'Sticky' case help?

b3ta · 12-30-2019, 02:57 PM

I have a couple of old e-readers, and wanted to get them up-and-running to see if they still worked. The problem I have is with a Pyrus Mini (maybe... 8 years old?) It seems to work ok, but the case is... disintegrating. It's the rubbery/latexy(?) coating that is just sticky as hell - sort of melting (similar to if you peeled an old label off something, and it left all the sticky stuff behind). I've tried a couple of things, and the only thing that seems to work _a little_ is Iso. However, that takes an AWFUl lot of elbow grease - and I'm not entirely sure it'll work on the buttons.

Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

rem736 · 12-30-2019, 03:13 PM

the issue is that they used a plastic that disintegrates over time. i've come across quite a few devices, not limited to just e-readers, that are like this.

there is a product called "goo gone" or something similar that will remove this sticky stuff.

you have to apply it, wait a while, and rub it off. it smells like petroleum, so after you clean it all up, you'll want to use a damp towel with water to get rid of the smell.

i'm not sure if you're device is water-proof. if not, you should not apply directly onto areas where liquid would be able to seep into the inside of the device. apply the goo gone to a cloth and rub over the sticky areas instead.

tubemonkey · 12-30-2019, 06:47 PM

I use talc powder (baby powder) on devices that have a rubbery coating when they get sticky. It works quite well and lasts a long time. Just add a small amount of powder and rub it in gently. The stickiness goes away rather quickly. Apply a second coating if needed. Try using a q-tip to work around areas near openings to avoid having the powder seep into them. Also be aware that baby powder is perfumed as opposed to unscented talc.

b3ta · 12-31-2019, 07:00 AM

Well, I tried talc but it was a bit messy (the 'sticky' is everywhere - especially on the buttons). This may be destined for the trash... I don't have Goo Gone, but apparently you can make similar with Coconut Oil and Baking Soda (both of which I have). Nothing to lose!

b3ta · 12-31-2019, 07:26 AM

And... Now I don't have a problem anymore! The mixture worked well, so I thought it'd be easier if I took it apart.... Not unusually the disassembly took it's toll. RIP Pyrus!

Barbara1955 · 12-31-2019, 10:17 AM

Finger Nail Polish removal....

Apache · 12-31-2019, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbara1955

Finger Nail Polish removal....

Some fingernail polish removers are acetone based and will dissolve plastic. Make sure you are using Acetone free. Also, fingernail polish removers have oils and scents added to them.
Apache

BookCat · 12-31-2019, 11:37 AM

If the casing actually is rubber, you're doomed! Latex has a short life and is very sensitive to oils such as those from hands. This is why you should never use oil based lube.

theducks · 12-31-2019, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbara1955

Finger Nail Polish removal....

Acetone or MEK products are used to 'solvent weld' plastic parts together.

Even Go Gone can be too much. TEST on a none critical area and WAIT a few.

(I used Goo Gone to remove Carpool sticker goo . WRONG. it took longer than I had waited

to affect the paint

12-30-2019, 02:57 PM	#1
b3ta Enthusiast Posts: 33 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2019 Device: none	'Sticky' case help? I have a couple of old e-readers, and wanted to get them up-and-running to see if they still worked. The problem I have is with a Pyrus Mini (maybe... 8 years old?) It seems to work ok, but the case is... disintegrating. It's the rubbery/latexy(?) coating that is just sticky as hell - sort of melting (similar to if you peeled an old label off something, and it left all the sticky stuff behind). I've tried a couple of things, and the only thing that seems to work _a little_ is Iso. However, that takes an AWFUl lot of elbow grease - and I'm not entirely sure it'll work on the buttons. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

12-30-2019, 03:13 PM	#2
rem736 purpose priority passion Posts: 645 Karma: 9002000 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: socal, usa Device: sony prs-350, b&n ngp, rM2, kindle scribe, boox poke5	the issue is that they used a plastic that disintegrates over time. i've come across quite a few devices, not limited to just e-readers, that are like this. there is a product called "goo gone" or something similar that will remove this sticky stuff. you have to apply it, wait a while, and rub it off. it smells like petroleum, so after you clean it all up, you'll want to use a damp towel with water to get rid of the smell. i'm not sure if you're device is water-proof. if not, you should not apply directly onto areas where liquid would be able to seep into the inside of the device. apply the goo gone to a cloth and rub over the sticky areas instead. Last edited by rem736; 12-30-2019 at 03:15 PM.

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12-30-2019, 06:47 PM	#3
tubemonkey monkey on the fringe Posts: 45,743 Karma: 158575914 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle Metro Device: Moto E6, Echo Show	I use talc powder (baby powder) on devices that have a rubbery coating when they get sticky. It works quite well and lasts a long time. Just add a small amount of powder and rub it in gently. The stickiness goes away rather quickly. Apply a second coating if needed. Try using a q-tip to work around areas near openings to avoid having the powder seep into them. Also be aware that baby powder is perfumed as opposed to unscented talc.

12-31-2019, 07:00 AM	#4
b3ta Enthusiast Posts: 33 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2019 Device: none	Well, I tried talc but it was a bit messy (the 'sticky' is everywhere - especially on the buttons). This may be destined for the trash... I don't have Goo Gone, but apparently you can make similar with Coconut Oil and Baking Soda (both of which I have). Nothing to lose!

12-31-2019, 07:26 AM	#5
b3ta Enthusiast Posts: 33 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2019 Device: none	And... Now I don't have a problem anymore! The mixture worked well, so I thought it'd be easier if I took it apart.... Not unusually the disassembly took it's toll. RIP Pyrus!

12-31-2019, 10:17 AM	#6
Barbara1955 Non-Techy Posts: 4,455 Karma: 15499273 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: WV---USA Device: Samsung Cell Phone & Amazon Fires & Kobo eReaders	Finger Nail Polish removal....

12-31-2019, 11:37 AM	#8
BookCat C L J Posts: 2,911 Karma: 21115458 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Birmingham UK Device: Sony e-reader 505, Kindle PW2, Kindle PW3, Kobo Libra2	If the casing actually is rubber, you're doomed! Latex has a short life and is very sensitive to oils such as those from hands. This is why you should never use oil based lube.

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