Removing stickers off of disc based games

[Urzu402]

I have recently bought a copy of NIGHTS into dreams for the Saturn for like 3.25 and the game may have a sticker on the disc but I can't tell if it does. So I ask if it does have a sticker can I remove it without damaging the game?

[sloan]

If its one of the full-disc rental stickers, use caution.

I suggest using a heat gun on low setting, at a distance of about 6" from the disc surface. Heat, peel, heat some more, peel some more, etc. Go slowly because you can peel down to the data layer in some cases.

Do not use a razor scraper as it will peel down to the data layer with a slip of the wrist. Heat gun only.

[Urzu402]

Here is the copy of the game in question
http://www.ebay.com/itm/140889614714
I don't know if those stickers are on the game or on the generic case the game is in.
Another thing is there is something weird looking on the disc in the top left part I have no idea what that is.

[wiggyx]

Not to toot my own horn, but I just did a write-up on this sort of thing. Should come right off if it's a paper sticker as it appears.

http://rosecoloredgaming.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/wiggy-how-to-and-restoration-guides-1-cleaning-sticker-residue-from-your-games/

[Greg2600]

The blockbuster/hollywood stickers will not come off without ruining the disc. Paper labels can be removed.

[wiggyx]

^^^ I agree with this. I have been able to remove those types of labels on occasion, but it's absolutely not worth the risk IMO. Plus, you'll be soaking that adhesive forever once you do. That stuff is SERIOUS.

[Jorpho]

Someone once tried to ship me a disc scotch-taped to some newspaper. Not even the scotch tape could be removed without taking the data layer right off. :(

[xelement5x]

The blockbuster/hollywood stickers will not come off without ruining the disc. Paper labels can be removed.

You can remove them, I did it for a copy of Loaded I found and it worked fine actually. I used a lot of Ronsonol to weaken the adhesive, started from the center hole, and slowly managed to peel all of the sticker off.

It was really a test more than anything else. Once the sticker was off, clean up the remaining adhesive and you're good to go.

[IHatedSega]

Yeah I wouldnt try to remove the stickers.


But i have a question, if PS1 games were black, would a sharpie not block the lazer from reading the data? Ive always wondered about this but never had the guts to try it even on a music cdr.

[Jorpho]

The PS1 uses the same red laser as every other CD drive, so there's no reason to expect its discs would be affected differently. As to just how bad applying sharpie to the data side would be, I'm not sure.

[Greg2600]

You can remove them, I did it for a copy of Loaded I found and it worked fine actually. I used a lot of Ronsonol to weaken the adhesive, started from the center hole, and slowly managed to peel all of the sticker off.

It was really a test more than anything else. Once the sticker was off, clean up the remaining adhesive and you're good to go.
I tried my best on a dreamcast game recently, using GooGone, hair dryer, you name it. It was not worth my time and the result was still a mess. I can't imagine soaking a CD in lighter fluid is any better for it's long term durability!


Yeah I wouldnt try to remove the stickers.

But i have a question, if PS1 games were black, would a sharpie not block the lazer from reading the data? Ive always wondered about this but never had the guts to try it even on a music cdr.
Imagine what the disc label will probably look like though. It will look like a mess I'd rather just throw away.

[Urzu402]

How bad of an issue is the stickers throwing the disc off balance when it's spining

[IHatedSega]

I dont think that should be an issue, doesnt weight enough, and the Saturn being a top loader you snap it in and then the top comes down and keeps it in. So it shouldnt affect it at all.