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I recently came across 1895 NRA musket parts saved from a sporterized musket. Unfortunately, they were taped together with scotch tape and the adhesive hardened and stayed on the wood when I pulled the tape off. The handguard is in great shape and I’d like to remove the adhesive without taking the finish off the wood. Any suggestions?
I’d be as least aggressive as possible, and would start by lightly heating the areas with a hairdryer & wiping with a warm water-moistened cloth.
Would use chemicals/abrasives as a last resort!
I’ve used “Goo-Gone” a citrus based product with good results in the past. Should be able to wipe the residue off with a soft cloth after letting it sit for a few minutes. Repeat the process if necessary until desired results are obtained. Heating the wood first as suggested will aid the process.
WACA Life Benefactor Member
NRA Life Member
Fortunately, I had the severed forearm pictured above to experiment on. I tried several methods to no avail. Most removed the finish to varying degrees, but not the adhesive. My father-in-law suggested that I try acetone. I thought it may work on the adhesive, but was also certain that it would remove the finish. Much to my surprise, the adhesive came right off with little effort and had no effect on the wood finish. Some of us smart fellers might ought to listen to the old-timers a little more closely.
This is one trick that I’ll be filing away for future reference. The handguard is now cleaned up and sitting right where it belongs.
I’ve filed that trick away for my future reference. Happy all worked out for you!
Not to diminish your success using acetone to remove tape adhesive without damaging the finish on the stock but, it is my understanding that acetone is a common ingredient in paint and varnish removers….I do know that the women in my family find acetone to be a very effective nail polish remover.
If you can’t convince them, confuse them
Tedk. That’s exactly why I was skeptical. All I can say that the proof is in the results. I cannot see the slightest discoloration in the finish, even under magnification and the adhesive is completely removed. Even soapy water lightened the finish when I tried it. I’m quite sure that the handguard still had the Winchester factory finish. There is no guarantee that it will work as well in your application, so use it cautiously. I, however, have gone from a skeptic to a believer.
I think if you used acetone on a piece of wood that had a layer of shinny varnish or shellac on it you would of removed the finish.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Bob, I think you are probably right. I was very fortunate to have the forearm to experiment on first or I probably wouldn’t have even tried it. It’s quite possible that it wouldn’t work as well on something other than what I believe to be an original Winchester finish that has cured for 99 years. If I were to try it again without a sample piece, I would carefully try a bit on a very inconspicuous place. In lawyer speak, “No guarantee of success, your results may vary.” Just wanted to share something that worked for me.
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