How to Safely Remove Adhesive from Gold-Tone Watch
Question
Picture of Gold Tone C
I recently purchased a resale watch to give as a gift for a friend. It is in excellent to mint condition, aside for some of the adhesive from the original manufacturer's case has become adhered to the metal on the deployment clasp on the back of the watchband. How can I safely remove this clear adhesive so that I will not ruin the finish on the gold tone band/clasp? Would acetone or isopropyl alcohol ruin/change the gold tone finish? Thanks.
AnswerCarol, thanks for the question and the fine photo. Photos always help since much of jewelry is a visual thing. In this case it tells me the brand of the watch and yes, that helps since I know the gold plate is more durable than some less costly brands.
Acetone or denatured alcohol should not bother the gold coloration. What might bother the color would be hard rubbing with any abrasive cloth. I would use the softest applicator you have and try first one solvent then the other to see if either will work. Some of those adhesives are really tenacious and a pain to remove. Sometimes rubbing an edge of the glue with a finger will lift the stuff and get it to roll up on itself like would happen with rubber cement.
Go gently and realize any damage to the color is not going to come from the acetone or alcohol but is more likely from severe rubbing or abrasion of the surface.
Best wishes in getting off the cement. This is quite nice looking watch.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
