There’s nothing more satisfying than scoring the perfect secondhand treasure—until you get home and realize the price tag doesn’t want to let go. Whether it’s an old glass vase, a vintage picture frame, or a unique ceramic dish, thrift store stickers always seem to cling on for dear life.

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The good news? You don’t have to let a sticky tag ruin your beautiful vintage find. In this Secondhand School guide, you’ll learn the most effective, damage-free methods to remove price tags and their stubborn residue from all kinds of thrifted surfaces.

Checkout all of my other Secondhand School Lessons!

1. Peel What You Can First

Before reaching for any tools or solutions, start simple. Gently peel off as much of the price tag as you can using your fingers or a plastic scraper—an old gift card works great for this.

Sometimes, tags peel off clean. But if your item is left with torn paper or sticky glue, don’t panic. This is just step one in the process to properly remove price tags the right way.

Pro tip: Avoid using metal blades that might scratch delicate surfaces like wood, ceramic, or painted finishes.

2. Heat It Up

Next, bring the heat! Use a hairdryer on medium heat and hold it a few inches from the tag for 20–30 seconds. The warmth softens the adhesive, making the tag easier to lift off without tearing.

This method works especially well on:

• Glass
  
• Plastic
  
• Metal
  
• Glossy surfaces
  

I’ve even used this trick on old puzzle boxes to keep the image underneath intact!

Important: Be gentle with delicate or painted surfaces—too much heat can cause warping or paint damage.

3. Oil-Based Solutions

Still stuck? Time to get oily. Oil breaks down adhesives beautifully and can be found in most kitchens. Use a soft cloth or your fingers to apply:

• Peanut butter (yes, really!)
• Lemon oil
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil

Let the oil sit for a few minutes, then wipe away the residue with a clean cloth.

Bonus DIY Goo Remover

Mix equal parts baking soda and coconut oil for a gentle but effective adhesive remover. It’s great for tougher glue on glass, ceramics, and metal.

4. Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar

If you’re looking for a non-greasy option, rubbing alcohol or white vinegar can help remove price tags and their sticky leftovers—without leaving behind an oily film.

Apply a small amount to a cotton ball or paper towel and gently rub the residue. This works best on:

• Glass
  
• Ceramic
  
• Metal
  
• Plastic
  

It also evaporates quickly, leaving your item clean and dry.Note: Test on painted surfaces first to avoid potential discoloration.

5. Commercial Adhesive Removers

For ultra-stubborn stickers, commercial products like Goo Gone or Goof Off are formulated to dissolve adhesives fast. Just apply a small amount, wait a few seconds, and wipe clean.

These work well for:

• Tough residue
  
• Price tags on books, DVDs, and puzzles
  
• Items where natural solutions haven’t worked
  

Always test on an inconspicuous area first, especially on wood and painted items.

6. Soap and Hot Water Soak

If your item is water-safe, try soaking it in hot, soapy water for 10–15 minutes. This softens both the paper and glue, making it easier to remove price tags cleanly.

Best for:

• Ceramic
  
• Glass
  
• Metal
  
• Some plastics
  

Use a sponge, cloth, or your fingers to gently lift the sticker and clean off the residue.

A Few Extra Tips for Removing Price Tags

• Always test your method in a hidden spot first.
  
• Avoid sharp tools like knives or metal blades—they can scratch and ruin the finish.
  
• Be gentle with wood and painted items. Water and strong cleaners can damage these surfaces.
  
• Patience is key. Some tags take a little more love, especially if they’ve been stuck on for a long time.

Don’t Let Stickers Steal the Spotlight

When you’re treasure hunting at the thrift store, don’t pass up a great piece just because it’s covered in stickers. With these simple tricks, you can confidently remove price tags from almost any surface—and give your secondhand finds the clean slate they deserve.

From vintage vases to charming wall art, every thrifted item has potential. And now that you know how to remove the price tags properly, nothing stands between you and a perfectly polished, secondhand gem.

Catch Up on More Secondhand School Lessons

Missed a class? You can find all the tips, DIYs, and creative secondhand ideas in the Secondhand School Archive! You can find them all HERE!

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xoxo, L