So I drug home another orphan toolbox last night.

This one happens to be a 30+ year old Snap On base cabinet.

I had to replace the drawer slides for the bottom drawer and I've got all but two stickers removed at this point, but what I have not yet figured out how to remove is the dry, powdery adhesive residue from all around the top of the box where a painted plywood insert was taped in.

Any thoughts on removing this residue in the least damaging way possible?

Previous experience with cleaning toolboxes has taught me that anything like Purple Power, Oil Eater and sometimes even Simple Green can take paint off and/or streak the paint.

This box is not mint, but I'd like to clean it off, wash it and then buff and wax it.

At my disposal without having to run out include both denatured and rubbing alcohol, Goof Off, WD-40, Acetone, Mineral Spirits, all manner of Carb sprays and brake parts cleaners etc. but most of those are going to be too harsh.

Any ideas?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: M1Garandy,

Goo Gone should remove it.

Goo Gone or maybe just plain alcohol. Or mineral spirits...

Piggybacking on this, what about from heavy fabric?

I'd start with the least aggressive option: rubbing alcohol.

Goo Gone (which is mostly citrus oil) would be a good next step if that doesn't work.

Brake cleaner, carb cleaner, Goof Off, acetone, etc. will all definitely remove paint.

WD-40...I use it on everything, and it will not harm paint, plus it has the bonus of some anti corrosion benefit/properties. I'd use Rubbing Alcohol to remove the WD-40 residue when you're ready to buff & wax it.

I'd/we'd definitely like to see your new to you orphan Snap-on cabinet...Please post before and after pics!

If rubbing alcohol doesn't work, I have had great success with Uni-Solve. It is mostly used in hospital settings to remove adhesive from tape on your skin, and comes in handy single use wipes packaged in a square foil type wrapper. I believe you can find them on Amazon. Or, maybe you know a nurse or CNA who can grab a few for you .

Good luck!

Please let us know what works for you.

As an aside, in my studied opinion the primary purpose of duct tape is to serve as a way of transferring its adhesive from the factory to the work where the adhesive stays forever once the tape itself is removed or deteriorates (as it always does sooner or later). I.e., I long ago learned that traditional duct tape was one of Satan's inventions to torment those of us who care about such things as not having permanent adhesive on our projects.

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
WD-40...I use it on everything, and it will not harm paint, plus it has the bonus of some anti corrosion benefit/properties. I'd use Rubbing Alcohol to remove the WD-40 residue when you're ready to buff & wax it.

I'd/we'd definitely like to see your new to you orphan Snap-on cabinet...Please post before and after pics!

This is what has always worked well for me.

You just have to be careful with WD-40 around certain plastics - it will 'melt' a few types.
Painted metal shouldn't be a problem.

Updates:

WD-40 got the last two stickers of that were paper rather than foil backed like the others I heat gunned off.

Would not touch the tape residue.

99% Isopropyl alcohol is taking the tape residue off slowly, but the rag is coming away red as either the rubbing or the alcohol are taking paint.

Been years since I used one, but I wonder if one of those rubber wheels for removing stickers and vinyl pinstripes might be a good option here?

Thoughts?

Before pics might be tough as I already have all the drawers out, but an after I can likely do if it comes out nice. It's rough now, but I think I can polish this turd a little.

I use a 3M Stripe Off Wheel Adhesive Remover Eraser Wheel to remove decals and residue from vehicles..

There are much cheaper imitation wheels on Amazon, but I've only used the 3M..
Just go slow and use the appropriate drill speed..

Used Goofoff to get the last little remaining residue.

quote:

Originally posted by 1lowlife:
I use a 3M Stripe Off Wheel Adhesive Remover Eraser Wheel to remove decals and residue from vehicles..

There are much cheaper imitation wheels on Amazon, but I've only used the 3M..
Just go slow and use the appropriate drill speed..

Ha, you posted that while I was editing my post to ask about those!

quote:

Originally posted by M1Garandy:

Ha, you posted that while I was editing my post to ask about those!

I added a video, but I think you stated you've used one before..

I've only used it on auto paint.
My new at the time Tundra and then when I detailed my daughter's old RAV4.
Good luck..

Yes, my exposure to them was 20+ years ago on auto paint.

The 3M product and all the cheap clones state not to use on lacquer paint or any heat sensitive surfaces.

I wonder what kind of paint Snap On was using in the 80's and 90's?

quote:

Originally posted by M1Garandy:
Updates:

WD-40 got the last two stickers of that were paper rather than foil backed like the others I heat gunned off.

Would not touch the tape residue.

99% Isopropyl alcohol is taking the tape residue off slowly, but the rag is coming away red as either the rubbing or the alcohol are taking paint.

Been years since I used one, but I wonder if one of those rubber wheels for removing stickers and vinyl pinstripes might be a good option here?

Thoughts?

Before pics might be tough as I already have all the drawers out, but an after I can likely do if it comes out nice. It's rough now, but I think I can polish this turd a little.

Personally, one of the things I like about WD-40 is that it's not overly aggressive. That's said, sometimes/usually, you need to give it some time to work. I'd probably lay some paper towel over the affected area and soak that with WD-40. Give it a 15 min. (half hour?) to work and then go after it with a mechanical means of scraping it. I like to use a plastic putty knife/scraper, but I've also had very good luck w/ the edge of a plastic credit card/gift card.

I had a clear bra paint protection film I needed to remove from the front of my car that had been on there for 10 years, and removing it/getting it all off was a bitch. Despite using the recommended procedure w/ a heat gun it left some significant residue. It was on the entire front end of the car (bumper cover, 6+ inches of the hood and the side mirror caps. I had to go back to it few times but the WD-40 w/ paper towels method I described worked like a charm. I was like having brand new paint on the front of the car when I was done. Good Luck!

Unfortunately, I've had a rag soaked in WD-40 sitting on the spot with the least amount of residue for the better part of an hour and it hasn't done a thing other than take it from dusty looking to shiny looking and it laughs at my plastic putty knife.

I've got a cheapie and a 3M sticker/adhesive remover wheel coming tomorrow that I'll try on the back and see if it melts the paint or not before I attempt on the front or sides.

I removed all of that cheesey badging off of my truck tailgate . WD-40 removed the adhesive residue .

After about 4 hours of soaking in WD-40, the adhesive is FINALLY starting to scrape off with a plastic scraper........

3M adhesive remover. It will remove 3M VHB adhesive from automotive surfaces without damage. It should handle duct tape residue wo problem. Test a small area to be safe. Autotive finish supplier wpuld be yiur best source.

Adhesive remover
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40070712/