By Stu

Removing sticky-backed plastic lamination

18 Oct, 2016
2016-10-18 6:59:00 AM UTC

I accidentally purchased a first impression Longmans Hobbit that was laminated (my fault -- didn't read the auction properly) for £22 a month or two back.

Anyway, I decided to try de-laminating it, as I figured I was willing to destroy it in the process. Cue one heat gun (at 120 C), isopropyl alcohol to remove residue, a craft knife and lots of care.

The good news is it worked pretty well, and I'm happy with my £22 purchase. Don't even think of trying this out unless you are willing to total the book, though.

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Laurin

18 Oct, 2016
2016-10-18 9:04:24 AM UTC

Good job. So this was a rewarding aquisition!

I'd be happy to own such a great copy of the book. You won't sell it?

Stu

18 Oct, 2016
2016-10-18 9:53:37 AM UTC

Laurin666 wrote:
Good job. So this was a rewarding aquisition!
I'd be happy to own such a great copy of the book. You won't sell it?

Yes, victory clawed from the jaws of defeat! Sadly, it is not a duplicate, so will be making a new long-term home on my shelf next to the Pleasure in Reading edition! As much as the plastic was a pain to get off, it has kept the book in good condition overall.

Berelach

18 Oct, 2016
2016-10-18 7:20:20 PM UTC

That looks great, good work and congrats!

Stu

18 Oct, 2016
2016-10-18 9:19:51 PM UTC

Ta. I'm actually tempted to pick up some old junk books at some point with various ages and types of lamination and do some experimenting to figure out what seems to be removable and what isn't. I suspect most *isn't*, and I got a bit lucky in this case.

Khamûl

18 Oct, 2016
2016-10-18 9:23:58 PM UTC

Stu, see if you can remove laminate from a DJ; that would be interesting. Plenty of laminated DJs out there...

BH

Stu

18 Oct, 2016
2016-10-18 9:42:32 PM UTC

Khamûl wrote:
Stu, see if you can remove laminate from a DJ; that would be interesting. Plenty of laminated DJs out there...

BH

Yeah, my gut feel is that it would be tricky because of the delicate surface, plus you haven't got anything to pull against. Even heated, the adhesive would probablt have had enough tension to stretch unsecured paper fibres. Removing the laminate from the maps was certinly the most difficult bit, and whilst in this case I was able to remove it (and not really even leave any yellowing), I suspect that was unusual. It is something I will have a go with -- just need to keep my eyes open for suitable garage sale books to have an experiment on.

Tapuvae

19 Oct, 2016
2016-10-19 3:29:01 AM UTC

Great looking book

Stu

31 Jul, 2017
2017-7-31 2:51:33 AM UTC

I found another first impression Longman's. No sticky backed plastic this time. Appears unread. Only cost a smidgen over £5, so a good deal! Tiny bit of foxing to the top page edges and a little bit of toning to the white on the spine, but otherwise a very nice copy.

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