Removing Paper Backing From Old Acrylic

[nikdoobs]

We have some really old acrylic where the paper backing has basically become glued to the surface.

Does anyone have a good removal method they recommend? I need something that won't damage the Acrylic. I read on another forum that using acetone works well.

TIA
Nick

 

[J Hill Designs]

flood it with denatured alcohol while its sitting flat on the table, let it soak in a few minutes

 

[Gino]

Other than denatured and lotsa elbow grease..... your acetone method will probably start to melt the acrylic. It is after all..... a powerful solvent remover.

 

[rdm01]

Acetone will etch/melt it after prolonged contact. Soaking with wet app/alcohol water mix will loosen the bond of the paper.

 

[J Hill Designs]

soak it in denatured long enough it will slide off like butter

 

[Eric H]

Rapid remover and a plastic scraper.

 

[Jester1167]

When I was doing ADA, we used cores to roll the liner off of new and old plex. If you can get 6" of the liner loose, tape it to the core and roll it off. The hard part is getting it started. Once you do the even tension across the liner keeps it from tearing into small pieces. Keep the core and use it until it gets too heavy. The adhesive from the previous liner will stick to the next one.

If your doing smaller pieces use a dowel or something round. We found starting from a corner and working diagonal works better on smaller pieces (18" x 24 or smaller).

We back painted a lot of plex and started using this method to keep the plex clean and free from hand prints.

Good luck, the really old stuff truly sucks.

 

[Billct2]

Paint thinner/mineral spirits Get it thoroughly wet and then it'll peel off

 

[Mosh]

Paint thinner/mineral spirits Get it thoroughly wet and then it'll peel off

I do this. I let is soak for an hour or so, keep adding mineral spirits. Don't use a plastic scraper, you will damage the acrylic. It will rub off without needing a scraper.

 

[Z SIGNS]

wd40 also works

 

[nikdoobs]

Thank You!

 

[TammieH]

Paint thinner/mineral spirits Get it thoroughly wet and then it'll peel off

+1

paint thinner/mineral spirits takes longer to evaporate, and it will not harm the acrylic,

you can also soak, lay a towel on the acrylic and soak again, come back in an hour or so

Note: Remember, what is your cost of the acrylic versus your time on removing paper, plus solvents

 

[johnnysigns]

we use mineral spirits or even goo gone for small pieces. spirits will take the liner off 10yr old acrylic no problem.

 

[synergy_jim]

yes!!! what Jester said…. best way ever!