Removal of white labels on parts.

[Bacon8tor]

Sonex recommends removing all the little white labels that indentify most of the parts in the kits using mineral spirits. I'm assuming the reason is weight savings? It's a tedious process and I think I'm doing damage to the parts by having to scrape the labels with an edged tool in addition to the application of mineral spirits. If the reason for removal is weight savings can it really be very much? A few ounces? I'd like to hear how many of you do or don't do this and why.

[Bryan Cotton]

I could not bear to think of all those labels inside there. I scrape them off with my fingernail and then use acetone. It is tedious but my son shares the task with me.

[MichaelFarley56]

I took off most of the white labels, but there are a few still secretly stashed throughout my airframe. Hopefully you'll never find them!

A very quick and easy way to remove them: soak them in WD-40 for around 5-10 minutes, maybe even doing two applications. The WD-40 will slowly dissolve the adhesive. After that, they peel right off with no trouble. Much easier than going after them with a razor!

[BK9977]

I use MEK (it is in by the paint thinner at your hardware store). That stuff takes those buggers right off, no problem. I put it on a rag, saturate the label, let it sit for about 1 minute, then it peels right off clean. Then I just run the rag over the part to clean up any glue residue. Be aware the stuff has a strong smell and will get you high pretty quick...

I try to get all of mine off but I am sure I missed 2 or 3 somewhere.

[DWest]

Is there a specific reason to remove them unless they are in the way of mating another part? Why not keep them in order to help identify parts in needed in the future? Would they eventually peel/flake off thus creating a FOD issue?

I plan to not spend time removing them unless there's a legitimate reason. Let me know!

[GraemeSmith]

GooGone is a bit better for you healthwise than MEK....

[Bryan Cotton]

BK9977 has been gone since 2014, back when you could still buy MEK. Leaving labels on is probably ok, though I doubt it would be useful later. It will save some time, not enough to make a real difference in my opinion.

[sonex892.]

I think leaving the labels on would leave it looking a bit unfinished.
My kit had been sitting in storage for 4 years. I wet the labels with what we in Australia call mineral turpentine, I think its called white spirit in the States. After a few minutes of being wetted the labels came off easily.
Steve

[Rynoth]

I filled a little squirt bottle with acetone. Makes quick work of sharpie marks as well. It’s relatively safe to get on your hands (can cause dry skin but I never had that issue) and flashes off quickly leaving a clean part.