CAP Talk

General Discussion => Uniforms & Awards => Topic started by: Walkman on August 20, 2010, 01:19:38 AM

Title: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: Walkman on August 20, 2010, 01:19:38 AM
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.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: HGjunkie on August 20, 2010, 01:20:54 AM
You could see if your local cleaners could get it out.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: DakRadz on August 20, 2010, 01:43:14 AM
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 :D Of course it looks horrible and unprofessional for a few years prior to that.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: Hawk200 on August 20, 2010, 01:44:46 AM
Put a paper towel over it, then use a hot iron. Works sometimes (but not necessarily all the time).
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: Walkman on August 20, 2010, 02:41:57 AM
Quote from: DakRadz on August 20, 2010, 01:43:14 AMI did some experimenting, and I can send a PM... Bit dangerous.

I love a little danger.  8) Send me the PM, please.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: SarDragon on August 20, 2010, 04:58:47 AM
Sure, why not. PM please.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: a2capt on August 20, 2010, 05:38:39 AM
Heh, danger. I live for danger.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: HGjunkie on August 20, 2010, 12:38:48 PM
PM please DazRadz. I need some adhesive removed from an old blouse myself.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: jeders on August 20, 2010, 12:57:49 PM
Quote from: Hawk200 on August 20, 2010, 01:44:46 AM
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.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: jimmydeanno on August 20, 2010, 05:35:05 PM
I've always found that goo-gone works pretty well.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: Al Sayre on August 20, 2010, 05:48:02 PM
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... 
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: SarDragon on August 21, 2010, 01:27:14 AM
Quote from: Al Sayre on August 20, 2010, 05:48:02 PM
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.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: EMT-83 on August 21, 2010, 02:23:46 AM
I've read that white vinegar works, but never actually tried it.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: SARTAC Medic on August 21, 2010, 02:44:58 AM
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
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: a2capt on August 21, 2010, 03:35:45 AM
Yup, it's that stuff thats gotten mashed into the underlaying fabric after all the starching and pressing.
Title: Re: Removing patch adhesive
Post by: High Speed Low Drag on August 31, 2010, 02:38:52 PM
I'll take the danger PM, please