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Removing Silk Screen Labels
So I had about a case of mixed Stone and Rogue 12oz and 22oz bottles laying around. I don't use them for bottling because of their labels but keep them around for reserves just in case. Then I read something online about removing silk screen labels from glass bottles and thought I'd try it out. Turns out it works and thought I'd pass it on to everyone here.
Place bottles into a solution of 1 part muriatic acid and 3 parts water for 15 minutes. Take out and rub the labels off with a scrubby brush or fine steel wool and rinse. I ended up using a weaker solution of 1 part acid to 4 or 5 parts water. I also filled the bottles with regular tap water first before placing them in an empty bucket and filling with solution to avoid getting any acid in the bottles. Don't know if it would have any adverse affects but I didn't want to take any chances. And on top of that I didn't fill the bucket to the top of the bottles; only as high as it needed to be to cover the painted surfaces. After inspecting the bottles you can only faintly see what was silk screened onto the bottle but only it a certain light. If you didn't know, you'd never notice it.
WARNING: Be careful when handling muriatic acid. Take precautionary steps such as using gloves, ventilating the area you're working in and avoid using muriatic acid with cleaning agents such as bleach and oxyclean.
Good tip thanks,
Out of curiosity were is the best place to get muriatic acid?
Picked up a gallon for $7.33 at Lowe's.
Awesome! You have no idea how many awesome bottles I have shoved in the back of the closet because they have those dratted silk screen labels on them and I can't get them off!
StarSan works great too. After your brew session, keep the used StarSan and toss your bottles in for a week. The labels will almost disintegrate without touching them.
Man be careful with muriatic acid. If you thing StarSan burns you in direct contact, try gettin a little muriatic on your fingers. You won't be able to get to the sink fast enough.
Erock wrote:
Man be careful with muriatic acid. If you thing StarSan burns you in direct contact, try gettin a little muriatic on your fingers. You won't be able to get to the sink fast enough.
It's only a flesh wound...
(sorry, I couldn't resist)
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