How can I remove plastic from a wooden art frame

Question

I purchased some batik tribal prints at a flea market. The wood frames have some type of hard plastic attached. Some of it snaps/peels right off, other parts are stuck. Any ideas how I can remove this without damaging the wood? Thanks to all.

Kathy Smith · Answer

peal it off or use a crling iron to heat up the plastic should make it eaiser to peal off..I real have no clue but this something I would try to do

Leslie Long · Answer

I am a certified picture framer and love to do framing. This type of frame are what they call 'wrapped' in the industry. Instead of a painted on finish, they use a laminate, paper or plastic material to create the finish. Trouble is, they never last, especially here in FL where we have high humidity. I never used this type of moulding. Anyway, I have never done this but judging by your photo, it seems to be coming off in large pieces. I would try to peel off everything that will come off and there will be residue of glue and perhaps some of the underlayment also. Use lighter fluid (cheaper) or Goo Gone or Goof Off (available at Home Depot) to remove the rest. I prefer Goo Gone to the other two because it is citrus based and less petroleum additives. Goof Off or lighter fluid would be my 'next step' if the Goo Gone didn't work. Put it on and leave it for about five minutes. You should be able to come back and gently scrape off the softened glue with a piece of hard plastic (a plastic spoon). Just remember if you use the two stronger products, don't go near a flame and you will need to air it out for days after finishing to allow the petroleum to evaporate. I hope this works and then you can paint it. Good luck :)

Denise · Answer

Some of it has peeled off nicely, but the rest...........never thought of heating it up, but I'll give it a shot!  Thanks for the info.

Sandy Slade · Answer

If you do use a heat gun be very careful that you do not mark the wooden frame if you want to keep the wood looking good. If you put a tea towel over it then use an iron instead it might take longer but at least the frame will not get burnt.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Hair dryer may also work on this. Does not need to get to hot to release the plastic from the frame.

Tim D. (The Retro Den) · Answer

Talk mean to that plastic coating.... It will leave like in 20 or 30 minutes...

Carole · Answer

Use a heat gun and a scraper but be careful not to scorch the wood

Denise · Answer

Hee! Hee! If only it were that easy!

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

one other note. Of course you always need to be careful using a heat gun, both for fire safety and prevention of damaging the underlying surface. But many older paints and plastics contain lead. This chemical can be released into the air by heat. So if your removing this plastic coating or removing paint on a piece of wood, always use in a well ventilated area and use caution not to breath in any of the fumes given off. 
 Only approved ventilation masks should be used. Do not be fooled into thinking a N-95 paper mask will prevent the fumes from getting into your lungs.

Felicity Woodruffe · Answer

use a steamer like you would for cleaning in your home it wont burn the wood it will loosen glue and its non toxic

Felicity Woodruffe · Answer

Glad it worked these steamers are good for lots of uses getting stains or wax off carpets and furnishings defrosting in a hurry getting rid of cobwebs too high to reach

Trish Davenport · Answer

Gee it is always so worth it to visit here just to read all your comments. Great ideas.

How can I remove plastic from a wooden art frame

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How can I remove plastic from a wooden art frame

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