How to remove nearly indestructible labels from ammo cans

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xwray

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I recently bought some Federal Lake City XM ammo which shipped in 30 cal ammo cans. The labels affixed to the cans seem to be made of a special plastic coated paper that has so far resisted my attempts to remove them including steaming.

Has anyone had any success in removing these labels without defacing the can?

Any feedback would be appreciated...
 
I don't know if you can find these at Harbor Freight,maybe an auto parts outfit that supplies body shops?
There is a tan rubber wheel..three to four inches dia? Mounted on a 1/4 in mandrel.
They go in a 1/4 in 90 deg die grinder,but keep the RPM moderate.
They are made for taking decals off of vehicles.
 
Fire.
Abrasives.
Time.


Normally, if I have labels or painting markings that I don't like on an ammo can, I just hit it with a quick rattle-can paint job.
 
Solution 1: take a razor or very sharp knife (I use a fillet knife) and slide it under a corner of the label. Peel as much of the label off as possible. Usually I don't get the whole label off, but I do get most of it. Lightly score the remaining label with the sharp knife. Spray label with a good dose of WD-40. Allow to soak at least 30 minutes; up to overnight. Take a regular dish scrubbing sponge or copper wool scrubbie and scrub the rest of the label off.

Solution 2: score label with sharp knife. Fill bucket with boiling water. Sink ammo can in bucket. Allow to soak for several hours. Scrub off label with either a scrub sponge or copper wool scrubbie.

Solution 1 is a bit more involved but it's also less messy.

Oh, and definitely don't scrub leftover label off in your wife's kitchen sink. They seem to frown on such behavior.
 
Try water first with a little dish soap in it. If the adhesive is water soluable this will lift it.

Alcohol soak - the label not you!
lighter fluid or Naphtha (naphthalene).

Let the chemical loosen the adhesive and then use a plastic razor blade (available at auto painter supplies) to lift it off.
 
usually I go for my trusty 8 dollar HF heat gun for most situations like this.
Just be careful not to damage the surface of the can. low setting and keep the gun moving around don't focus on one spot.
 
I wonder if XWRAY has seen any of the suggestions, if he has tried any of them, and what his results were.
Do you think he'll let us know?
 
Have you tried Goof Off? Found in all Walmarts in the Hardware/Paint area. You just have to get under the label and get this stuff on the adhesive.
 
NAPA and other Automotive stores that handle automotive paints will have or can get a spray can of 3M stripe & decal remover. Removes the decals without harming the paint finish. Apply, let it sit a few minutes and scrape off with a plastic bondo applicator.
 
I never had any luck with ANY so called adhesive removers.....mostly always Naptha

Stronger solvents usually hurt the finish...

Best luck I have had was heat gun and then the lighter solvents to remove any remaining glue....
I usually start with 91% alcohol but many time end with Acetone after I see if it eats the finish
 
I bought the Federal canl too. The label must be sent in to get the rebate. All you need is the UPC code. You will get the rebate if you can get the UPC off the can. I pealed the entire huge label off the can with little to no damage just by taking it slow. If it won't come off slow, use the razor blade trick to work it under the label.
MY rebate went in to the company 2 weeks ago. THis might be a long wait for the payoff! :)
 
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