Help with tacky
Jan 2, 2023 10:45:19 #
StanMac wrote:
Acetone is a powerful solvent! Use it only on bare metal or glass. It will dissolve any plastic or paint I know of.
Stan
Stan
Jan 2, 2023 13:41:42 #
chrissybabe
Loc: New Zealand
Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I think the sticky layer isn't the surface of the plastic breaking down (but see below re this) but a thin coating that is applied to plastic surfaces to make them look better and to provide a better tactile surface for grip. The surface finish as applied is usually matt or satin. It is this layer changing somehow that causes the sticky feel. Takes about 3-6 years usually to fail. I have no idea why it fails, method of application, surface preparation, incompatible materials but no one has yet come up here with a reason.
Others have tried Goo Gone (I haven't found that here yet) but I have found that vigorous rubbing with iso propyl alcohol works after a fashion. Very hard to apply in tight places though as you don't have enough room to rub properly. I have found that solvents like acetone or chloroform make the situation worse. It is interesting that some items don't appear to fail so whichever manufacturer is using this method that fails has not got a good handle on the problem, or even cares since they already have your money.
Some mention screwdriver handles for example but I have not seen screwdriver handles with this film on them so this is maybe a different issue. I have found a few of mine get a bit slimy/sticky but think this is more of an issue with fungus and damp storage conditions. Turps seems to work for me.
Others have tried Goo Gone (I haven't found that here yet) but I have found that vigorous rubbing with iso propyl alcohol works after a fashion. Very hard to apply in tight places though as you don't have enough room to rub properly. I have found that solvents like acetone or chloroform make the situation worse. It is interesting that some items don't appear to fail so whichever manufacturer is using this method that fails has not got a good handle on the problem, or even cares since they already have your money.
Some mention screwdriver handles for example but I have not seen screwdriver handles with this film on them so this is maybe a different issue. I have found a few of mine get a bit slimy/sticky but think this is more of an issue with fungus and damp storage conditions. Turps seems to work for me.
Jan 2, 2023 14:22:47 #
raylang
Loc: Elk Grove,CA
Found isopropyl alcohol with a rag works best. Have tried all the other stuff with no luck.
Jan 2, 2023 15:53:56 #
chrissybabe wrote:
Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I think t... (show quote)
Or you could just get some of the liquified rubber stuff for painting on tool handles like rakes etc. And it comes in different colors including clear. Just be careful when ordering, you might not really need the 5 gallon bucket. Just the spray can or small 1 pint should do it for most of us. Unless you have a lot of tools or plan to coat some stair steps and walk ways to prevent slipping.
Jan 2, 2023 16:44:55 #
chrissybabe
Loc: New Zealand
That is a possibility but I suspect you would have to clean off the old stuff first to get a decent grip. And I suspect that the rubber compound is not the sort of stuff you would want to paint on a camera lens.
Jan 2, 2023 17:27:15 #
There are 2 versions of Goo Gone. One is citrus based the other and older version is solvent based. I would try the citrus version first.
Jan 3, 2023 07:53:58 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
I don't really care what it isn't intended for !!
It works well on plastics like screwdriver handles and other stuff, IF the final finish is not Important.
You don't SOAK what ever your are removing the "sticky" from, you spray it on a rag and wipe what every your cleaning, I have been using it on plastic tool handles for years with no Ill effects Other than a dull finish.
It works well on plastics like screwdriver handles and other stuff, IF the final finish is not Important.
You don't SOAK what ever your are removing the "sticky" from, you spray it on a rag and wipe what every your cleaning, I have been using it on plastic tool handles for years with no Ill effects Other than a dull finish.
I meant that it should not be used on transparent plastics. I did not suggest that it would be unwise to use it against a screwdriver handle. After all, you are not looking through it.
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