Cleaning glue residue from screen - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: matthuszagh
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2020, 06:58:19 pm
content: I recently purchased an HP 8341B synthesized sweeper. Unfortunately, this had a nasty sticker on the screen along with other glue residue. I used a microfiber cloth with IPA and some persistent rubbing and was able to get most of it off. However, some of the glue residue is very difficult to remove. Here's an image to see what I'm talking about.It's a bit hard to see in the image, but you can sort of see the glue residue. I'm wary of using any sort of solvent that could damage the screen. Moreover, I don't know much about what could be on this screen that I could damage. For instance, I've heard modern LCDs often have a anti-reflective glare coating that is easily dissolved/removed by vinegar and other solvents. But, this device is from the late 80s. Were anti-reflective screen coatings common then too? Is there any other sort of coating this could have that I run the risk of damaging? Any recommendations for good ways to clean this?

author: Audiorepair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2020, 07:07:18 pm
content: In the past, I have had great results from products based on Citrus.Oranges, lemons etc.Not only is it safe and works really well, it smells lovely!

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2020, 08:49:34 pm
content: Quote from: Audiorepair on November 08, 2020, 07:07:18 pmI'm gonna give my regular warning that gets trotted out whenever anybody suggests using Limonene based products on plastics. Limonene, the active ingredient in all the 'citrus' cleaners, isnotsafe on plastics, contrary to popular belief. Itwilldissolve most thermoplastics, it's just slower in action than other solvents that people have learned to be wary of such as organochlorides, aldehydes, esters and ketones. If it doesn't actually dissolve the plastics it will most likely cause hazing or solvent crazing.It can be usedcautiouslyon plastic surfaces without causingmajorharmifit is used in a water/detergent/limonene emulsion. The usual applies, try it first on a bit of scrap or an inconspicious, non-functional part first. Don't use on stressed parts, solvent crazing can be invisible to the naked eye and can seriously reduce the strength of plastics parts.I was using some Limonene to degrease some motor parts and didn't notice that I had spilled some. So the corner of the ABS case of my mini socket set sat stewing it it for a hour or so. When I picked it up, the outer layer had turning into a puddle of liquid and a long gooey mess of sticky filaments trailed back to it.Here's the result after I scratched of the majority of the gooey bits and left the dissolved edges to self level and dry.(Sorry about the crappy photo, but the forum's playing up and doesn't like the cropped, rotated, colour corrected version)You can see where an approximately 3mm thick layer of ABS was dissolved through and sloughed off.

author: jdragoset
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2020, 10:03:08 pm
content: On the bodged up scope acrylics, I use a buffing wheel with white rouge, which seems to work well with plastics.Don't use pressure but let the rouge and wheel speed do the work.

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2020, 10:12:13 pm
content: I haven't tried this on a screen but I have used Eucalyptus oil and at other times WD40 to remove unwanted stickers and glue residue. If you first remove the non porous top layer (if there is one) and leave it to soak in for about 20 min it usually comes off easily with little residue.

author: ghida
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 09, 2020, 01:15:51 am
content: Be careful with screens. I stained one with simple IPA a while ago. Always try in a corner first.Goo Gone is a citrus-based adhesive removed and should work but no guarantee it will not each the screen (it should not - but can't be sure)

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2020, 01:34:48 am
content: Naphtha (lighter fluid) is generally safe for plastics and good for removing sticker residue. It is the common solvent used for plastic safe switch cleaner.