Violin Forum/Message Board

[Mat Roop]

I am working on a violin that has had a 3" split back seam for a long time. Someone has covered the open seam with what appears to have been scotch tape, but the tape is long gone and the residue of the adhesive remains. I have tried lighter fluid, and xylene lightly but to no avail....Any suggestions?
Thanks! Mat

[Dave Chandler]

rub it out with tripoli?
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[L P Reedy]

Dried adhesive is tougher, but I've had good luck with paint thinner (mineral spirits), similar to lighter fluid but not quite the same. It doesn't seem to attack varnish, so you can try soaking with a paper towel. No guarantees, but it might work.

[Michael Darnton]

Goof-off.
Toluol.
Do a spot test first to make sure it won't attack the varnish.
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[Mat Roop]

Thanks guys...
Goof off as much as I can determine is based on xylene... tried xylene and did not work.
Toluol... Did not have any, but as I understand it, it is primarily a paint thinner and I do have paint thinner which is labelled Recordsol, and I would guess it is similar, but it did not work either.

I tested the varnish and it is oil based, so I tried with extreme caution a lightly dampened cloth with 99% isopropyl alcohol… it softened the hard glue, then I used the paint thinner,… and success! As soon as the glue softened I switched to paint thinner as I did not want to take a chance in case the sealer coat under the varnish was shellac. The varnish was slightly impressed with the tape edge, but you really have to look hard to see it.
Sure beats scraping it off!!

Cheers, Mat