How to remove and reapply stickers from vintage toys.

While in the process of restoring a vintage Star Wars Y-Wing, I thought I'd take some time and talk about: STICKERS! This video gives you tips on removing stickers, tools to use, and how to put them back on. Some are easier than others! We've got some examples of stubborn stickers and stickers that basically peel right off.
Links to tools I use:
amzn.to/3QeiPxt - this is a good kit to have when doing restorations - it has plastic picks to pry things apart, plastic pry bars, which I use as adhesive chisels, AND a good set of tweezers.
amzn.to/3zIJGL4 - this set of dental picks may seem odd, but they are great tools for prying stickers, and even scraping away tough residue.
GalacticCollector.com provides free tools for vintage Star Wars collectors, including "how to" videos, action figure visual guides, accessory visual guides, price guides and more!
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[@andyhorn79]

Thank you so much for this guide and in particular with regards to using lighter fluid to remove the stickers without damaging them. I've successfully used this method to lift up the stickers enough to access the screws to re-attach an arm on a G1 Jetfire Transformer before I sell it.

[@Cog_In_The_Gear]

Just discovered your channel. Great work! Wish I had this about 10 years ago!

[@TheMagicRobot]

Thank you! I was contemplating 'de-yellowing' a Transformer I've been rebuilding and was worried about damaging the stickers and wanted to avoid buying reproductions (I've already payed too much on the parts). Knowing I can potentially remove, save and even replace with better ones from my extra parts is a big relief!

[@Mr.Sinister84]

Awesome thank you for your knowledge. This will help me repair and replace my G.i.joe Cobra Rattler's I've build up. And more afterwards

[@cjalexanderjr8811]

Do you need to remove the lighter fluid from the sticker before applying the glue stick?

[@galacticcollector]

The lighter fluid actually evaporates pretty quickly , especially in warmer temperatures. It's not a bad idea to wipe down the area, but I don't think it's necessary. Normally any toys I remove stickers from get a bath because they are disgusting, but if you are just removing one sticker to say, re-align it or something, just wipe the area down with a damp cloth after the lighter fluid evaporates, and you will be fine.

[@dwaynec7542]

I find that old credit cards and guitar picks make good scrapers for removing residue with little to no damage.

[@galacticcollector]

I've used guitar picks that I narrow/sharpen with sandpaper - but never thought of credit cards, good call!

[@michaeleconomides4054]

I use goo gone. Not sure if it's the same chemical in lighters fluid

[@Eddi_134]

Hello, im looking to restore a Toy Story collection Buzz Lightyear. Im planning on swapping some parts but my conundrum is the good parts have tore up stickers but the damaged parts have pristine stickers. I wanted to ask about cleaning the lighter fluid after the removal of the stickers, my fear is that the piece where the fluid was applied could still be flammable after wiping with a paper towel. Do you find that the paper towel does the job, or is there anything more I could do to be sure the lighter fluid is completely clean?

[@galacticcollector]

The lighter fluid actually evaporates fairly quickly - in some cases you have to re-apply several times to get the sticker off. To make sure it's completely gone, simply let the part sit outside for a few minutes - maybe a little longer if it's cold out - and it will be gone.

[@rollin18podcast]

I have metal semi trucks. Would the same apply? Note: I do not need to save the sticker as I am applying my own logo's.

[@galacticcollector]

This technique will work on almost anything. Die-cast trucks will have no issues.

[@emtee5432]

Hi, what do you do about the lifter fluid smell - does it not stick to the toy long term?

[@galacticcollector]

No, the smell disappears as it evaporates. After I use lighter fluid, I usually let the item sit outside for a bit. If it's cold (I'm in NY) it may sit outside for an hour. If it's warm, I usually won't smell any residual odors after 10 minutes.

[@charlielundsberg8361]

Love the alternatives in this video. Question: Among the many vintage toys I'm in the process of fixing, one is Twiki from Buck Rogers. His decal covers the screw that holds him together. What is a good tool for removing that small decal (not much room to get under it) would dousing with zippo eventually loosen it?

[@galacticcollector]

The lighter fluid SHOULD eventually release the adhesive. It may take multiple applications. I've only had a few items where the stickers seemed baked on (maybe too much sun) where it doesn't work well. For tool, I like a dental pick, or an exacto knife. A careful hand is needed with either so you don't scratch the toy or damage the sticker. The most important tool: patience!

[@charlielundsberg8361]

​@@galacticcollector Thank you - I guess my initial fear was that over-dousing might run the colours of the decal or otherwise alter them. -Cheers!

[@galacticcollector]

@@charlielundsberg8361 I've never had a sticker's color run, or seen lighter fluid damage any plastic or paint. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it's a fairly tried and true method. The only issue I've ever had is some stickers can have their color flake off. You'll see a really minor example of this in the video. This isn't caused by the lighter fluid, it's caused by the sticker becoming rigid and brittle over time, and when you start flexing it with your prying and pulling, that's when the flaking can happen. Again, this doesn't happen a lot, and will just depend on the conditions the toy has lived through. If I start prying a sticker and see any flaking start to happen, I'll usually back off and leave the sticker in place, and just clean the toy as best I can. Good luck!

[@occasm]

Great vid!! i want to remove and reapply old stickers on metal diecast car. Will the fluid remove the paint on the model?

[@galacticcollector]

Thanks! I've used this technique on a number plastics and metals, and have not had an issue. I have had it remove paint on porcelain/ceramic once, but I really think it was the type of paint that was used. Do a test first by dipping a q-tip in lighter fluid, and rub it around a little in an inconspicuous area. If the q-tip pics up ANY color (other than dirt or dust) then I'd say it's a no-go. Otherwise it should be safe. Start small and you can always back off if you encounter issues.. good luck!

[@occasm]

TY!@@galacticcollector

[@occasm]

@@galacticcollector one more if I may....have you ever had the fluid smear the ink?

[@galacticcollector]

@@occasm I've never had ink smear. It will dry the heck out of your skin, but somehow it seems to be safe on stickers! The only sticker smear issues I've ever had were on home made stickers, but that wasn't lighter fluid related. That was just cheap ink. But again, you can always test with lighter fluid on a q-tip. The white of a q-tip is a great testing indicator.

[@kimonoclubitalia6308]

Simple question, if stickers are a bit scratched or discolored due to aging? I have some vintage barbie playsets from my childhood that I'd like to restore and the stickers are a bit like cracked/discolored, what should I do? Is there a way to recolor then in the areas where the color came off? And how about making replicas from the original ones? Btw thanks for ur video, it's really helpful!

[@galacticcollector]

Dealing with damaged stickers is a tough decision. It's difficult to try to re-color them - some sticker backing almost seem to repel new color, but most vintage ones are papery enough to take some color. I usually leave them as is if they are just a little damaged. You could try a product like Mod Podge to seal the sticker so it doesn't damage further. Otherwise it's a matter of going to reproductions. You can find images of many vintage stickers online, that you could print out on to a sticker paper to make some decent facsimiles of what was there. In some cases you can purchase them directly off sites like eBay. Good luck!

[@vexghrey2295]

This is just perfect for what I needed it for, although, is there an alternative to lighter fluid?

[@galacticcollector]

Nothing that I've found that is as effective as lighter fluid. Goo-Gone is very effective at removing stickers without damaging the plastic, but you most likely won't be able to reuse the stickers. Even if they don't get damaged by the Goo-Gone, it's tough to get them clean enough to reuse - if there is any residue left, it will impair them sticking again.

[@thenickfoxx]

@@galacticcollector what about wd40?

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

Does the lighter fluid reactivate/soften the glue? I’m wondering if you could just use the fluid, wait, then slide the sticker to the correct position, since most old toy stickers are in the right spot, just done by a kid… so, not perfect.

[@galacticcollector]

While in some cases the adhesive will remain viable/sticky, I've never encountered one that would stick as well as I would like it to. So, yes, in theory it is possible (I'd guess less than 20% of stickers I've removed had some stick left), but odds are you will want to add some glue for best re-application.

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

@@galacticcollector I see! Thank you. It was just wishful thinking. Well as long as the glue stick works. :)

[@ChrisBranleh]

Most people use heat via hairdryer or dedicated heat gun. Is there any reason why you dont utilize this?

[@galacticcollector]

That can certainly work as well, I'm just demonstrating the good old lighter fluid method here. When it comes to 40 year old stickers, there is never a method that will work 100% of the time. I've had failures and success with heat. I've had failures and success with lighter fluid. Knowing multiple methods is always helpful!

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

High heat can damage toys, either by warping or by yellowing them. Also, depending on the age of the sticker, it has hardened and no heat will have any effect.