Removing glue/epoxy

[Sanippy]

I’m sure there are numerous threads on this but I can’t find them! What’s the best way to remove pearls from settings? I’ve tried soaking in hot water but to no avail. And I can’t find attack in Australia. Thank you

 

[Katbran]

OK heres what I did. I bought Acetone at the hardware store. First I tried really really hot water. nothing The dabbed Acetone...nothing...then put the pearl covered in water in the microwave...nothing . Then I alternated between the super hot water and soaking in Acetone. Each time after soaking I would take my gentle pliers..and pull straight up on the peg. Don't twist, just a straight even pull. Finally I got it to move about half a mm . So I just kept it up. Finally soaking it for about an hour in Acetone, finished with a hot water bath..gentle even pull and it came out. That pearl was NEVER going to fall off I can tell you that !!

The key is the gentle straight , no turning or twisting , pull on the pin. The second you twist you risk breaking it..then you are really in trouble ! Good luck !! This was a ripple pearl...and the Acetone didn't effect it in any way. But it also wasn't expensive so I wasn't too worried.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

You might also want to go into your friendly neighborhood jeweler and ask what they use. I'm thinking maybe there is a product similar to Attack that is sold in Australia, under a different name.

 

[Sanippy]

Thanks Katbran! Can I get acetone from Bunnings? The pearl I want to remove is a Kamoka keshi so I really don’t want to damage it in any way! I’ll test it out on a cheap pearl first.

Thanks Pearl Dreams, good idea!

 

[Katbran]

I'm sure Bunnings would have it - I found it in the paint section. Definitely try it on something else first. My pearl was a 13mm Ripple with a long interior peg... hopefully yours will be easier !

Pearl Dreams- I'll take a look, I'll check the ingredients in Attack ( not sold here anymore for some reason and they can't ship it) and see what matches up. Thanks

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I just looked at this website-- they ship Attack internationally. (No idea if the cost would be prohibitive.)

https://www.esslinger.com/attack-epoxy-resin-and-adhesive-dissolver-solvent-remover-cleaner/

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[Pearl Dreams]

Ooh, look-- it ships to Australia from USA -- this is eBay.au

https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?...ack+solvent.TRS0&_nkw=attack+solvent&_sacat=0

 

[Sanippy]

Awesome thanks Pearl Dreams!

 

[Katbran]

PD that first link says it only ships by ground to the USA

But the second one seems to... it's the only place I've seen that will send it. Well done ! Though it does suggest messaging to ask questions. Worth asking.

I've sent a message - they are closed till the 28th so we shall see !!

 

[Sanippy]

Update: I tried the boiling water method again and pulled straight up without twisting (thanks Katbran) and success! My lovely keshi has been rescued, damage free.

 

[ericw]

Well done, Sanippy... But it's a chance that epoxy glues, sold now to general public, are really bad quality epoxy resins (every fast hardening epoxy glues have very low technical qualities) . Without that, only to heat up 250°C, or use of very hard chemicals, can take off something glued with true good epoxy.

 

[pearlescence]

I use super glue releaser. It also works on most epoxys And like a dream on superglue. Get the gel not the liquid,which evaporates as you look at it.

 

[Sanippy]

Thanks Eric and Wendy!

 

[LVLanghanke]

Ooh, that is a lovely keshi!

 

[Katbran]

Update: I tried the boiling water method again and pulled straight up without twisting (thanks Katbran) and success! My lovely keshi has been rescued, damage free.

View attachment 58131

That is a lovely Keshi ! So glad you were able to remove the pin !

As to the eBay company - they responded to my note and said that they do not ship Attack to Australia as it’s considered a hazardous chemical.