Originally Posted by
cyccommute
Acetone is the wrong tool for the job. Period. Acetone is a polar solvent and the adhesive is nonpolar. You need something that is 'like' the adhesive (like dissolves like). Nonpolar solvents are things like mineral spirits, gasoline, xylene, kerosene, diesel fuel, etc. Of the list, mineral spirits and kerosene (the major component in WD40) are the least hazardous and cheapest. Mineral spirits is readily available at hardware stores and evaporates faster than kerosene and doesn't leave lubricant like WD40.
Actually acetone is both polar and non-polar. It'll dissolve polar compounds with its carbonyl group and non-polar compounds with the two methyl groups. It actually is a stronger cutting agent than xylene, kerosene and mineral-spirits. The problem here is that it's TOO strong of a solvent and will dissolve both the glue under the sticker AND the paint as well.
