How To Remove Labels and Stickers (with lighter fluid)

I collect a lot of new/used media such as books and DVDs and prefer them without any price labels or "Now a Major Motion Picture"  declarations. A lot of people don't care about the labels on the backs of books or plastered onto the front of DVDs but I personally can't stand them and opt to take the time to peel off each one.

If you too prefer to not have your book collection marred with price stickers or just have a vendetta against labels in general then this is the Instructable for you. This is the method I prefer as it is can be quick and most of the time there isn't a whole lot of mess to clean up (no guarantees).

Tools:

lighter fluid*
sandpaper - 120 grit (or other coarse grits)
"label lifter" or plastic scraper**
paper towel/toilet paper
latex gloves (optional but recommended)

*I would think any lighter fluid would work but I find Ronsonol Lighter Fuel works best and is the cheapest (the one in the yellow bottle with blue on it), but I have had satisfactory results with Zippo brand fuel too. I guess you could also use Goo Gone but I personally can't stand the smell and find it's messier as it doesn't evaporate as quickly as most lighter fluids (not really recommended).

SAFETY NOTE: Lighter fluid contains naptha which can be dangerous to your skin, lungs and other important parts of the body. I would recommend wearing latex gloves and work in a well ventilated area. For your reference, the MSDS for Ronsonol Lighter Fuel: http://www.cooperbooth.com/datasheets/160606.pdf

**I have a Goo Gone label lifter that works great but you could easily make a scraper out of a credit card by scraping a beveled edge (like that of a chisel) by running a utility knife along an edge at an angle a couple times.

Step 1: Test the resistance of the label

First try to peel the label off using a scraper or fingernail without any chemicals (see Note 1). Some labels actually come off easily without tearing or leaving an adhesive residue behind.

If it doesn't peel off easily move on to Step 2.

NOTE: 

1. Be careful of removing labels from book covers with a glossy finish without using the lighter fluid method, they sometimes come off easily but take the glossy coating with it and leave a dull area where the label was. It's usually unnoticeable but if  you're like me, once you notice it you'll see it every time you pick up the book, for the rest of your life.

Comments

[Morrissex]

I use a bit of alcohol (the one used in wounds) to remove labels and stickers (by rubbing them). It's a much faster solution.

[skajorinne]

I've had less luck with isopropyl alcohol (99%) in the past. I find it evaporates too quickly and therefore doesn't break down the adhesive as effectively as the lighter fluid. What I like about the lighter fluid is it usually does most of the work for me by dissolving the adhesive into a "goo" that can be wiped away. The only rubbing or scraping needed is to remove any "goo" smears.

[skajorinne]

While on the topic of isopropyl alcohol, I find it can be used effectively to remove permanent marker and ballpoint pen ink stains from most surfaces.

[dps john]

Now I can get ride of the labels that always seem to cover the instructions on some box's and containers. Also I too object to them on books.

Well done

[jessyratfink]

Had no idea you could use it this way - awesome. :D