Label Repair: Best Method?

[pmitch_3m]

Just wondering I got a couple of carts from an epay lot that the owner(jack*ss) had used tape to secure the loose labels. I am going to attempt to remove the tape and fix these, but prior to doing so I would appreciate any advice on the matter. it's just a frogger cart and some cv carts, but i want to fix them as best as possible.

 

Late,

p

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

I'll generally grab the full-size scans on display on this fine site and print new ones. I have a ton of nice glossy labels intended for the top label area on VHS tapes, which work nicely for 2600 carts (especially ones with black backgrounds). For end labels, I will print several end labels on another of those VHS labels and divide and cut the individual end labels carefully prior to peeling them off the adhesive. It's a system that's worked very well for me over the past few years.

[Xot]

I usually use an ordinary glue stick to re-attach any loose labels. Works fine for me. I don't like using reproduced labels unless I have NO label left whatsoever.

[Voch]

Use Goo Gone to remove the old gunk if you can. I use Scotch double-sided tape to reattach many of my labels that have come completely off (like some Activision ones, for example).

 

Voch

[sku_u]

I use acid free glue sticks to reattach labels.

[ApolloBoy]

I used to use double-sided tape, but now I use this...

 

http://www.scrapbooksareforever.com/408/2175.htm?416

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

Generally speaking, I'll only resort to a reproduction or custom label on something that I don't intend to trade or sell (which is a majority of my collection - I collect to play, not to resell). If I do trade or sell something that I've relabeled, I'll let the other party know that this is the case.

[bjk7382]

I have repaired a lot of my labels that the corners are peeling on with superglue. I don't know why people would use something temporary like double sided tape. Labels are supposed to be permanent and look good. If you use superglue very carefully so no glue leaks out when you press down on it, it will dry very fast and I have had no problem with any of the glue leaking thru like in most Activision carts. You can never tell any of my labels were ever peeling. Some were a complete loss and I have reproduced them from atari age and a little work in photo editor, but they are never the same.

 

-Brad Karston

[+Nathan Strum]

For removing the adhesive, I recommend Bestine (available at most art supply stores). I've never had it damage anything I've used it on (even watercolor paintings) and it can remove practically any adhesive.

 

As for reaffixing them, if you're looking for something permanent, the same company (linked above) also sells spray adhesives, including a non-yellowing one. (I haven't tried theirs yet - I generally use 3M's Super 77 spray adhesive, but I've never used it on a cart label.)

 

If you're looking for double-stick tape, I'd suggest Scotch's Poster Tape. It's extremely thin, and can be carefully removed by rolling it off the surface if needed. (Or removed with Bestine.)

[sku_u]

I have repaired a lot of my labels that the corners are peeling on with superglue. I don't know why people would use something temporary like double sided tape. Labels are supposed to be permanent and look good. If you use superglue very carefully so no glue leaks out when you press down on it, it will dry very fast and I have had no problem with any of the glue leaking thru like in most Activision carts. You can never tell any of my labels were ever peeling. Some were a complete loss and I have reproduced them from atari age and a little work in photo editor, but they are never the same.  

 

-Brad Karston

 

The only reason I don't use superglue is that it's too hard to use a heat gun to remove the label to get inside the cart if anything goes wrong with the PCB.

[bjk7382]

All of the games that went bad on me couldn't be brought back unless they are reprogrammed with a new chip. They have all been common ones (only like 3) no matter what you do they will not work. I have opened them up, and sanded the contacts with 600 grit emery cloth and the chips themselves are bad. I dont' see what getting inside a bad game without ruining the label is going to accomplish I just tear off the labels of the bad ones.

 

-Brad Karston