Removing adhesive residue: The ultimate guide for professionals

Adhesive residue is an everyday problem in trade, industry, and households. Whether labels, adhesive tapes, or construction adhesives – stubborn residues can disfigure surfaces and make further processing difficult. This comprehensive guide shows you professional methods for every situation.

Understanding adhesive residue: Different types require different solutions

Acrylate adhesives (adhesive tapes, labels)

These water-based adhesives are the most common. They can usually be easily removed with special adhesive residue removers.

Hot melt adhesive (hot glue)

Thermoplastic adhesives that soften again when heated. Often used in packaging.

Reactive adhesives (epoxy, polyurethane)

Chemically curing adhesives that are particularly stubborn and require special treatment.

silicone adhesive

Elastic adhesives that must be removed mechanically because they are chemically very resistant.

Proper preparation: the foundation for success

Surface analysis

Before you begin, identify:

• Type of surface (glass, plastic, metal, wood)
• Sensitivity of the material
• Age and type of adhesive residue
• Size of the area to be treated

Safety precautions

• Ensure good ventilation at your workplace.
• Wear protective gloves
• Eye protection in case of splashing
• Test area in an inconspicuous location

Professional methods according to surface type

Glass and ceramics

Method 1: Chemical Removal

1. Apply Hatech adhesive remover
2. Leave on for 2-3 minutes
3. Carefully loosen with a plastic scraper
4. Remove residue with a damp cloth

Method 2: Thermal support

1. Heat adhesive residue with a hairdryer (60-80°C)
2. Apply adhesive residue remover
3. Immediately treat with scraper
4. Post-treatment with glass cleaner

plastic surfaces

Caution: Plastics can be damaged by aggressive substances!

1. Use solvent-free adhesive residue remover.
2. Longer exposure time (5-10 minutes)
3. Use only soft tools
4. Rinse thoroughly

Metal surfaces

Metal can withstand stronger treatment:

1. Mechanical pre-removal with scraper
2. Apply adhesive residue remover generously.
3. For stubborn residue: use steel wool.
4. Degreasing with isopropanol

Painted surfaces

Special caution is required!

1. Use only solvent-free products
2. Short exposure times
3. Immediate follow-up treatment
4. Test in a concealed location

Overcoming special challenges

Old, dried-out adhesive residue

For residues that have dried out over many years:

1. Mechanical pre-distance
2. Multiple treatments with adhesive residue remover
3. Allow to take effect between applications
4. Patience - several cycles may be necessary.

Large-area bonding

For large areas such as foil lettering:

1. Work systematically in sections.
2. Spray bottle for even distribution
3. Avoid overlapping treatments
4. Interim cleaning of the tools

Sensitive surfaces

For displays, touchscreens or high-gloss surfaces:

1. Specially developed, mild formulations
2. Use microfiber cloths
3. No mechanical processing
4. Multiple gentle treatments

Professional tools for optimal results

Scrapers and blades

• Plastic scraper for delicate surfaces
• Metal scraper for robust materials
• Blade holder for precise work
• Different blade shapes for different applications

Aids

• Hair dryer for thermal support
• Spray bottles for large-area application
• Microfiber cloths for after-treatment
• Protective equipment

Avoid common mistakes

Error 1: Wrong product

Problem: Use of solvents on plastic
Solution: Always use solvent-free specialty products

Mistake 2: Overly aggressive mechanics

Problem: Scratches caused by sharp tools
Solution: Let the chemicals do the work, then carefully assist mechanically.

Error 3: Incomplete removal

Problem: Residues remain
Solution: Thorough follow-up treatment with suitable cleaners

Post-treatment for perfect results

Degreasing

After removing the adhesive residue, you should:

• Degrease the surface with isopropanol
• Remove all product residue
• Prepare for further processing

Surface protection

Depending on the application:

• Waxing or sealing
• Apply corrosion protection
• Antistatic treatment

Economic efficiency

Cost comparison

Professional adhesive residue removers are more economical than:

• Home remedies (often ineffective)
• Universal cleaner (too weak)
• Aggressive solvents (surface damage)

Time saving

You can save money with the right products:

• 50% less working time
• No rework required due to damage.
• Less material consumption

Environmental and health aspects

Solvent-free alternatives

Modern adhesive residue removers like those from Hatoch are:

• Harmless to health
• Environment
• Biodegradable
• Without harmful fumes

Disposal

Proper disposal of:

• Used cleaning cloths
• Loose adhesive residue
• Empty product containers

Product recommendations for various applications

For professional use

• Hatoch Adhesive Remover 50ml: Precise application, ideal for detailed work
• Hatoch Adhesive Remover 750ml: Large-area applications, economical
• Unger blade holder: Professional mechanical support

For special applications

• Sensitive surfaces: Mild formulation with a longer contact time
• Industrial application: Highly concentrated products for stubborn adhesives
• Mobile application: Practical stick format for on the go

Conclusion: Professional results through the right methodology

Successful removal of adhesive residue requires:

• Choosing the right product
• Adapted methodology
• Suitable tools
• Patience and care

With high-quality, solvent-free adhesive residue removers from Hatoch, you achieve professional results with maximum safety for users and the environment.

Do you have questions about specific applications? Our team of experts will be happy to advise you!