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Cool discovery for removing adhesive from wood blocks
Today, quite by accident, I discovered an easy, non-toxic way to remove the adhesive from the wood blocks that is left behind from unmounting stamps from the wood. My granddaughter and I dipped wood blocks in baking soda to keep them from being tacky and sticking to each other. The discovery for me was that after sitting a few minutes, it was very easy to rub the gummy adhesive off the wood block. The baking soda had a helpful and safe chemical reaction with the adhesive. I have boxes of wood blocks I had saved to turn into play blocks for the grandkids. I’m so excited to have discovered this safe, easy way to clean them! I just had to share this with others who might also have lots of wood blocks just waiting to be cleaned.
The following 16 users liked this post by ozarkstamper:
Thanks for the tip! Sounds like a great, easy way to remove the adhesive. I have several blocks that need to be done and I will definitely give this a try.
sounds good - although I have tossed any wooden blocks I removed the stamps from, this is good to know. By the way, after you remove the stamp, how do you use it for stamping images? I've used the Tack it Over and Over glue, but sometimes it doesn't stick to my acrylic blocks. I love using my stamp platform, but the stamps didn't stick very well to that either after being removed from the wood block. Thanks !!
I tried the Tack it Over and Over, but it was such a process (unmount enough stamps that it is worth my while to mix up the glue, mix TIOO with water, paint it onto stamps, let dry overnight, make sure to get them back in the correct thinner box….). It was a process, and I eventually quit.
Now I’ve discovered that I can use the remnants of the sheets from the super sticky stamps. It is also a process, but definitely less messy. When I mount a new set, I save the sticker sheet. I cut out a piece that covers a reasonable portion of the back of the stamp. (I leave the red stamp on the cushion, and scrape the sticker from the wood block, and apply it to the foam cushion. I need to see what I’m stamping.). The biggest thing is remembering which side to stick to the cushion, and which side will be sticking to my clear block.). Also, I have to use a tool to peel up the correct side. I use a Cricut weeding tool.
It’s a process, but I like it a lot better. Now I just need to buy more stamps so I have the sticky sheets to unmount more old stamps.
I thought I would make things out of the wood blocks, but I never did. I gave them to my daughter to burn in her fire pit.
And to Ozark Stamper, thank you for your cool discovery! My first grandkids will be arriving in July, so maybe I’ll do the baking soda thing, and try to make some fun Alphabet blocks for the grands.
Last edited by lynnewithane; 03-24-2023 at 05:38 AM..
By the way, after you remove the stamp, how do you use it for stamping images? I've used the Tack it Over and Over glue, but sometimes it doesn't stick to my acrylic blocks. I love using my stamp platform, but the stamps didn't stick very well to that either after being removed from the wood block. Thanks !!
The process I used was to microwave the wood block mounted stamp for 8-10 seconds, which loosened or released the glue, then I slowly peeled the stamp with the foam still attached to the rubber from the wood block, then peeled the sticker from the other side of the wood block. I mostly used laminated cardstock to then attach the stickers to one side, the stamps to the other side, then stored in a clear envelope, of which there are many, many brands on the market. Most of my stamps remained sticky enough to adhere to a stamp positioning tool, such as the MISTI. For those that lost their stickiness, as I come across them, I sometimes use double sided tape, which works temporarily, or, if I have some leftover scraps from the newer SU stamp labels, I use a small piece of that on the back. My greatest challenge is using the naked rubber stamps. Those usually require using a repositional glue on the back of the rubber and allowing dry time before stamping.
Thank you so much for this tip!!! I stopped using the Aleene's TIO&O and started using the Mono Multi glue in the green and white bottle. I think I learned that here too! I just apply a thin layer; no need to add water or anything and let it dry. So far it has worked good for me!
I bought a set of acrylic blocks, different sizes, and some Tsukineko Tack N Peel sheets. Applied the TNP to each block. So, I can use any unmounted (naked) rubber on these blocks now. I keep them all separate from my other blocks in a big ziploc bag. Just remember not to lose the top acetate sheet that protects the sticky TNP surface and replace it when you are finished stamping. After YEARS of trying Aleenes and Tombow and removeable tape runner, etcetera yadayada, this works like a dream for me.
I love the TNP. I have some blocks with and some without. Awesome stuff!
Also, just as an FYI, Stampin Up sells sheets of that "super sticky stamp" stuff also known as Cling Adhesive - "Easily convert your clear-mount stamps to cling. 168 strips. 3/4" x 1-3/4" (1.9 x 4.4 cm) each." It's $8.
They started selling this to help with those SU stamps that didn't cling very well at all.
__________________ Brenda
<-My sibling kitties, Milo and Rousseau
I love the TNP. I have some blocks with and some without. Awesome stuff!
Also, just as an FYI, Stampin Up sells sheets of that "super sticky stamp" stuff also known as Cling Adhesive - "Easily convert your clear-mount stamps to cling. 168 strips. 3/4" x 1-3/4" (1.9 x 4.4 cm) each." It's $8.
They started selling this to help with those SU stamps that didn't cling very well at all.
I did not realize this. Maybe I’ll invest in a package. Thank you!
Just my own FYI, I wasn't really happy with the SU sticky strips. I found they often peeled away from the stamp when I took them off the block or Stamparatus. They are narrow, straight strips, so it's hard to trim the edges to suit the stamp. On any but the smallest stamps, you have to add multiple strips. I really thought it was a brilliant idea when they first came out, but they didn't work as well as I hoped (for me, anyway.). I'm now planning to try another method so this conversation is very timely.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paper Junky
I love the TNP. I have some blocks with and some without. Awesome stuff!
Also, just as an FYI, Stampin Up sells sheets of that "super sticky stamp" stuff also known as Cling Adhesive - "Easily convert your clear-mount stamps to cling. 168 strips. 3/4" x 1-3/4" (1.9 x 4.4 cm) each." It's $8.
They started selling this to help with those SU stamps that didn't cling very well at all.
I just add a tiny bit of ATG tape to the back of the stamp if it won't stick to my block or stamping platform -- rolls right off when I'm done or if it stays on the stamp, it helps to hold it in place in the envelope/case. It's not elegant, but it's easy!
I tried TIO&O full strength, diluted and using a few dots--it was too sticky and left a residue. I hate Tombow Multi--I always managed to get it where i don't want it, including my hands/fingers and it was near impossible to remove. I invested hundreds in EZ mount only to have it slide off (older version) or shrink (newer version). I then tried investing in clear cling vinyl which was not only expensive if one has many unmounteds, it didn't stick to acrylic blocks after a while and bowed on my stamps (the ones i affixed the cling sheet to the cushion).
My go to now that works like a charm with just enough sticky but little to no residue is the Zig two way glue. I used to use it with the pen applicator, but if I have several to stick, i remove the top and pour a tiny dot which I spread with a silicone spreader. I have also heard that others use Ad Tech adhesive (the old version) as well as glue stick and even chap stick. There are definitely several options. I love learning about new stamping hacks.
Cool discovery for removing adhesive from wood blocks
