Apple II label NOS: removal of protective plastic

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transwarp II guy's picture
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Apple II label NOS: removal of protective plastic
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I have run across a new Apple ][ label to replace the scratched up one on my computer.

I have however run into a problem. The factory plastic cover that was originally meant to protect it is now stuck to the label.

The little bits I have managed to peel off have revealed the label to have a noticeable resin underneath that is stuck to the paint.

So, two questions. Has anyone hear had any experience with removing this plastic film, and has a good idea on how to remove it without ruining the label?
And then after removing the plastic film; what would be a good way to go about cleaning the resin off the label.

Any techniques learned on how to get the label looking shiny new? (whats some good cleaning materials?)

Yes, more than two questions. Sorry.

Any help will be highly appreciated.

P.S. I added a picture of the label to show the plastic film I'm talking about.

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Re: Apple II label NOS: removal of protective plastic

While I don't have the exact experience dealing with this, perhaps if you can use Goo Gone to separate the plastic off and clean the residue. However, I strongly recommend that you first test Goo Gone using an old expendable label (perhaps the one you are replacing?) to make sure it doesn't dissolve the paint.

Howie

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Re: Apple II label NOS: removal of protective plastic

I would try isopropyl alcohol before I'd try goo gone it can take off some types of paint.

transwarp II guy's picture
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Re: Apple II label NOS: removal of protective plastic

I've used goo gone and it's taken paint right off a Apple IIe label. I will assume it will do the same to this.

As far as alcohol goes I was under the impression it could cause paint to dissolve? But then again I cant site any sources so I could be mistaken.

I'm thinking of soaking it in some warm soapy water; and then trying to peel the plastic off ever so gently using only my finger nails. Does this seem like a decent plan?

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Re: Apple II label NOS: removal of protective plastic

The first part sounds ok.

Soak it in hot soapy water.
Get yourself a soft bristle toothbrush.
After it has soaked a little, start where you tried to peel the plastic cover.
Do a little at a time and see if the plastic starts to come off.

Couldn't hurt.

Steven Smile

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Re: Apple II label NOS: removal of protective plastic

The first part sounds ok.

Soak it in hot soapy water.
Get yourself a soft bristle toothbrush.
After it has soaked a little, start where you tried to peel the plastic cover.
Do a little at a time and see if the plastic starts to come off.

Couldn't hurt.

Steven :)

I've gotten some of it off using this method. It's just a very long and tedious process. This crap is literally stuck on there. And I can't scrub too fast or I know it will leave marks. I'll get back with everyone when I'm finished.

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Re: Apple II label NOS: removal of protective plastic

I got this thing cleaned up and looking brand new btw.

*What not to do if you have to clean this stuff off:
Dont use a tooth brush! I tested that on a bad label and scratched it pretty good!
Also, don't use any chemicals.

Now what to do if you have to clean this stuff off:

1. Get a flat pan (preferably a glass baking style pan) and fill it with warm water and a little dish soap. Make sure the pan is flat so the plate doesn't accidentally get bent.

2. Set the name plate inside the pan and let it sit for an hour. After an hour of soaking remove it carefully & dry it off.

3. Get comfortable. Use a hair dryer and point it 6 inches above the name plate for 1-2 minutes. Once the plate is hot, use your finger tips and gently peel/scrape the film off. You will have to repeatedly re-warm the plate with the hair dryer to get the film sticky and removable again. *This process took me 2 1/2 HOURS to completely remove the film. 2 1/2 hours spent on a 1 in X 4 in. name plate!!!! I found it easiest to start with the brown/grey area around the letters & apple symbol. Once I was done with the outer areas I worked my way in. *Do not get carried away with scraping on the edges!* You could potentially peel back paint!

4.Once you get all the film off, you will be left with a messy resin covered name plate. Wash out the pan you used before and re-fill it with warm water & dish soap. Let the label sit in it for another hour.

5. When it's done soaking use your finger tips and rub all the resin off while still submerged in the pan. run it under a warm tap and repeat till clean. *You may have to dry it off to see if all the resin is gone.*

These 5 steps got me a brand new very clean label. I will update this post with a picture soon.

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Re: Apple II label NOS: removal of protective plastic

Thanks for the Info,
I have 4x "Apple ][" and 1x "Apple ][ plus" Label with the same Problem.
These came from a repair kit from Apple and there was even a pot of 'repair'-paint in there as well (still usable).

-Jonas

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Re: Apple II label NOS: removal of protective plastic

Thanks for the Info,
I have 4x "Apple ][" and 1x "Apple ][ plus" Label with the same Problem.
These came from a repair kit from Apple and there was even a pot of 'repair'-paint in there as well (still usable).

-Jonas

Awesome! Happy to see I posted some usable info. Just be slow with the scraping/peeling, if you rush you may scratch it. The paint is not very thick on these plates.

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