Hi Everyone,
I'm working on a project that involves removing foliage from plastic trees. The glue is pretty strong and I'm having a bit of trouble with doing it. Has anyone done this? If so, how? If not, what do you think might work?
I have soaked in water with minimal success.
Thanks,
Dave
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What was it glued down with in the first instance? If it was white glue then water is my recommendation. If not i'd suggest looking at the container of whatever was used to glue it down and see if has directions for removing it. If all else (mineral spirits, alcohol, etc.) fails my go to chemicals are either MEK or lacquer thinner. Both are pretty nasty. But having restored classic cars painted with nitrocellulose lacquer, i've grown to love the smell of lacquer thinner in the morning! Good luck.
Jackson,
Thank you for your reply. As stated I have already tried water. The container does not say what type of glue is used on the tree let alone how to remove the foliage. Do any of them ever show that information? Anyways, I will try alcohol then mineral spirits next. If these do not work will the MEK or lacquer thinner damage the plastic tree armatures?
Dave
Be careful with both the MEK and the lacquer thinner; try a small amount on a tree armature first. I had assumed whoever put them in the first time used a glue like Goo or one of the various 3M products. I'm at a loss now. Hopefully someone else will have an idea.
Before going to nasty chemicals, try a good long soak in a degreaser like Purple Power. It is the world's best (but not fastest) paint remover. Might work on your glue.
Thanks Pete!
Dave
Jackson,
These are pre-fabricated trees straight from the hobby shop.
Dave
I just use a gas powered weed whacker on my G Scale outdoor layout, quick, easy. It also scares the snakes away, not such a big problem for you indoor guys.
Chris S.
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