Removing glue residue from mic body at DVinfo.net

David Morgan · January 3rd, 2009, 02:59 PM

Anyone have a tried and good chemical solution recommendation for removing glue residue left on microphone barrel from tape etc? Don't want to discolor or damage the finish.
thx

Greg Boston · January 3rd, 2009, 03:20 PM

Try lighter fluid. Apply it to a cloth and rub the glue. If the finish is anodized, it won't come off very easily. Try to avoid any areas of lettering, symbols, etc. as those are probably silkscreened onto the surface.

-gb-

Seth Bloombaum · January 3rd, 2009, 03:40 PM

I've had very good results with WD-40, of all things. Also good for tape residue on cables. I also would be very careful around painted finishes or logos.

Rick Reineke · January 3rd, 2009, 03:43 PM

Sometimes applying a fresh piece of duct or gaffer tape will pull off some the old when removed. I've also had mixed results with spray silicone, WD40 & automotive bug & tar remover. In any case, care should be taken around lettering ect.
What kind of mic is at issue? The finish on SM57s & 58s is pretty much indestructible.
The commercially sold Goo-be-gone stuff is useless and the god awful smell is enough to make a chicken puke.

Chris Soucy · January 3rd, 2009, 03:45 PM

Good 'ol turps is my usual weapon of choice, tho' care is needed on certain plastics, particularly polystyrene.

On anodised alloy should work a treat.

CS

Allen Plowman · January 3rd, 2009, 03:46 PM

The best glue remover is aliphatic naptha, and that happens to be the primary ingredient in lighter fluid.
I second the motion for lighter fluid

Steve House · January 3rd, 2009, 05:31 PM

Once you've got it off, to help prevent a recurrence in the future, remember that real Gaffer's Tape is NOT the same thing as duct tape or masking tape. The real McCoy is formulated with a special low-residue adhesive that won't leave its calling-card behind on mics, cables, walls, etc like regular tapes do. For examples, see Gaffer's Tape, Gaffter Tape, Permacel Gaffer's Tape

David Morgan · January 3rd, 2009, 07:36 PM

thx all for the suggestions.
I'll make sure the matches are in a safe place before proceeding. Mic is an AKG 451. Gun metal dark finish

Shaun Roemich · January 3rd, 2009, 07:46 PM

I've had good luck with Goo-B-Gone.

Garrett Low · January 3rd, 2009, 11:07 PM

I'd second the use of Goo-Gone. It works great on tape/glue residue and it won't damage surfaces.

Mark Holland · January 6th, 2009, 06:36 AM

I've had troubles with Goo-Gone removing paint, so I personally don't use it. Lighter fluid works, but IMO, leaves a bad smell throughout the house. Over the holidays, someone demonstrated to me that hand sanitizer removes sticky residue. I tried it myself and was very pleased with the results...Plus, it's cheap!

Good luck!

January 3rd, 2009, 02:59 PM	#1
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	Removing glue residue from mic body Anyone have a tried and good chemical solution recommendation for removing glue residue left on microphone barrel from tape etc? Don't want to discolor or damage the finish. thx

January 3rd, 2009, 03:45 PM	#5
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,682 Images: 18	Hi David............ Good 'ol turps is my usual weapon of choice, tho' care is needed on certain plastics, particularly polystyrene. On anodised alloy should work a treat. CS

January 3rd, 2009, 03:46 PM	#6
Allen Plowman Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Paradise, california Posts: 353	The best glue remover is aliphatic naptha, and that happens to be the primary ingredient in lighter fluid. I second the motion for lighter fluid __________________ "What I need is an exact list of specific unknown problems we might encounter."

January 3rd, 2009, 05:31 PM	#7
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	Once you've got it off, to help prevent a recurrence in the future, remember that real Gaffer's Tape is NOT the same thing as duct tape or masking tape. The real McCoy is formulated with a special low-residue adhesive that won't leave its calling-card behind on mics, cables, walls, etc like regular tapes do. For examples, see Gaffer's Tape, Gaffter Tape, Permacel Gaffer's Tape __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

January 3rd, 2009, 07:46 PM	#9
Shaun Roemich Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (formerly Winnipeg, Manitoba) Canada Posts: 4,088	I've had good luck with Goo-B-Gone. __________________ Shaun C. Roemich Road Dog Media - Vancouver, BC - Videographer - Webcaster www.roaddogmedia.ca Blog: http://roaddogmedia.wordpress.com/

January 3rd, 2009, 03:20 PM	#2
Greg Boston Wrangler Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: DFW area, TX Posts: 6,117 Images: 1	Try lighter fluid. Apply it to a cloth and rub the glue. If the finish is anodized, it won't come off very easily. Try to avoid any areas of lettering, symbols, etc. as those are probably silkscreened onto the surface. -gb-

January 3rd, 2009, 03:40 PM	#3
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	I've had very good results with WD-40, of all things. Also good for tape residue on cables. I also would be very careful around painted finishes or logos.

January 3rd, 2009, 03:43 PM	#4
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,038	Sometimes applying a fresh piece of duct or gaffer tape will pull off some the old when removed. I've also had mixed results with spray silicone, WD40 & automotive bug & tar remover. In any case, care should be taken around lettering ect. What kind of mic is at issue? The finish on SM57s & 58s is pretty much indestructible. The commercially sold Goo-be-gone stuff is useless and the god awful smell is enough to make a chicken puke.

January 3rd, 2009, 07:36 PM	#8
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	thx all for the suggestions. I'll make sure the matches are in a safe place before proceeding. Mic is an AKG 451. Gun metal dark finish

January 3rd, 2009, 11:07 PM	#10
Garrett Low Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 1,774	I'd second the use of Goo-Gone. It works great on tape/glue residue and it won't damage surfaces.

January 6th, 2009, 06:36 AM	#11
Mark Holland Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Central North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, & surrounding areas) Posts: 301	Hand Sanitizer ! I've had troubles with Goo-Gone removing paint, so I personally don't use it. Lighter fluid works, but IMO, leaves a bad smell throughout the house. Over the holidays, someone demonstrated to me that hand sanitizer removes sticky residue. I tried it myself and was very pleased with the results...Plus, it's cheap! Good luck! __________________ These are my own opinions, based on my own mistakes...