What's the best thing to get stickers off cardboard

[sweeetja713]

So I recently bought some used complete games but they have price stickers on the cardboard I want to get off. What's the best thing to use to get them off without damaging or fading the box beneath the sticker?

 

[DD83]

I was going to write up something, but here's a pretty good guide that covers everything and more I use.

 

[AZR43L]

You can try using a blowdryer (the heat option in mguiddy's post). I've used it before to remove a sticker from an actual game disc and it worked perfectly. I haven't tried with cardboard though (you don't want to risk possibly warping the box). Regardless of which method you use, test it on something similar beforehand.

 

[Rodimus]

You definitely don't want to use a blowdryer on a cardboard box. Obviously you'll run the risk of burning and warping the box. Depending on the age of the stickers you might be in for a battle. Back in my collector days these were my worst nightmare. If you find a sure fire way please share.

 

[Richard Kain]

I usually use my fingernail, scotch tape, and a lot of patience. I pry the stickers off very slowly and carefully with my fingers. Then I apply and remove the scotch tape gently to get rid of any tacky leavings. On cardboard boxes you have to be specially careful. The more texture there is on the box, the more likely it is that some of it will come away with the sticker.

 

[wiggyx]

Bestine.

 

[Richard Kain]

Wiggyx's recommendation is the one to be trusting here. He really knows his stuff when it comes to classic games.

 

[wiggyx]

Thanks. It's often used in the art world as a solvent and it's quite gentle on printed materials without sacrificing effectiveness. Every bit as effective as something like isopropyl, if not more so, but with far less ability to dissolve the ink or over saturate and ruin the paper/cardboard since it flashes off really quickly unlike isopropyl.

You can get it at craft and art supply stores like Michael's.