How to remove spray adhesive from macbook?

Question

How to remove spray adhesive from macbook?

Hello! I was doing a project for school and I needed to use a spray adhesive. Unfortunately, some got on to my macbook screen and casing, what should I do?

The glue is Elmer's: Multi-Purpose spray adhesive. The can says it is waterproof "fast tack" adhesive and it does not bleed through so my screen still looks fine. It hasn't done much damage to my computer so far, but it has a rough texture and makes the screen look like I sneezed on it in the corner. If anyone knows how to remove the adhesive without destroying my computer, that would be swell.

(really crappy picture of the damaged area)

PS: It's dry enough where if I close my laptop there is very little to no adhesion

Thanks!

MacBook Pro, bought it this christmas

Posted on Jun 1, 2011 8:58 PM

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Answer 1

Poikkeus

Level 4

2,786 points

Jun 1, 2011 10:47 PM in response to IsabelSeverson

I hope I don't have your problem, and I could only find three remotely applicable comments:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/5-tips-for-removing-spray-adhesives

http://www.ehow.com/how_5683006_remove-bond-multi_purpose-spray-adhesive.html

http://www.elmers.com/about/faqs/clean-up-solutions

The latter is directly from Elmer's. Good luck with your clean-up!

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Answer 2

Jun 2, 2011 4:05 AM in response to IsabelSeverson

Take it to an Apple repair center and get their recommendations. Putting chemicals on the screen may result in damaging the screen.

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Answer 3

Jun 2, 2011 6:48 AM in response to IsabelSeverson

You can try this too

Go to your local drug store and buy a box of alcohol wipes. The ones that is used to clean the skin before getting injection (needle).

TURN OFF YOUR MACBOOK BEFORE YOU START.

Gently rub glass only in small circular motion. Staying on the sprayed area only too.

Do not let it the wipe dry on the glue. OK? Use a new wipe if you have too.

It may take a few wipes to see if it will come off.

NO PAPER TOWELS!

If it does GREAT. Then go on to aluminum housing.

If not try what Poikkeus recommends in reading.

Good Luck!

Let us know what happens.

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Answer 4

eww

Level 9

53,046 points

Jun 2, 2011 7:30 AM in response to IsabelSeverson

Alcohol won't remove spray adhesive.

If your MBP has a glossy (glass-covered) screen, you can safely use the mineral spirits (ordinary paint thinner) that Elmer's recommends on the glass itself — but don't get it on the thin, soft rubbery black rim that runs around the outer edges of the glass, and don't let any of it get into any crevices in the machine. Keep it on the glass only.

The same applies to the aluminum case. The finish on it is impervious to mineral spirits and won't be harmed. But if you let the solvent get onto or into anything else, you may have serious trouble, and if that happens, you will certainly have voided your warranty.

If you have a non-glare screen, I seriously doubt that there is any safe way to clean it.

Of course if you take the machine in to have Apple repair it, that won't be covered by your warranty, and they will simply replace all the gluey parts instead of trying to remove the glue. That would be likely to cost nearly as much as a new computer.

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