When working with musselbound, you’re probably not going to use it for every project. However, when you do need it, the last thing that you want is a lot of hassle with removing it.
That’s why many sewists choose to layer musselbound directly over another piece of fabric and cut out the garment at once.
This means they are left with two layers of musselbound on top of each other instead of having a transparent piece in between. Fortunately, even if musselbound sticks to itself pretty well, this adhesive isn’t permanent.
With these simple tips, you can get the musselbound off rather quickly and easily. However, since it may take some time for you to remove the adhesive altogether, consider bearing these tips in mind next time you use musselbound again.
Read More: MusselBound Adhesive Tile Mat Review
How to Remove Musselbound Adhesive?
Use a Hair Dryer
A hairdryer will help you to get a good grip on the musselbound fabric. You can then use a pair of scissors to cut the adhesive away. Remember that you’ll need to hold the hair dryer in place for at least a few minutes. If you don’t have access to a hair dryer, you can also try a heat gun.
This is designed to melt the adhesive, making the musselbound much easier to peel away. Remember to use caution while using these tools, though. The musselbound will get extremely hot, so ensure you’re not touching it.
Protect your hands with gloves, and be careful not to get the adhesive on anything else. It may be difficult to remove if it gets on other pieces of fabric.
Use Nail Polish Remover
If you don’t have access to a hair dryer or heat gun, consider using nail polish remover. Nail polish remover is acetone-based, which is perfect for loosening musselbound adhesive.
For this method, simply soak the musselbound fabric in the nail polish remover for about 5 minutes. Afterward, you can use a pair of scissors to cut the fabric away from the musselbound. Using your hands, you can also try peeling the musselbound away from the fabric.
However, wear gloves for this process to protect your skin from being irritated by the acetone. You may need to use force to pull the musselbound away.
Use Acetone-Based Nail Polish Remover
If you don’t have any nail polish remover, you can also use acetone-based nail polish remover. Acetone-based nail polish remover is a bit stronger than traditional nail polish remover.
To use this method, you will use a spray bottle to mix a splash of acetone-based nail polish remover with water. Spray the musselbound fabric with this mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Scrub the fabric with your fingers to help loosen the adhesive.
You can also try using a toothbrush or scrub brush to loosen the musselbound and remove it from the material.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
If you only have rubbing alcohol in the house, don’t worry. This type of solvent can be used to loosen the musselbound adhesive.
You can use rubbing alcohol in one of two ways: spray the rubbing alcohol directly onto the musselbound fabric and let it sit for several minutes before scraping it away.
Alternatively, you can soak the musselbound fabric in a bath of rubbing alcohol for about 30 minutes. Scrape away the musselbound with a wooden spoon or something similar.
You may need to use some force to remove the musselbound. However, remember to be careful not to rip the fabric, or you may end up ruining your garment.
Mix Flour and Water
You can also try mixing water with baking flour to create a paste. Spread the flour and water paste over the musselbound fabric and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Scrape the adhesive away and brush away any remnants of the glue left behind.
This mixture is great for removing musselbound from delicate fabrics, such as silk, without damaging them. The baking flour is gentle enough not to cause any damage, but will be able to remove all traces of the musselbound adhesive.
Conclusion
Musselbound is a great product to use when making a garment that needs to be held in place while you’re sewing. It comes in many different colors and is easy to use.
It can also be peeled off of fabric once it has dried. However, you’ll want to ensure that you remove the adhesive quickly and easily once you’re done with it. Luckily, there are a few different ways to remove musselbound.
You can use a hair dryer, nail polish remover, acetone-based nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or a mixture of flour and water. No matter which method you choose, you should be able to remove the musselbound in no time at all.
