Old identification or QC fault labels can be difficult to remove. They either leave sticky adhesive behind that is insoluble by commonly available solvents like isopropyl alcohol (IPA), or are so dried and baked-on that they won’t budge. While consumer products like Goo Gone or bug-and-tar remover are common to see on workbenches, Chemtronics offers a cleaner that is actually intended for PCB repair called The Mighty Pen. It contains a fast acting solvent that breaks down dried and sticky adhesives.
How to use The Might Pen to remove labels:
If the label is plastic or covered by a film laminate, you may have to peel it up to allow solvent to penetrate underneath.
Lightly press the pen tip on the label until the tip saturates enough for solvent to start to flow.
Rub saturated pen tip over the label area and allow it to soak through.
Allow the saturated label to sit for at least 15-20 seconds, then rub area with pen tip until label material and adhesive is removed.
Wipe area with clean wiper to remove adhesive residue and solvent.
Reapply solvent as necessary or allow more soak time for stubborn adhesives.
If there is adhesive built-up on pen tip, wipe with clean wiper.