How to remove glue

[r2red]

I have purchased a number of framed collections of bugs. I would like to remove them from the frames in order to reset them for use in another project. How do I work out what will release the glue without damaging the insects please.

Thanks

[johnnyboy]

The vast majority of framed insects are held by means of a pin through the body rather than glue. If glue is involved, the correct solvent required to dissolve the glue depends upon the nature of the glue. If it is water based, such as PVA, then you can try warm water to remove it. If this doesn't work then try lighter fuel or acetone, none of these should damage the specimen if applied carefully (you can use a small paint brush to apply it to the base of the insect.


Johnny

[exoticimports]

Framed insects for "home decoration", popular from Asia and still imported from Thailand, are often glued. In most cases the legs are gone as well.

As johnnyboy said, acetone will liquify Elmers glue enabling the specimen to be removed without need to relax the specimen. It may take a few applications.

Chuck

[poisonarrow]

With the Thai glued specimen wetting the entire specimen is sometimes helpful, the glue is somewhat elastic and can then be removed relatively easily. That works only for beetles though.

Cheers
Ben

[LEPMAN]

Most of the frames use hot glue to secure the specimen, you can try relaxing the specimen and gently prying it from the glue.