Removing patch adhesive

[Walkman]

My new unit has a large stockpile of donated AF BDUs. Many of these have patches on which some sort of adhesive was used. They've tried to remove it without success so I thought I'd check in here and see if there's a common used patch glue that the RM uses and if there's a solvent for it. Apparently GooGone (my 1st thought) doesn't work.

Ideas? Thanks.

[HGjunkie]

You could see if your local cleaners could get it out.

[DakRadz]

My USAF retired NCO didn't know how to fix our donated stockpile...

I did some experimenting, and I can send a PM... Bit dangerous.

The only safe way I know of is time- eventually it wears away Of course it looks horrible and unprofessional for a few years prior to that.

[Hawk200]

Put a paper towel over it, then use a hot iron. Works sometimes (but not necessarily all the time).

[Walkman]

I did some experimenting, and I can send a PM... Bit dangerous.

I love a little danger.  Send me the PM, please.

[SarDragon]

Sure, why not. PM please.

[a2capt]

Heh, danger. I live for danger.

[HGjunkie]

PM please DazRadz. I need some adhesive removed from an old blouse myself.

[jeders]

Put a paper towel over it, then use a hot iron. Works sometimes (but not necessarily all the time).

Multiple attempts will increase the odds of success, but still, not always.

Also a wire brush after the adhesive is warmed by the iron can help to get some of it out, just be careful not to eat away at the fabric.

As long as I'm here, PM please.

[jimmydeanno]

I've always found that goo-gone works pretty well.

[Al Sayre]

Try naptha, acetone, toulene, xylene, or possibly MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), all are strong (and very flammable) solvents available at your local hardware store.  Suggest you wear heavy rubber gloves and stay away from sources of ignition when trying this.  If it works let it dry and then wash the shirt before you wear it.  If not, the worst you can do is ruin an already unserviceable shirt... 

[SarDragon]

Try naptha, acetone, toulene, xylene, or possibly MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), all are strong (and very flammable) solvents available at your local hardware store.  Suggest you wear heavy rubber gloves and stay away from sources of ignition when trying this.  If it works let it dry and then wash the shirt before you wear it.  If not, the worst you can do is ruin an already unserviceable shirt...

All that stuff work great on all cotton shirts, but can damage fabrics with any sort of synthetic content, especially MEK. BTDT; not cheap.

[EMT-83]

I've read that white vinegar works, but never actually tried it.

[SARTAC Medic]

I think that patch adhesive isn't really adhesive at all.. i think its the backing on the patch that hey use to keep it from unravelling, it just attaches to the underlying cloth and is a PITA to remove

[a2capt]

Yup, it's that stuff thats gotten mashed into the underlaying fabric after all the starching and pressing.

[High Speed Low Drag]

I'll take the danger PM, please