In answer to Scott Hansen’s question set forth below Gwen Stebbins of Davison, MI suggest.

Hi Scott:

I have always been pleased with goo-gone but use it sparingly and then do a very good rinse job. If you put it directly on the glass, it comes off better but sometimes I just put it on the rag and rub harder.

Good Luck

Gwen Stebbins
Lilaby Creek Antiques

Next, Stephen Koob from CMoG

Alan,

In answer to Scott’s question, there are many adhesives that have been used for labels. Some are gum (like old postage stamps), and do come off with warm water. Others (like new postage stamps) require a solvent. Naphtha works well, as does acetone, and will not harm the glass. Putting a cotton ball “wetted” with the acetone or naphtha and leaving it on for 5-10 minutes works the best. You may get some white haziness afterwards, and that can be cleaned off with fresh solvent.

There is also the possibility that your glass may be etched or crizzled under the label (this is a result of moisture being trapped under the label for decades) . This has been well-documented, and cannot be cleaned off using water or solvents.

For more information, I recommend my book “Conservation and Care of Glass objects”. It is available from the Corning Museum of Glass Glassmarket:

http://view.exacttarget.com/?ffcb10-fe881c7777610d7575-fdf810737367027c72147373-ff021672746206

The book details all aspects of cleaning, handling, repair, storage, etc., for glass objects.

Best wishes, Stephen

Stephen Koob
Chief Conservator
The Corning Museum of Glass
One Museum Way
Corning, NY 14830
Tel. 607-974-8228
Fax. 607-974-8470
e-mail: koobsp@cmog.org

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Scott Hansen of Briarcliff Manor, New York needs some help.

I’ve recently acquired a couple of pieces of Carder Steuben glass that had old price stickers on them. Soap and water doesn’t completely remove the glue residue. Do any of the Gazette readers have a suggestion for what I might use that won’t damage the surface of the glass? Can I use acetone? nail polish remover? alcohol? Would the cleaning agent vary with the type of glass? For instance, should I use something different on Ivrene than I would on Jade? Any help would be appreciated.