COLLECTOR RESOURCES

Helpful Hints

Removing Price Stickers From Tags!
Submitted by: Lisa Tipton of West Virginia

I have found a terrific way to remove the price sticker and the sticky from the tag. First use a blow dryer to to heat up the price sticker for easy removal. Then for the sticky residue that is left, take a little 10-W-40 and spray it on a cotton ball and lightly swipe the sticky off!! So far I have had no problems with it taking off any of the dye. When it dries there is no smell, it will fade. I hope this helps.

More Help For
Removing Price Stickers From Tags!
Submitted by: Joy

"I use Tidy Pen. It is easy to use and removes the price tag without damaging the Puffkin tag. I cover all of the price tag with the cleaning pen, wipe off any liquid that has gotten on the Puffkin Tag (I do this since the pen tip will pick up black ink from the price tag and I don't want any black smudges on the Puffkin's tag), then wait a couple of minutes and pull the price tag off. If you don't wait long enough to pull the price tag off the Puffkin tag will be sticky. If glue is left on the tag after removal do not use the Tidy Pen again to try to remove the glue. I tried this and the ink on the tag smeared, ruining the tag. You can buy the pen from Micro Care Corp., 34 Ronzo Road, Bristol, CT. Phone # (203)585-7912. Hope this helps."

Help For
A 'Sticky Situation'!

An avid Puffkins fan sent me this information which was obtained from a reliable source to help with the problem of sticky glue residue which is often left behind after removing a price tag sticker from the back of a Puffkins tag. The process described below was tried and found to work beautifully. This was the advice given:

Practice this method on a creased hang tag first!

There is a product called Goo Gone, which is a citrus based oil and stain remover that you can get at most craft stores.

1. Pour a little of the liquid into a "shot glass" or similar small container.
2. Take a Q-Tip, dip into solution and, GENTLY rub the glue residue until you can either see or feel that it is "breaking up" the glue.
3. Cover the ENTIRE tag with the solution even where there is no glue, so that you will not leave a "ring" in the spot where the glue is.
4. Then with a clean white COTTON CLOTH that is LINT FREE hold the hang tag in the palm of your hand, so you do not crease it, and with ONE rather "strong swipe" wipe the entire surface of the tag.

If all the glue does not come off you can do one of two things:
First, while the solution is still damp on the tag from the first application, try and gently "buff" any stubbon glue which should loosen it and get it all off.
Second, if the glue residue is still there, try again with another application of the solution and, "swipe" again.

It is VERY PROBABLE, that a second application may be necessary to remove all of the glue residue. Each store uses DIFFERENT "glues" so some might be more "stubborn" than others to remove.

The hang tag MAY change colors because it is wet from the solution but, it should come back to it's original color once it drys in about 20 minutes.
IF THE INK STARTS TO RUN OR BLEED WHEN YOU TRY YOUR FIRST APPLICATION WITH THE Q-TIP - S T O P! That means the ink used on the Puffkins hang tags is NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE SOLUTION and, you will have to just leave the glue residue there.

The best analogy I can make is the same principle you would use if you were trying to take an oil stain out of fine silk. Go slowly and carefully, BUT you will need a "little more pressure" on your "swipe" on the cardboard than you would use on silk.

IT DOES TAKE A LOT OF PRACTICE AND PATIENCE until you get the "technique" perfected.

I hope this information can help "save" your Puffkins hang tags, as with the glue residue they are NOT TRULY MINT HANG TAGS!!!

For more information:
E-mail Sensei at: Sensei1031@aol.com

**As a side note to this another collector sent me this: Often it is hard to get the price sticker off without tearing the tag. I use a blow dryer set on low and hold it over the tag to soften the glue and make it easier to remove the sticker without tearing the tag. You have to do it slowly and carefully so you do not burn the tag by holding the dryer too close, but it works better than scraping the sticker off.

More help for sticky price tag removal
Submitted by: Candace M.

I just wanted to let everyone know about a super product on the market that is excellent for removing stickers from even the most precious surfaces. It is called "Un DO-IT" I purchased mine from QVC. It is the only place that I know of to get it, but I'm sure it is sold else where. I use this product on hang tags and even in my scrapbooks to remove misplaced stickers. It leaves nothing behind and does absolutely no damage to the surface you are removing from. It simply neutralizes the glue and you can take the sticker right off. The sticker will retain its glue, and can be reused. I hope this helps other collectors in removing unwanted price stickers!

'Puffkin Deodorizer'
(Help in removing smells from Puffkins)

Place the Puffkin in a ziploc baggie and pour a generous amount of baking soda in the baggie too. Seal the baggie and shake until the Puffkin is covered with the baking soda. I leave them in there for at least two weeks. Remove the Puffkin from the baggie and vacuum it off with the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner.In the case of Henrietta, you may have to gently wipe her nostrils with a damp cloth to remove the baking soda. (Possibly the fuzzy noses on Cinnamon and Shadow too) This should remove most smells completely or almost completely from the Puffkins.

More help for smell removal
Submitted by: Marissa

It's not necessary to pour the baking soda all over the Puffkin. Just place the Puffkin into a ziploc baggie along with an open box of baking soda, seal it and let it sit for a couple of days. You can also use the paper fabric softener (ex. Bounce) instead of the baking soda.

Keeping Puffkins dust free
Submitted by: Darilyn

Need a temporary display/storage case to keep your puffkin safe and in view? Try using a plastic juice or soda bottle. The 2 liter bottle works OK for some, not big enough for others.
Just wash carefully and cut off the top.
Presto!
Puffkin Under Glass (well plastic)

Another great tip on keeping your Puffkins dust free
Submitted by: Caitlin

I have a really good trick that works for me.
To keep your Puffkins from getting dusty, play with them!
I always play with my puffkins and they never get dusty.
In fact, I bring my eight to ballet with me all the time.
Try it! It works!

If you have a tip that you think would be useful to other collectors,
e-mail me and I will possibly post it here.
pufnstuf@ccp.com

All information contained on this page was obtained from Puffkins collectors like you. Puffkins Digest does not endorse or recommend any of the preceding tips or hints, nor are we responsible for any damage that may occur if you choose to try one or more of them. We simply present them to you, the Puffkins collector, in hopes you find some of the information useful.