Asked on Aug 29, 2015

Is there an easy way to remove graphics from glass bottles?

Diana Wearing
by Diana Wearing
Wondering if anyone knows of an easy way to remove advertising graphics from glass bottles? I’ve acquired a bunch of old soda bottles…love the old time bottles but some of the newer ones I’d like to remove the graphics and repurpose - thanks!
  15 answers
  • Julies1949 Julies1949 on Aug 29, 2015
    soak in a solution of CLR and water. see this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTOBOiRDDA8
  • Carol Morrison Carol Morrison on Aug 29, 2015
    If they are old, the labels add to their value and I personally think they are more fun with the various designs.
  • Carol Morrison Carol Morrison on Aug 29, 2015
    I really don't have an answer, but I've been using white vinegar for so many other things lately, that I would give it a try too. Also you can add baking soda, salt or a tiny bit of Dawn liquid soap. I've killed weeds with it, just cleaned my copper sink with it, and actually use the plain vinegar on my very dry skin. Good luck- Check out an Heinz Vinegar site for many uses, or Hometalk too.
  • Marti Keller Marti Keller on Aug 29, 2015
    Painted soda bottles are a collectible called Applied Colored Labels and are highly saught for their graphics The days when Coke and Pepsi had competition from "mom and pop" distributors.
    • Diana Wearing Diana Wearing on Aug 29, 2015
      @Marti Keller Thanks for the info - I'll do a little investigating before I alter any bottles :)
  • Gabrielle Falk Gabrielle Falk on Aug 30, 2015
    If the bottles are labelled, paper or plastic, then they should be removable with either a solvent or in the case of old fashioned ones, soaking in warm, soapy water. More recent adhesives are harder to remove and will require the use of some form of solvent (you could try nail polish remover?). If the bottles are from - say the 1940's era - they may be printed and fired on to the glass. Therefore any attempts to remove would be extremely difficult. It all depends what you want to do with the bottles. Sometimes, rather than soak bottles, I have used eucalyptus oil (or tea tree oil) to remove labels (can u get in the US of A?). Years ago, if you had a lovely (empty) wine bottle or even a bottle that was seen to be decorative you would put a candle in the neck and let the candle wax drip down. Soooo trendy.
  • Chrystal Petit-Pas Chrystal Petit-Pas on Aug 30, 2015
    Try rubbing alcohol for printed on graphics
  • Jennie Herrick Jennie Herrick on Aug 30, 2015
    When I read your question my first reaction was "NOOOOOOoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!" Vintage Soda Bottles are SO COLLECTABLE and highly sought after these days. However that also depends on their condition. If their graphics are all scratched up and damaged, the bottle won't be worth as much, if anything at all, compared to one with a perfect graphic. So, with that said..... Any bottles that you have that have graphics that are damaged, I would go ahead and try to remove the graphics. Now, on to my suggestion as to how to accomplish this. First thing you should try is some Acetone. Not the nail polish remover, but the kind you buy at the hardware store. It's only a couple of dollars for a gallon, so it's not a big deal if this doesn't work. I would pour some of the acetone in a shallow pan like a cake pan and pour the acetone in the bottom of the pan about 2" deep and soak the bottles for a while to see if the graphics come off. Remember to do this in a very well ventilated area because the fumes are toxic. If that doesn't work, wash the bottles thoroughly in hot soapy water and allow them to dry and move on to the next suggestion which is, try Paint Remover. Personally I would use Naval Jelly (I think that's what it's called). It's a gel paint remover that you paint on, let sit, then scrape off. Easy Peasy! I hope I was able to help! Good Luck!!
    • 9530106 9530106 on Aug 30, 2015
      @Jennie Herrick Naval jelly is a rust remover, not a paint remover, but they do make paste-type paint removers. :)
  • Julia Taymon Julia Taymon on Aug 30, 2015
    Try goo gone. I worked in daycERE AND IT ALWAYS GOT STICKERS OFF.
  • Marsha Martin Marsha Martin on Aug 30, 2015
    If you go to Pintrest under my name you will see a section for removing ink from plastic containers. There might be something there that can help you.
  • Barb Barb on Aug 30, 2015
    I believe you should check on what they are worth before you do anything.
  • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Aug 30, 2015
    As I like to point out, the solvent that works depends upon the adherent that was used - there is no single answer to all possible sticky-situations, grasshopper. Try googling for ways to remove labels and try another until it works. Besides commercial cleaners for glue, I've heard of people using WD40, turpentine, acetone, vinegar, alcohol... my first try would be to score the label well and soak for and extended time in hot water and soap. I used to be able to get any wine bottle label off - intact - for my record-keeping this way; tho different bottles took differing amounts of soak-time.
  • Jennie Herrick Jennie Herrick on Aug 31, 2015
    Sorry for the mistake. It's been several years since I've used it. No one is perfect or can remember everything perfectly 100% of the time. I'm sure you have misspoken or suggested one product or whatever thinking you were remembering correctly, only to find out later that your suggestion was incorrect. You just hope that the person correcting you is POLITE ABOUT IT and not RUDE.
  • Cindy Caretto Cindy Caretto on Aug 31, 2015
    I have some drinking glasses that have "painted-on" graphics. I too would like to remove the advertisement so that I can use the glasses. Help!
  • SusieQ SusieQ on Sep 02, 2015
    Glad you asked this question. I, too, am seeking an easy way to do this. I'm going to try Diana's suggestion this weekend! Thanks for sharing.
  • Julia Taymon Julia Taymon on Sep 03, 2015
    Try goo-gone. I worked in day care and goo gone always took off stickers Good luckk