Hi,

Is there a way to carefully remove old type labels from very old hand lever machines? E.g. the "Officine Faema Milano" label from the Faemina. I want to rechrome some parts and do not want to destroy the labels. Is there a trick? Thank you so much!

It all depends on what the label is made from. If it's paper, you probably won't have much luck. If the label is more substantial (i.e. foil or something), you might have some luck with a hair dryer or even a steamer. I have removed labels using a razor blade (the super thin ones with the bend metal on one side, not the pointy type for utility knives, which tend to be thicker).

You can also try using a product called "Goo-Gone". It will tend to soak in under the label and - if the label itself can stand it - aid in removing the adhesive. WD-40 will also usually work, as will soaking in hot/soapy water. Of course, if the label can't withstand these chemicals and/or water, then it will dissolve away. You also have to be careful with WD-40 and/or Goo-gone, because they can sometimes strip the ink right off the label.

If you attempt it, operate from the standpoint of being okay with possibly destroying the label. Otherwise, best not to attempt it at all.

Ray

Thanks. I think it might be sort of metallic foil. Th air dryer method has been adviced by several people by now, I will give it a try.

Just an update for other fellow who might be looking for a safe method to remove old badges. I mean the metallic foil badges use on 1950-1970 machines, mainly Faemas.

I have tried several methods:

Goo Gone: The badge goes off nicely. Unfortunately so does the badge color.
Hair Dryer: The badge goes off nicely, but is twisted (rolled) afterwards and one cannot unfold it again. What I have done, I heated up the badge only a litlle tad with the hair dryer, and then used a very thin razor blade to remove it. Works fine.
Whenever it is possible, I would rather apply heat to the rear of the badge (ie the metal on which the badge is fixed) than to the badge itself. Gives the best results.

Or use liquid nitrogen, if you can do so safely; many adhesives crumble while frozen this way.

For foil stickers, use a heat source from the inside of the metal part if possible, razor blade from the outside. Even leaving the part in the sun might help.
Definitely, take a few high resolution photographs under good lighting conditions, preferably in sunlight or studio conditions, using a polarizing filter before beginning.

I stripped the 3M stripes off a 17 year old 30 foot motorhome with a heat gun and razor blades... many razor blades.