Proper glue to reattach cartridge labels?

[SlowCoder]

What is the proper glue to reattach the labels to the cartridges? I have a few cartridges that have labels that are coming loose.

 

I don't want to use super glue, as I don't want to permanently glue the cartridge halves together. And I don't think something like a glue stick would be a good permanent solution either. Obviously whatever glue I'd want to use would not discolor the label.

[Philflound]

Are you talking about end labels for Atari made games? Superglue works great, and I don't think you would have a problem of gluing the two halves together if you put it above and below the separated line.

 

Phil

[tz101]

Elmer's No-Wrinkle glue pen can be had for cheap at many stores and works great. Plus it is not as permanent as super glue.

[JingleJoe]

I use a pritt-stick, a gluestick. Works like a charm

[VectorGamer]

Elmer's Glue Stick

[Deteacher]

My vote is also for the glue stick. I've used it on many a cart and I've always had great lasting results.

[4Ks]

I always just use a glue stick to re-attach labels. It works perfectly.

[SlowCoder]

Then glue stick it is, fellas! I have kids, so I'm sure I can find some under the couch, or behind the toilet.

[SlowCoder]

Yeah, so I went with the glue stick. Works very nice. I was afraid it wouldn't hold to plastic, as its generally used for paper, but I think its a good deal.

[Jifremok]

I oughtta try this on a Parker Brothers label. I kept forgetting to post about reapplying labels.

[Rex Dart]

What did PB use for glue in the first place, a big old-fashioned glob of spit? Their labels don't stick worth a flip.

[ls650]

I have used ordinary glue sticks for a couple of years now. They seem to work fine.

[nofrills100]

glue stick probably isn't a bad option.... but superglue and other stronger options may stick well - but will ultimately stain and eat the label away with their acids. In terms of longevity wheat starch paste is totally neutral and is easily reversible (incase you ever need to reopen the cart).

[SRGilbert]

I go all the way and use Krylon spray adhesive. It was practically made for this purpose.

 

Dries clear; no bleed through<LI>Non-yellowing; non-wrinkling<LI>Acid-free/Archival-safe

 

 

http://www.krylon.com/products/spray_adhesive/

[+Nathan Strum]

Self-tapping sheet metal screws. (May not be as aesthetically pleasing, but it's more fun!)

[shadowdoggie]

Another vote for glue stick. Works great for me.

[nofrills100]

I go all the way and use Krylon spray adhesive. It was practically made for this purpose.

 

Dries clear; no bleed through<LI>Non-yellowing; non-wrinkling<LI>Acid-free/Archival-safe

 

 

 

http://www.krylon.co...spray_adhesive/

 

 

don't believe everything they claim

[A.J. Franzman]

In terms of longevity wheat starch paste is totally neutral and is easily reversible (incase you ever need to reopen the cart).

You forgot to mention how tasty it is to crickets, cockroaches, silverfish, rodents and other vermin. Reversal of their gnawings is a bit more problematic.

Edited July 31, 2010 by A.J. Franzman

[nofrills100]

In terms of longevity wheat starch paste is totally neutral and is easily reversible (incase you ever need to reopen the cart).

You forgot to mention how tasty it is to crickets, cockroaches, silverfish, rodents and other vermin. Reversal of their gnawings is a bit more problematic.

 

that goes without saying, but they will eat labels, or just the surface of the label, irrespective of what glue you use, so if you have an abundance of those insects you would need to reconsider your storage methods and location.

[thund3r]

I use bog standard super glue, and to avoid sticking my fingers to the cart i use an old pen knife or flat knife to iron out and air bubbles

[A.J. Franzman]

I have used both super glue and white glue, and find that glue stick is much easier and often gives better results.

[akator]

When an entire label has come off, I use archival quality adhesive spray (usually 3M). Works great.

 

When only part of a label is peeling, high quality rubber cement works for me. Apply the rubber cement to the back of the label and to the cartridge so that both surfaces are covered with the adhesive. Let both dry for a few minutes. Press the label back down and hold for a minute. Any excess rubber cement should already be dry, so it easily peels away from the plastic by gently rubbing with a clean finger or a high quality pencil eraser.

Edited August 1, 2010 by akator

[ballyalley]

This is a pretty old thread, but I'm reviving it.  It answers the question of what glue to use to reapply a cartridge label (archival spray glue), but not how to clean the old glue off of the label and cartridge.

 

I recently acquired a small shoe box of Atari 2600 cartridge from various manufacturers and nearly all of the labels have fallen off.  The labels are still in the box, but the glue has become flaky and the labels are sort of brittle now.  What's the best way to clean the labels without further damaging them, and how do I clean the dried glue off of the cart?

 

Also, is there any way to revive the look of the labels through some type of restoration?  I'm not looking for perfection... just something simple.

 

Adam

[+Nathan Strum]

I'd suggest Bestine (the commercial version of Heptane) for removing the old glue. Some glue though just won't come off.