Removing Residue from Pickguard

[1 bottlerocket]

 

Hey all,

I’ve got a technical question. I picked up a Korina Jr., and the previous owner kept it as original as possible—including leaving the factory protective film on the pickguard. When I peeled it off, it left behind some nasty glue residue on the faux tortoiseshell pickguard.

I’ve tried warm water, soap, and a mild plastic cleaner, but no luck so far. I haven’t used anything stronger because I don’t want to risk damaging the pickguard.

I do have some acetone on hand, but I’m steering clear of harsh solvents unless absolutely necessary. Does anyone have a safe and effective method for removing the residue without harming the pickguard?

Thanks in advance!

[Dave Scepter]

For Gods sakes, do NOT use acetone!.. I would try spraying some WD-40 on a towel

[1 bottlerocket]

Thanks for the tip. Okay, will try the WD40.

 

Not to worry, I never planned on using any harsh solvents.

[RobB]

18 minutes ago, Dave Scepter said:

For Gods sakes, do NOT use acetone!.. I would try spraying some WD-40 on a towel

Sound advice. I would also add naptha (lighter fluid) as a good cleaner.

[1 bottlerocket]

Doesn't lighter fluid have solvents that will damage plastic? 

[RobB]

I grabbed an old, grungy Strat pickguard (black) just now and it polished up raht purty. No problems, looks great. HOWEVER, if you don't feel right about using it then don't. Better safe than sorry.

[shankyboy]

I had a similar situation with a guitar that I acquired several years ago. I used some rubbing compound to remove the sticky residue and the pickguard looks great. 

[Dave Scepter]

Try  using WD-40 with a HOT "damp towel... slightly dampen the towel "with water" and stick it in the microwave for a minute before spraying, WD-40 on the towel

[Dave Scepter]

I've also used this stuff on various projects, but I don't think I've used it on a guitar pickguard... honestly, try the wd-40 with some elbow grease before anything else 

Edited July 7, 2025 by Dave Scepter

[bry4321]

Sounds ruined, I can take it off your hands. 😇

(Good luck and go slow!) 

[1 bottlerocket]

Thanks for all the replies. I will go ahead and try the WD40 next. It sounds like a good way to go.

[Hbom]

Naphtha should do it. But I would do a small test area 1st just in case. And there is a product call Goo Off that claims to do it too.

[G Man]

Another vote for naphtha.

[DaveL]

Goo gone.  You can probably buy a small bottle at dollar tree or Wal mart. Naptha works well but you’d have to buy a large container and it’s super flammable.    

Edited July 8, 2025 by DaveL

[Zork]

Denatured or rubbing alcohol works good too, try test first.  I've seen people use peanut butter with oils it has in it or 3-IN-ONE oil too.

[Jimbilly]

!!!!!!  be super careful with the goof off or goo gone products, one of those will melt some finishes (personal experience), so I stay clear. 

The local expert refinisher/builder etc recommended Naptha to me a long time ago, it has never caused any damage, I have a quart can I bought ages ago, a lifetime supply it seems.

WD 40 has always been a good choice for sticker residue, and has never caused me any damage.

[1 bottlerocket]

Thanks for the replies. Just got back form a gig so getting ready to turn in for the night, Have fun and I will let you all know how the WD40 works out. 

[veatch]

Whatever you try, I'd recommend removing the pickguard and testing the solvent on the underside first. Any damage would be hidden. 

[velorush]

Polar substances break up polar substances (e.g., water).  Non-polar substances break up non-polar substances (e.g., the sticky crap you're dealing with). 

Start with a simple solvent that will have a low incidence of ill effect: vegetable oil.

Take the pickguard off the guitar (of course) and wipe the goop with a bit of vegetable oil. It should break up the goop without harm to the pickguard. The vegetable oil is easily cleaned off with any household cleaner, even dish soap.

[Zork]

I've seen many nitro acoustics and electrics wiped down with naphtha.  I got a big jug of it and have used it many times on many plastics, metals and finishes with no damage.  It should cut that residue quickly.  But test the other products you may have.  A quart of naphtha is many lifetimes of use.

[Saul Goodman]

Hendrix used lighter fluid on his strat once onstage. Can't argue with a legend. 

[murkat]

Naptha and or citrus base cleaner.

and then a freind with a buffing station

[DaveL]

Btw.     I recently got a Nash with a 3 inch circle of glue residue,  it was more of a globule really… and naptha cleaned it up in 30 seconds 

  I stand by my comment that goo gone works well if you don’t want to buy a $25 can of naptha to clean an $8 pickguard. 

[stobro]

1 hour ago, DaveL said:

Btw.     I recently got a Nash with a 3 inch circle of glue residue,  it was more of a globule really… and naptha cleaned it up in 30 seconds 

  I stand by my comment that goo gone works well if you don’t want to buy a $25 can of naptha to clean an $8 pickguard. 

You can always buy a small bottle of Rosonol lighter fluid for a few bucks. It's 95% VM&P naphtha. https://comptox.epa.gov/chemexpo/datadocument/1235210/

[topekatj]

How much residue are we talking about? If it’s spots here and there, a non-solvent approach to try is repeatedly plastering and lifting various other adhesive materials, from scotch tape, post it adhesive, etc., moving up to packing tape or duct tape. No solvent, worth a try.