few inches away and heat the label for 20-30 seconds. This works great for shrink wrappers, plastics, and painted items.

Knife or Razor Blade: Carefully lift the edge of the label, then peel it off. A plastic scraper or razor is best for delicate surfaces.

Tweezers: Perfect for removing small leftover pieces with precision.

2. Adhesive Removers

Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol):

Effective for: Plastics, painted items, shrink wrappers, and paper surfaces.

Application: Dampen a cloth and rub the residue gently. Always test on delicate or painted surfaces first.

Goo Gone:

Effective for: Plastics, shrink wrappers, and painted surfaces.

Application: Apply a small amount, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe clean. Wash the area with soap and water afterward.

Caution: Can leave an oily film on paper.

Goof Off:

Effective for: Plastics and shrink wrappers.

Application: Apply sparingly, rub gently, and clean with a damp cloth.

Caution: Contains acetone, which can damage painted surfaces and paper.

Oops! Adhesive Remover:

Effective for: Plastics, painted surfaces, and shrink wrappers.

Application: Similar to Goo Gone but gentler. Always test first.

Caution: May stain thin paper surfaces.

WD-40:

Effective for: Plastics and painted surfaces.

Application: Spray on adhesive, let it sit, then wipe off. Clean with soap and water to remove any residue.

Caution: Not ideal for paper as it can leave an oily stain.

Zippo Lighter Fluid:

Effective for: Plastics and shrink wrappers.

Application: Apply a small amount to a cloth, rub gently, and clean with soap and water.

Household Oils (Olive Oil or Baby Oil):

Effective for: Paper and shrink wrappers.

Application: Dab oil on adhesive, let it sit, and rub off. Clean with soapy water afterward.

Acetone (Nail Polish Remover):

Effective for: Shrink wrappers and some plastics.

Application: Use sparingly with a cotton swab to dissolve adhesive.

Caution: Not safe for painted items or paper—may discolor or damage.

Mayonnaise:

Effective for: Shrink wrappers and paper.

Application: Spread a thin layer, leave it overnight, and wash off.

Caution: Slower and impractical for bulk removal.

3. Surface-Specific Recommendations

Plastic:

Best Methods: Isopropyl Alcohol, Goo Gone, WD-40, or Oops.

Heat Application: A heat gun or hair dryer softens adhesive for easier removal.

Tools: Use a scraper or tweezers for stubborn spots.

Painted Items:

Best Methods: Isopropyl Alcohol or Oops (test first).

Caution: Avoid acetone or Goof Off, as they may strip paint.

Shrink Wrapper:

Best Methods: Heat gun, Goo Gone, WD-40, or Zippo Lighter Fluid.

Tools: Use a knife to lift labels and tweezers for precise residue removal.

Paper:

Best Methods: Olive Oil, Mayonnaise, or WD-40.

Caution: Avoid acetone or Goof Off, which can damage the surface.

Final Tips

1. Test First: Always test a small, inconspicuous area to prevent damage.

2. Patience: Strong adhesives may need repeated treatment.

3. Clean Thoroughly: After removing adhesive, wash the area with soap and water.

Whether you're dealing with one label or dozens, these methods can help you save time and protect your items. If you’ve found other tricks that work, feel free to share! Happy selling!

My favorite is Oops Original Formula – very expensive and discontinued – along with a Heater Gun and Rubbing Alcohol.

[toysaver]

I don't use Zippo lighter fluid.  I buy a bigger size for charcoal fires that lasts a few years.  It's also great for cleaning tape residue off scissor blades.  It can even be used on paper as it eventually evaporates. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

There is a product called stamp lift fluid which can be found on eBay that i have used for price tags. Worked well for me but always be careful applying any liquid to an item that is collectable. YMMV

edit. Those who want to know how to make your own....

16 ounces of distilled water with a drop of dishwashing soap. Don't shake it when using. A small paint brush is an easy way to apply. Safe and effective. 

[youn2240]

great thread. I've always gone with the lighter fluid. a little bottle has lasted me years it doesn't take much at all. I did use the oops on vinyl once and it wrinkled it all up (the plastic on an old action figure case/ hotwheels case / card case. ) 

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

Hand sanitizer and my long fingernails!

[fbusoni]

I discovered a great way to remove stains from baseball caps (and other clothing, I'd imagine):

One part dawn dishwashing soap, two parts hydrogen peroxide.

Brush with a soft toothbrush, let sit for 10 minutes then rinse.

As for adhesive price stickers:

Soak item surface in water for 10 minutes.  No need for chemicals.

[fbusoni]

Good idea (sanitizer I mean... I do not have fingernails and have no intention of growing any!).

[virgihoffma-0]

I've always found that an alcohol pad works really well for most items except paper.

[luckythewinner]

Ronsonol lighter fluid is my go-to for removing just about anything from an LP cover.

[dnasilver]

You do not have any fingernails? What about toenails?

[cityslickercreations2004]

I sell cosmetics. Acetone (nail polish remover) would sometimes react with the plastics. Not in a good way.

I use a Scottie peeler to remove the label and Goo Gone to remove the adhesive residue.

[broto_64]

Depending on the type of glue and the surface I've even used vinegar and at times acetone but it all depends, I've learned it helps to do some research first... The hardest part is determining which glue it is, acetone works like a charm on crazy glue (yeah I know who would use that!), forgot what vinegar is for... So many different types of glue, various types of solvents, they each have their pros and cons... Most work great on the proper type of glue and are anywhere from somewhat to completely worthless on everything else.
The good old fingernails can even do some days.

[psfhobbies]

Bob smith Industries Insta Clean I use it on just about every need posted here Its fast on most labels and tape

It also will work on sharpie marker spots .Retails for 4.99 .It sells out fast for me.

[lux.ra_14]

This might sound counterintuitive, but packing tape works on adhesive residue left behind after a label is removed.

I use one or more of the methods already mentioned for label removal and then tape to lift off any stubborn residue. Needless to say, this should be done carefully and only on hard or glossy surfaces that won't be damaged by tape. As a bookseller, I do it mainly with glossy dust jackets. It can sometimes take a few tries, but tape is effective.

[selforfun]

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@fbusoni wrote:

I discovered a great way to remove stains from baseball caps (and other clothing, I'd imagine):

One part dawn dishwashing soap, two parts hydrogen peroxide.

Brush with a soft toothbrush, let sit for 10 minutes then rinse.

As for adhesive price stickers:

Soak item surface in water for 10 minutes.  No need for chemicals.

---

There's an old method I remember from childhood for opening envelopes and resealing them invisibly. It’s similar to soaking in water but safer and less noticeable. Boil water in a teapot or any pot (a portable steamer works too). Hold the stamp or envelope flap over the steam for about a minute. The steam’s heat will release the adhesive without damaging the paper or soaking the stamp.