Label Removal Question

[Enoch]

I would like to keep the labels from empty bottles. I have yet to find a way that doesn't destroy the labels. Does anyone have any suggestions.

Thanks,

[barturtle]

There are wine label savers available. Basically clear adhesive laminate that you stick on and it takes the outermost label off. I've hear it works best with paper labels, though, and more plastic-y labels can be less successful.

[harshest]

I used to try and soak my empty bottles in a water soap mixture, and while it was great a helping soften the glue the label would would sometime deteriorate. Not to mention I use a razor blade to scrape it off and one slip and the label is ruined.

The best and cheapest way I have found is to use a razor blade scraper such as this and scrape it off dry. You need a very sharp razor and steady hand and a lot of patience. I have been able to get off all my labels with this method with the exception of labels like on the Old Forester Signature.

[jfw]

There are wine label savers available. Basically clear adhesive laminate that you stick on and it takes the outermost label off. I've hear it works best with paper labels, though, and more plastic-y labels can be less successful.

baturtle has it right. I haven't tried them for bourbon, but they work great for wine labels. You can find them on any wine site (like wineenthusiast, etc.) or in some of the larger wine retail locations. Just google wine label remover and you should be all set.

Joe

[silverfish]

You can find them on any wine site (like wineenthusiast, etc.) or in some of the larger wine retail locations.

I have used the ones at WineEnthusiast and can recommend them.

[fishnbowljoe]

The best way I've found is a combination of soaking, and/or using a scraper. Fill your empty bottle with water. Put it in the freezer for thirty minutes or so. Fill your sink with extremely hot water. Remove your bottle from freezer and put it in the sink, then just let it soak for a while. Some labels will just peel right off. Others will need a little help. That's where the scraper comes in. If you need a scraper, use a paper towel to dry the label a bit, then work your way carefully along one side. Move up and down slowly, and carefully scrape and peel the label back. I've had a couple bottles that a second soaking helped too. Cheers! Joe

Here's a link to a pic of a collage I made from bourbon labels. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9445&d=1253961270

[squire]

Or you could photograph the label.

[cowdery]

Or you could photograph the label.

[ebo]

Try Bestine. It is an adhesive remover. Soak a rag with it and let it sit on the label for a few minutes. We use it to remove the protective covering on plexiglass sheetes. I don't know if it will affect the printing on the label or not, but it is also used for cleaning photographs. It's worth a try.

[B.B. Babington]

with a steady hand and practice, you can scan the label by rolling the bottle along as the scanner moves. It works fast and great once you get the technique.