Duct Tape on Cymbals! Arrrggghh! How do you remove the glue without destroying the cymbal?

[equipmentdork]

I picked up my friend's 70s Pearl Wood-Fiberglass drums. They're in great condition! They really built these things!

Got a few cymbals with it, 14" Zildjian hi-hats and 18" Crash or Crash/Ride, but also a 16" SUPER, which I'm interested in hearing, except that someone went hog wild with the evil duct tape on it! Removing it predictably left the dried-on glue behind...argghh...how to go about it without destroying the cymbal, myself, or my house?



Dan

 

[Tornado]

I'd use Goof-off, or maybe lighter fluid.

 

[Murat]

I have a very expensive Ottaviano cymbal at the shop, left on consignment and the owner had taped it...tons of residue. I contacted Justin Ottaviano to see what he would recommend. I am aware of the usual methods but these are expensive stuff and I did not want to ruin anything. People use different stuff to protect their cymbals. He said mineral spirits. Worked like a charm.

 

[Squirrel Man]

Mayonnaise.

Just try it.

 

[equipmentdork]

Mayonnaise.

Just try it.

What if I get hungry?


Dan

 

[1988fxlr]

Brake cleaner

 

[RogersLudwig]

Mayonnaise.

Just try it.

We use both mayonnaise and peanut butter to remove pine sap after gathering green pinon pine cones, so I have no doubt it will remove glue residue.

 

[Squirrel Man]

We use both mayonnaise and peanut butter to remove pine sap after gathering green pinon pine cones, so I have no doubt it will remove glue residue.

That's how I learned about it, the first time we went out to pick pine nuts.

 

[KCJazz]

Has anyone actually destroyed a cymbal by removing tape residue?

 

[equipmentdork]

Has anyone actually destroyed a cymbal by removing tape residue?

I was talking about applying a cleaner of some kind that could also harm the cymbal.


Dan

 

[Rich K.]

I was talking about applying a cleaner of some kind that could also harm the cymbal.


Dan

I've messed up a couple of ZBTs and B8s with goof off.

 

[premierplayer]

I've messed up a couple of ZBTs and B8s with goof off.

Say it ain't so.

 

[K.O.]

I bought a floor tom that had been "rewrapped" in duct tape. In my case I had to be concerned with getting the residue off without hurting the wrap. I ended up using WD-40. It worked great, although it took a lot of WD-40 and lots and lots of elbow grease.

With a cymbal I'd think something like acetone would make short work of it and not hurt the bronze in any way, although if it's a newer cymbal acetone would also remove any clear coat and/or inked logos on the cymbal. If you need to avoid that then WD-40 might be an option.

 

[richardh253]

We use both mayonnaise and peanut butter to remove pine sap after gathering green pinon pine cones, so I have no doubt it will remove glue residue.

Great for cymbals. Makes me wonder now about eating either, though.

 

[varatrodder]

Smart Strip paint remover. It’s eco friendly, non-toxic and works like a charm. It’s basically alcohol paste. Removes logos, too. It’s good around the house as well.

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

Mayonnaise.

Just try it.

I prefer mustard....

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

I'd start with goo gone. I would not use goof off. Get an old toothbrush and go at it.....

 

[Squirrel Man]

I would strongly not recommend WD-40, it's a corrosive.

I only use it for cleaning rust off of stuff.

 

[Mcjnic]

When my kitten gets some sticky ick in her fur … I toss her in the freezer for a bit to get the ick frozen and then take a hammer to it.
It usually breaks off and away cleanly.
Maybe give that a go.

 

[Squirrel Man]

When my kitten gets some sticky ick in her fur … I toss her in the freezer for a bit to get the ick frozen and then take a hammer to it.
It usually breaks off and away cleanly.
Maybe give that a go.

You put your cat in the freezer then hit it with a hammer?