removing sticker residue (glue?) from Goat skin

[belfastboy]

There is a Goat skin A2 listed on Ebay that could be had for a decent price. However, on the left breast there is residue, it looks like a glue residue, from a removed patch. Has anyone suggestions on if/how this residue could be removed safely?
I do not want to cover it over with another patch and if it is likely permanently compromised will pass on the auction.

 

[Stand By]

I'd apply a little dish soap and water via a cloth, then wiping with a dry gauze would be the first thing I'd try.
Goo Gone would be the next thing I'd try …
http://googone.com/Products/Original-Surface-Safe-Cleaners/Goo-Gone,-4oz.aspx

Then, if it works, I'd clean again with soap and water.

 

[belfastboy]

That was my inclination but was worried that the GooGone might damage the hide. I would try it first in a hidden area and as long as there is a chance it can be removed I think it is worth a gamble.
Thanks,

 

[Stand By]

Goo Gone is oily - I can't see it harming leather - and it says it's safe on clothing/upholstery.
But trying a little on an inconspicuous area - or piece of spare piece of goatskin - would be the way to go for sure.
If you (and the auction) can wait, I can bring some of our Goo Gone from home and try it on a spare swatch of goatskin I have here at work tomorrow morning and let you know …?

 

[belfastboy]

The auction does not close for 4 days so that would be a



































































That would be a great help, thank you. The auction does not close for 4 days.

 

[Stand By]

No problem. Will let you know tomorrow what it does - if anything …
Better safe than sorry, eh?

 

[navetsea]

much depend of what kind of glue, and how long it has been there... contact glue that is never truly dry is easy, however glue that etches into the surface is a different story.
baby oil helps in removing glue from many surfaces, but I never try it on leather, although baby's bottom is also a skin and quite delicate at that age

 

[Stand By]

Hello again - and sorry for the delay belfastboy, and no, I hadn't forgotten you. Just a difficult day at work here.

Now, I lifted out the Goo Gone from home and noted that, on the label, it says "do not use on leather". I thought that was odd as it says it's safe on laundry as a pre-wash!
And on the ride home last night, I was thinking about what else you could use in the event that Goo Gone failed its test - and it occurred to me that Orange Solvent would do a safe job of removing sticky residue.

So I have run a test here and took some photos to desmonstrate it:


So here are the reverse sides of the swatches I'll be using, both kindly supplied to me by ELC many years ago, and I don't know if the A2 in question is Russet Goatskin or Seal Goatskin, so I decided to use both and to use the perhaps less-forgiving Goo Gone on the Russet as that would be be the worst-case scenario as Russet is lighter, therefore showing any ill-effects more readily.



The business side of the swatches.



So here are our two contestants; the Orange Solvent and the more toxic Goo Gone.



Applying the Goo Gone with a cotton applicator (Q-Tip/cotton bud) and I gave it a very good scrub.
Only a minimal amount of dye came off on the Q-Tip - nothing consequential at all -only seen on the white applicator and nothing to be seen on the actual swatch itself.



I then applied Orange Solvent to the Seal Goatskin swatch and repeated the process.



And no matter how I rubbed, nothing came off either of the swatches with the rubbing/drying of a dry 2x2 cotton gauze and absolutely no harm was done to either the leathers.


So why Goo Gone states not to use on leather, I simply cannot see, and judging from this test, I'd say you'd be quite safe to try it on your A2.
As for me, I'd opt for Orange Solvent as a first option purely as it is non-toxic.

Hope that helps in your decision!

 

[Jim B.]

If it is common paper sticker, rubber type adhesive I would use a little paint thinner (mineral spirits), it will not dissolve the leather finish and will evaporate after it has done its job. Do NOT ever use laquer thinner or acetone. I would not use any kind of alcohol either as it would not dissolve the glue and could damage the finish.

 

[belfastboy]

Thank you, Standby....this is above and beyond. I will proceed.

 

[Stand By]

You're very welcome - I'm glad to help. And good luck on the auction!