How can I remove plastic from a wooden art frame

Denise
by Denise
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.
  12 answers
  • Kathy Smith Kathy Smith on May 19, 2014
    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 Leslie Long on May 19, 2014
    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 Denise on May 19, 2014
      @Leslie Long This is great information. The humidity here in TN is probably what makes some of it come off so easily. I have some goo gone so I will give that a try. The wooden frames are actually very nice, don't know why they would have covered them up. Thanks!
  • Denise Denise on May 19, 2014
    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 Sandy Slade on May 19, 2014
    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.
  • Hair dryer may also work on this. Does not need to get to hot to release the plastic from the frame.
    • Denise Denise on May 20, 2014
      @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com Thanks, I'll try that.
  • Tim D. (The Retro Den) Tim D. (The Retro Den) on May 19, 2014
    Talk mean to that plastic coating.... It will leave like in 20 or 30 minutes...
    • Felicity Woodruffe Felicity Woodruffe on May 22, 2014
      @Tim D. (The Retro Den) you talk mean to the dirt and dust that magically appears in my huge old victorian house because i cant reach a lot of it very high ceilings and the spiders are on strike
  • Carole Carole on May 20, 2014
    Use a heat gun and a scraper but be careful not to scorch the wood
  • Denise Denise on May 20, 2014
    Hee! Hee! If only it were that easy!
  • 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.
    • Denise Denise on May 20, 2014
      @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com Great Info, I will most likely not be using any heat guns to do this. Thanks!
  • Felicity Woodruffe Felicity Woodruffe on May 22, 2014
    use a steamer like you would for cleaning in your home it wont burn the wood it will loosen glue and its non toxic
    • Denise Denise on May 22, 2014
      @Felicity Woodruffe Thanks for the info. This seemed to be easiest and since I have a clothing steamer that I seldom use, I got it out and Presto! The plastic and glue came off in a jiffy! Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions!
  • Felicity Woodruffe Felicity Woodruffe on May 23, 2014
    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 Trish Davenport on Oct 11, 2014
    Gee it is always so worth it to visit here just to read all your comments. Great ideas.