Acetone is the world's best substance remover, in my experience. But I'd still go with paint.

MuddyBuckets, you have tried all of the things I have tried. However, I had a thought tonight - Ammonia (NH3). So I looked it up online. "ammonia to remove labels" [URL]https://www.google.com/search?ei=LRr-W5mNNYX7zgLJl62QAw&q=ammonia+to+remove+labels&oq=ammonia+to+remove+labels&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i22i30.42637.64380..67024...0.0..0.145.2086.2j15......0....1..gws-wiz.......0j0i71j0i131i67j0i67.dz_BMTQOo1M[/URL]

I tend to agree with Rajun. But if you must remove labels and you decide to use a solvent like paint thinners or especially acetone, do so in a well ventilated area away from the house or other structures. Acetone has a very low flash point and is not friendly to lung tissue.

Just a reminder. Friends caution friends even when the "caution-ee" already knows what to do.
:)

I warned off some guy's about to spray lacquer in a closed garage with a gas water heater.
What an explosion that would have been.:no:
Worth

Thanks for the warnings, I am very careful when using any solvents or paints. Just tried the ammonia with no measurable results. Soaked a washcloth with household ammonia (quite pungent smell) and left it on the bucket for 30 minutes and tried to rub the glue off...a bit came off but not enough to be effective. This adhesive must be what is used on the space shuttle!

The only real good luck I have had with labels on jars is long soaking in soapy water for a week or so.

What about taking them to the car wash?

How about soybeans?:twisted:

I'm not joking!!

[url]https://products.franmar.com/products/blue-bear-adhesive-glue-remover-ickee-stickee-unstuck[/url]

pmcgrady: You gave me an idea, will try my pressure washer to get the labels off

rajun gardner: If pressure washer doesn't work i will order some blue bear adhesive remover and give it a try

Thanks, snow expected this weekend in the Piedmont of NC!

You can buy a 10-pack of new 5 gallon buckets at Home Depot for $2.85 ea. Seems like you are spending a ton of time and money on label removal solutions.

Hi rhines81, I just like finding solutions that work for free recycled buckets, not worried about the time and money involved in label removal. Actually, it is quite an enjoyable challenge and besides, I don't want "orange" buckets, then I would have to paint them (nothing against HD, they have a lot of my $$ over the years)! If I ever find a solution to removing labels it will be posted...perhaps some day! Keep the faith and smile!!!!

[QUOTE=MuddyBuckets;720326]pmcgrady: You gave me an idea, will try my pressure washer to get the labels off

rajun gardner: If pressure washer doesn't work i will order some blue bear adhesive remover and give it a try

Thanks, snow expected this weekend in the Piedmont of NC![/QUOTE]


Use the soak/pre wash at the car wash and let them sit an hour or two, go back and blast them off.
I recently received about a dozen 10 gallon buckets with screw on lids from a country club (chlorine for the pool) they are worth cleaning the labels off

Well, I have figured out the perfect solution. If you don't like the label residue, then just go purchase a new bucket. Less work without the mess. No muss. No fuss. Only a perfect result. Why didn't I think of this before???

Did the pressure washer work? My suggestion would be to rub fine sand into the goo. Then use your pressure washer to remover the sand (and the goo stuck to it). Repeat as necessary.

Now I'm going to check YouTube, because I have a bet with myself that I can find a video of someone making poor car washing decisions involving pressure washers. ;-)

I know it is time consuming to take them off but I like keeping them out of landfills. The place I get mine from put them in the dumpster if no one asks for them. They prefer to give them away rather than doing that. Last year I did get lazy and leave the label on and they have just about completely come off in the outside elements.