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Removing adhesive from wooden blocks after unmounting
I unmounted many of my stamps several years back, and then recently unmounted large stamps that are difficult to get a good impression from. Now I have a big box full of those wooden blocks and am trying to figure out what to do with them. Many have really strong adhesive on them, so they stick together and I had to have my husband help me pry them apart, ugh. Trying to remove the adhesive is a pain, but I didn't want to offer them to the Senior Center etc, unless I can remove the glue. Any tips?
I don't even know if the Senior center can use them, but can't think of anyone else who might work with wood. As you know, many of these blocks are really good quality hard maple and I can't bring myself to toss them.
I tried that already but it just shredded the sandpaper :(. I also tried Goo-Gone, and a scouring pad. Even scraped the adhesive off with a knife but nothing took enough off. Maybe I'll try a combination of methods.
I tried that already but it just shredded the sandpaper :(. I also tried Goo-Gone, and a scouring pad. Even scraped the adhesive off with a knife but nothing took enough off. Maybe I'll try a combination of methods.
Wow, you are really dedicated to upcycling your blocks. On behalf of the lucky recipient, thank you! One more thought, maybe putting the blocks in the microwave for a few seconds would soften the glue so you could get it off?
Wow, you are really dedicated to upcycling your blocks. On behalf of the lucky recipient, thank you! One more thought, maybe putting the blocks in the microwave for a few seconds would soften the glue so you could get it off?
Haha, yes it's become an obsession! I'm already big on recycling, but these blocks are so nice and I have so many of them that it's just too hard to toss them. Good idea about microwaving, as that was how I soften the glue to get the stamp off in the first place. May make it easier to scrap off the glue left behind.
Haha, yes it's become an obsession! I'm already big on recycling, but these blocks are so nice and I have so many of them that it's just too hard to toss them. Good idea about microwaving, as that was how I soften the glue to get the stamp off in the first place. May make it easier to scrap off the glue left behind.
Hope that works! If you can't get all the glue off, could you use some of the blocks yourself for home decor projects? Awhile back I saw how some people took the blocks, covered them with DSP and embellishments, and die cut letters to spell out words with one letter on each block, like Love, Joy, Boo, Home, etc. You could even decorate opposite sides of each block for different holidays, like Thanks on one side and Merry on the other, with coordinating papers. Keep us posted on your progress!
I just used a few to make bases for ribbon trees. I used some 100% acetone nail polish remover to remove the glue residue. A first pass really loosened it up and then a second, clean cotton ball took the rest off.
I just used a few to make bases for ribbon trees. I used some 100% acetone nail polish remover to remove the glue residue. A first pass really loosened it up and then a second, clean cotton ball took the rest off.
Oh, thanks for the tip! I hadn't even thought to do that. Did you drill a hole in the blocks for a dowel? I'm thinking that you used thin dowels for the tree trunks but not sure.
Oh, thanks for the tip! I hadn't even thought to do that. Did you drill a hole in the blocks for a dowel? I'm thinking that you used thin dowels for the tree trunks but not sure.
Karen
That is exactly what I did. I stacked them two tall -- one a little smaller than the other on the top -- and drilled a hole just slightly smaller than the diameter of the dowel (actually, a kebeb skewer) for the trunk.
Once I get that glue off I may decide to keep some to make little winter scenes on.
Suzanne, you got me inspired and now I'm thinking of make a few minature scenes with the larger blocks. From trash to treasure..yay!
Karen
My daughter used some as well to make little signs. In many paper packs, there are cut apart sheets with inspirational or cute messages. She layered some paper and added some embellishments. They came out super cute.
That is exactly what I did. I stacked them two tall -- one a little smaller than the other on the top -- and drilled a hole just slightly smaller than the diameter of the dowel (actually, a kebeb skewer) for the trunk.
Ooh, love how you made them for Fall! I was thinking Christmas but it looks beautiful in the autumn colors.
Karen
My daughter used some as well to make little signs. In many paper packs, there are cut apart sheets with inspirational or cute messages. She layered some paper and added some embellishments. They came out super cute.
Now I just need to try the nail polish remover and see if I can get the glue off. Once that happens, I may be reluctant to give them away and will use them for projects for myself (and the grandkids!)
Karen
Ooh, love how you made them for Fall! I was thinking Christmas but it looks beautiful in the autumn colors.
Karen
Thanks -- that was my prototype, made with a spool of ribbon from the dollar store, so I could get the spacing right before I used the "good" buffalo plaid ribbon from Hobby Lobby. In the end, though, I really like the way it came out with the fall colors. It's a keeper!
Removing adhesive from wooden blocks after unmounting
