Removing Labels pt 2 Screenprinted Labels

Post number 2 for “How to remove labels”

Clean ready to use bottles 

Our last label removal project we worked on the standard adhesive style labels that are common on most food containers. We had a lot of fun re-purposing bottles and containers around the house using this method, but when time came to package some home brew projects (beer, mead, and wine) the bottles that we wanted to use had painted on labels.   

How to remove painted on labels 

We could have gone to the local homebrew store and bought new bottles for a price…

Scrubbing splashes! Be very careful 

Trash to the rescue once again! Or rather, recycling!

Corona beer comes in tiny cute little bottles, labeled Coronita, and they're perfect... Except the painted on labels!

Enter muriatic acid, aka hydrochloric acid. It can be purchased at Home Depot, we found it by the paint thinners.

A quick soak in this stuff (we let ours soak for about 5 min), some scrubby brush action, and they come pretty darn clean. A few required a second soak but the end result is a pretty label free bottle.

Muriatic acid

TIPS and TRICKS

Muriatic acid is no joke. It is very powerful and very dangerous. BE VERY CAREFUL!!!

• We recommend a glass container to hold the acid.

• 

  Don't be like Megan, wear safety glasses

  Muriatic acid is an aicd. Dont be like Megan and get it in your eye. If you do get the acid in your, on or on your skin, rinse it right away with water. Megan flushed her eye for a good 15 min. If you get  acid in your eye it can lead to loss of vision so go to the doctor!
• Wear gloves and safety glasses.

• 

  We used a glass jar to hold the acid 

  Because of the nature of muriatic acid it’s best to use it outside on a dirt surface as the acid can eat any surface INCLUDING concrete.
• Another reason to do this project outside is because the acid smells like rotten fish.
• Fill the bottle halfway with water so they don't float in the acid.
• Don't use the acid when it's windy
• Don't use the acid when it's raining.
• Don’t get water in the acid.
  
  

How to dispose of the used acid.

• Muriatic acid should NEVER be poured down a storm drain, a sink or flushed down a toilet.

• 

  What happens when the acid gets on concrete 

  Most cities offer a hazardous waste pickup a quick internet search should provide you with your local location and timing of your cities hazardous cleanup station(s.) We recommend this method as the best and most efficient method. Plus if you’re like me you probably have a few other items you can dispose of at the same time.
  
  
• You can also neutralize it with lime (the powdered or crushed type used for lawn or gardens) or baking soda. Pour it into the acid until it stops bubbling.

The NatualHandyMan goes into more depth on all of the disposal methods (found near the bottom of his article), as well as going more into the handling of acids.

Let us know how your projects went in the comments below.

By Laura