Sticky stuff on MacBook Air!

DekHog

DekHog

Suspended / Banned
Messages
2,803
Name
Derek
Edit My Images
Yes
OK..... not strictly a computing question, but....

Youngest daughter has just pulled the plastic protector that covers the front of elder daughter's MacBook Air from side to side at the front right off, leaving the mess shown that I need to try and remove!

This stuff feels like it's welded on. I've got a heat gun, but for obvious reasons am a bit reluctant to get it out on this occasion - the left over film just seems to laugh at any kind of liquid I try on it.

Ideas anyone?


IMG_20190604_202118-01.jpgIMG_20190604_202145-01.jpg
 
I agree with not using a heat gun. Does anyone have a hair dryer you could try? That's unlikely to start melting things.
 
try the wife's nail varnish remover or maybe yours lol lol that's pretty good
i bought sticky stuff remover from aldi or lidl recently ant that works a treat
 
DekHog said:
OK..... not strictly a computing question, but....

Youngest daughter has just pulled the plastic protector that covers the front of elder daughter's MacBook Air from side to side at the front right off, leaving the mess shown that I need to try and remove!

This stuff feels like it's welded on. I've got a heat gun, but for obvious reasons am a bit reluctant to get it out on this occasion - the left over film just seems to laugh at any kind of liquid I try on it.

Ideas anyone?


View attachment 246920View attachment 246921
Click to expand...

Oh dear, I surmise the sibling atmosphere was/is not great for now!

Reading your description & seeing the picturesque and bearing in mind modern glues are very strong when they are required to be so. I wonder if the protective material is laminated material......as such it might have delaminated and what is left behind is not 100% adhesive residue. If so, not good news as it will only complicate the removal & clean up process.

Just a thought, I surmise there are times when Apple technicians have to replace that part and they must have a method? It is just finding out from them that might be difficult?
 
I would be more inclined to try to cut a neat square (cut the lines then peel the rest off to those lines) then stick something else over it as think you will not get all all off without damaging the plastic I’m sure or ideal buy one of the silicon sleeves if they do one which I believe would cover it all just leaving mouse pad and keys?
 
Thanks everyone - yeah, nail polish remover etc doesn't seem to be doing it - what's left is a film, but so well stuck on (and obviously very waterproof) that any kind of liquid can't soak into it and can't get under it!

I think the new palmrest option by AdamSi looks like a good bet - I might just try a little bit with a window scraper I've got first - one of these plastic handles that holds a Stanley knife blade at an angle...... won't be giving it much pressure though!

.....and yup, inter-daughter relations are at an all time low. Peace talks at the summit broke down late last night and they're now threatening a trade war!

Thanks
 
Try white spirit (soak tissue in ws and lay it over the stuff to be removed - don't pour on liquid but do dampen the plastic). In the past I have found it very effective at softening 'permanent' adhesives on labels in an industrial setting. It may work through the film, but otherwise use it at the edges and peel back a little at a time as it softens the glue.

Try to work outside too - the fumes aren't so bad, but not ideal.
 
I'd be reluctant to use strong chemicals. Covering it with a new palm rest would be the safest option.
 
Do Apple have a live chat sort of thing where you can ask their technicians the question? As someone said, they must have come across this problem before so should be able to offer some advice (probably along the lines of "£75/hour for us to look at it, Sir - but no guarantee that our fix will work..."
 
DekHog said:
OK..... not strictly a computing question, but....

Youngest daughter has just pulled the plastic protector that covers the front of elder daughter's MacBook Air from side to side at the front right off, leaving the mess shown that I need to try and remove!

This stuff feels like it's welded on. I've got a heat gun, but for obvious reasons am a bit reluctant to get it out on this occasion - the left over film just seems to laugh at any kind of liquid I try on it.

Ideas anyone?


View attachment 246920View attachment 246921
Click to expand...

sort of heath robinson...but perhaps some "contact" film...which we used to cover old coffee tables and worktops
quite a non MAC type of result but comes with its own adhesive and a roll could last many times if the repair had a short life
??
just one idea
 
Citrus degreaser from Finish Line, use it on my bikes and works a treat
Cigarette lighter fuel is another handy solvent, used that a good few times on label residue
 
Just go with the cover too much risk of more damage with all other options here :(
 
Youngest daughter evidently knows the secret of getting this stuff off.
All those in favour of sitting her down and making her finish the job?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nod
We had a product at home called sticky stuff remover - that might work? You put it onto a cloth and wipe.

Alternatively would elder daughter like a nice sticker to cover it up?
 
DekHog said:
Thanks everyone - yeah, nail polish remover etc doesn't seem to be doing it - what's left is a film, but so well stuck on (and obviously very waterproof) that any kind of liquid can't soak into it and can't get under it!

I think the new palmrest option by AdamSi looks like a good bet - I might just try a little bit with a window scraper I've got first - one of these plastic handles that holds a Stanley knife blade at an angle...... won't be giving it much pressure though!

.....and yup, inter-daughter relations are at an all time low. Peace talks at the summit broke down late last night and they're now threatening a trade war!

Thanks
Click to expand...
agree the palm rest option looks good.

I bought a plastic scraper from Amazon which I sometimes use on our fishtank https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B074T8GXD7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I couldn't believe how small the handle was when I got it, but it was good - didn't scratch the glass.
 
WD40 or another oil, let it soak in under the sticky stuff
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top