I installed a wired burglar alarm system in my home back in the early 90's. The window sensors that I used attached were adhesive-backed and have remained in place all these years. I'm trying to remove them now but am having no luck doing so. I've tried using a thin blade scraper with no luck. The top section breaks off but the bottom plastic mounting plate won't budge.
I read where rubbing alcohol is supposed to loosen up adhesive so I can give that a try next but does anyone know of a way that will work? I haven't tried a heat gun as I want to make sure I don't break the glass. Any ideas?
Give WD-40 a try. Spritz it on and let it soak ~ 5 minutes. Then try a razor blade again.
Solvent on a paper towel. Apply to the area. Scrape off as it softens. I’ve also used steam.
I've heard about using peanut butter. I think oil is the key. See my thread about mayonnaise just above.
WD-40 might soften the foamy sticky-pad part if they used double sided sticky-pad thingies and you can stand the smell of WD-40 .
I might also consider a sharp chisel if they are all that petrified.
Common alcohol is only 40% - get the 90% version and it'll cut through any adhesive.
Used mineral spirits (paint thinner) for years to clean up glue on Formica seams. GooGone is on my shelf and works well. Both are also good for removal of labels. Put on a small paper towel and soak. It will do a good job if repeated.
Great, thanks so much everyone! This really helps and I now have a few different options I can try.
Neat trick, and pretty cheap: Squirt some hand-sanitizer along the upper edge and tamp it down into the seam with the edge of a spackle/putty knife. Give it about a minute to soften the adhesive and then soak the whole thing in hand-sanitizer and you should find that the putty knife can easily take it off.
Rub pine sap on it.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2018 11:12AM by N-OS X-tasy!.
Try a penetrating oil such as PB Blaster. GooGone works on adhesive when it can get to it. Great for when you get the plastic base off the window.
Try a penetrating oil such as PB Blaster.
Try a hair dryer instead of a heat gun. You could still do damage if your careless, but you almost have to try. And I'd try the hair dryer before the PB Blaster.
All these chemicals sound pretty good. First, warm it up with a heat gun or hair dryer, and they'll work better.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2018 09:13AM by MacJeepster.
Use a razor blade or box knife to cut through the foam, and once the piece has been cut off you'll have clear access to the residual foam to soak in Goo Gone or Goof Off for a couple of hours before easily scraping off at your leisure.
Before using any solution, knowing what it's adhered to is critical. I would apply a small amount of whatever you plan on trying someplace inconspicous before using it, especially if the window frame is plastic or vinyl. Might not damage the window, but could permanently discolor it.
Thanks again, hand sanitizer, that's a new one to me. I will give them all a shot until I get one that works.
Also try using dental floss as a garrote to separate the plastic from the adhesive.
Great idea, thanks! The GooGone has been doing the trick so far.