How to clean up leatherette from Leica M3?

ColdEye · Sep 4, 2018

So when I got this M3 the leatherette was in not good condition. Tried to peel it off and it came in chunks. How do I chip off the remaining leatherette? They seem pretty stuck. And how do I clean off the brown/black stuff, I don't think this is rust.

shutterfinger · Sep 4, 2018

Source some Mostenbockers Lift Off Tape, Label, and Adhesive Remover. Home Depot use to carry it, check local hardware stores.
Apply, let sit for a hour to over night, the adhesive/leatherette backing residue should come off easily by scraping gently. Wipe the treated area with alcohol before applying new adhesive.
GooGone may be more readily available but leaves an oily residue.
Goof Off will work but use outdoors or with a respirator.

BAC1967 · Sep 4, 2018

There's some good information online for removing it. That's old glue and you do need to get it cleaned off before replacing the leather, even small bumps will show thru the new leather. It takes a lot of elbow grease to get it good and clean.

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BAC1967 · Sep 4, 2018

some photos of one I recently re-skinned. On this one the old skin flaked off pretty easily.

Ko.Fe. · Sep 4, 2018

It is called vulcanite. I remove it by sharp object. Some blade. Vulcanite and remaining after removal substance. I scratch it off as much as possible. But no need to remove it all. Leatherette will sit on it tight.

John Koehrer · Sep 5, 2018

^^^What Ko.Fe said, sharp blade. The glue residue does need to be smooth but it's not imperative that it's
completely removed.

BTW if you try Goof Off it takes paint off of almost everything. Melts plastics pretty good too.
Be really careful what you get it close to.

ColdEye · Sep 5, 2018

Thanks for all the replies, used a sharp knife to carefully pry off the remaining vulcanite, worked like a charm. Will find something in the hard ware store to remove the glue tomorrow.

mshchem · Sep 5, 2018

Be careful of the googone etc. Some of the citrus degreasers will strip paint better than paint remover. I wouldn't use anything chemical if it's not gooey or sticky. 3M makes a brown Scotch Brite pad for body shop work . If you are very careful, a very small piece will clean up dry metal. Don't touch the chrome and be very gentle.

Berkeley Mike · Sep 8, 2018

Acetone on the tip of rag. Be patient. Use in well-ventilated area and wear gloves.

How to clean up leatherette from Leica M3?

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