How do you get sticky stuff off?

M

Major Dave (retired)

New member
I put camo tape on my shotgun a couple of years ago. Today I pulled it off and some of the adhesive stuck to both the action and the wood stock.

I tried alcohol swabs on the action, and it took a lot of elbow grease to get (most of it) off. Seems just the friction/elbow grease was the main reason it worked, rather than the alcohol working as a solvent.

But, I am very reluctant to scrub the highly shiny stock with an alcohol swab.

Will the alcohol dissolve the finish on the stock? It is a Rem 870 Wingmaster.

Advise needed. Help!
 
Non Acetone Fingernail polish remover works great. I used it to get the sticky off the barrel channel of my Mosin. Doesn't damage finishes or blluing either. It can take a little elbow grease but, some on a rag should work fine. Just make sure it's non acetone otherwise it will strip finish
 
Many adhesives will lift on a patch wet with oil. Gun oil, stock oil, baby (mineral) oil, even cooking oil. You may want to try the cheap edible stuff first, followed by the body friendly mineral oils. Straight stock finishing oils, linseed, tung, etc. probably carry little risk to your gun's finish, but I might be cautious about anything including a solvent: read the lable.
 
Bingo

Mineral spirits (paint thinner) should work just fine, and won't damage the finish.
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As stated and right on the mark. It's especially easier if the adhesive is not dried out. .... ;)

Be Safe !!!
 
If the unwanted adhesive is still sticky, you may be able to lift it off with a piece of duct tape. Stick the duct tape to the adhesive and pull it up. Repeat as necessary until most or all of the adhesive is stuck to the duct tape and not the gun.
 
Automotive detailing clay. Most of what you can find in auto parts stores is the mildest formulation and will do the trick without damage to the underlying finish.
 
Zippo lighter fluid is excellent for removing goo. Take caution though because it can also remove other stuff like finish!:D
 
The best solvent I've found for removing tape residue is Gumout Carb Cleaner. It will remove tape goo from metal almost instantly.

I would hesitate to use it on gunstock finish though.
 
Slow and easy, will win this race !!!

Whenever I run into a problem like this, I always take and advise taking the conservative route. I know for a fact, that Carburetor Cleaner would take the "sticky" stuff off as the last time I used it on my mower, it took the paint off the deck. When I get a headache, I take an aspirin and after some time, if that doesn't get it, I go to the doctor. ..... ;)


Be Conservative and;
Be Safe !!!
 
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