Removing fingerprints from booklets?

[Mattb]

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend any product or technique the removes fingerprints from CD booklets? I have some I purchased used that have some that are probably removable, I just don't know how to do it.

Thanks...

[Holy Zoo]

If you figure this one out, let me know. I might actually die a happy man. :)

[jamesmaya]

You know how some people clean their eyeglasses by fogging it up and then wiping it off with a clean soft tissue or lens cloth? That's what I do with CD booklets with fingerprint smudges and it seems to work most of the time. Don't let anyone catch you in the act though - looks kinda weird.

Jim W.

[Mattb]

Originally posted by jamesmaya
You know how some people clean their eyeglasses by fogging it up and then wiping it off with a clean soft tissue or lens cloth? That's what I do with CD booklets with fingerprint smudges and it seems to work most of the time. Don't let anyone catch you in the act though - looks kinda weird.

Jim W.

Thanks for the suggestion. I picked up some lint free cloths at Staples very cheap. I guess they would do the trick.

[Gary]

Did you ever try using lens paper (used for cleaning camera lenses)? I wonder if that would work...

[jamesmaya]

No charge, Matt. It's just the old lo-tech "spit 'n' polish" technique (without the "spit", of course). There must be a better, more elegant way that I haven't heard of yet, but until it comes along...

Jim W.

[Dave]

Originally posted by Holy Zoo
If you figure this one out, let me know. I might actually die a happy man. :)
:laugh: I was just thinking the same thing.

[Mattb]

I can recall reading some gentleman's remarks about using a cloth with some kind of cleaning fluid on the cloth itself. I can not remember for the life of me what cleaning fluid he used. He remarked that his results were good.

[jamesmaya]

Originally posted by Mattb
I can recall reading some gentleman's remarks about using a cloth with some kind of cleaning fluid on the cloth itself. I can not remember for the life of me what cleaning fluid he used. He remarked that his results were good.

Was it "De-Solv-It"? It's a 100% organic citrus solution that I use to clean the gummy price stickers off of the CD jewel box. *Sometimes* I apply just a hint of the solution to a cleaning cloth to get rid of fingerprints on the CD booklet.

Jim W.

[Andrew]

The booklets with a "gold" finish are the worst, imho.

[Michael St. Clair]

Your finger oils will have a chemical reaction with some inks and those fingerprints will be permanent.

[Mattb]

Originally posted by jamesmaya


Was it "De-Solv-It"? It's a 100% organic citrus solution that I use to clean the gummy price stickers off of the CD jewel box. *Sometimes* I apply just a hint of the solution to a cleaning cloth to get rid of fingerprints on the CD booklet.

Jim W.

I am not sure Jim. I can tell you I use WD-40 for getting the price stickers off of the jewel boxes. It works very well.

[ascot]

Originally posted by Andrew
The booklets with a "gold" finish are the worst, imho.

I also have problems with solid black.

[Mattb]

Originally posted by Gary
Did you ever try using lens paper (used for cleaning camera lenses)? I wonder if that would work...

Not yet, I am hoping the cleaning cloths from Staples are similar.

[Sckott]

They are.

[Mattb]

Originally posted by Sckott
They are.

Are they Microfiber? I can not see anywhere on the packaging that says this. Just "Lint-Free cloth". Washable and reusable though.

[Sckott]

Fairly sure. Same cloth they give to you for lens cleaning. I would recommend that cloth as a very inexpensive cloth for cleaning CDs.

I agree; fingerprints on the black paper ware the worst, gold too. I usually use a paper towel spritzed with some water, very light. I've never had a problem...

[PsychFan]

Originally posted by Sckott
I agree; fingerprints on the black paper are the worst...

Yeah, that's pretty horrible. The (partially) remixed Who's Next CD comes to mind ... Almost as soon as I opened the stupid thing, it seemed the back of that booklet was covered in ugly fingerprints ... yuck.

[msimonov]

To clean fingerprints I use CD cleaning fluid that vaporizes extremely fast and a regular Kleenex tissue. You need to spray a little bit of CD cleaner on a Kleenex tissue and than clean a booklet. Works very well on a black paper.

[Mattb]

Originally posted by msimonov
To clean fingerprints I use CD cleaning fluid that vaporizes extremely fast and a regular Kleenex tissue. You need to spray a little bit of CD cleaner on a Kleenex tissue and than clean a booklet. Works very well on a black paper.

Which brand of cleaning fluid do you use?

[peterC]

Originally posted by jamesmaya
Don't let anyone catch you in the act though - looks kinda weird.
Jim W.


I was sitting behind my desk in my office one day polishing a CD in my lap when my secretary walked in.

She took one quick glance towards me and promptly departed! :laugh:

[jamesmaya]

Originally posted by peterC



I was sitting behind my desk in my office one day polishing a CD in my lap when my secretary walked in.

She took one quick glance towards me and promptly departed! :laugh:

:laugh: LOL

[Bruce Johnson]

Matt, I read you post and thought you might be thinking of reply I made to a posting about cleaning CDs. My opinion remains the same as I employ this method to this day with very satisfactory results.

It never ceases to amaze me what previous owners have subjected their their discs, booklets and inlays to.

I've simply cut and paste the bulk of my earlier post below. I hope this helps.



"My cleaner of choice, available at many plastics supply outlets, is a product by the name of Kleenmaster Brillianize. It is described as a "anti-static cleaner and fine finish detailer for plastics and shiny surfaces". A non-abrasive liquid it is dispensed from a pump-spray bottle. Distributors can be located by phoning 1-800-445-9344.

My applicator of choice has been well-laundered "treated" dust cloths available at maintenance supply stores. Repeated washings remove the chemical dust attractants leaving a uniformily-textured soft cloth.

I apply two or three sprays to the cloth, and placing the CD in the cloth, loosely and gently work the cloth over the entire surfaces with my fingers.

I've routinely maintained all my CDs in this manner since 1985. It safely removes most residue you may encounter on the previously-owned CDs you may obtain, including fingerprints. It evaporates quickly and leaves a uniformly brilliant and notably smooth surface.

Here's another remarkable use of this product you may appreciate. Applied sparingly to the same cloth I find it safely cleans fingerprint smudged booklets and inlays! This is especially true for the MFSL booklets, inlays and J-cards with their black satin finish. Technique is everything, but with minimal material on the cloth and a gentle application of the cloth to the paper on a flat surface the results are gratifying. I've been able to safely remove significant oily finerprints without detectable degradation of the paper or ink The high-quality DCC booklets are even easier to rescue of contaminants in this manner.

Want more? Paying attention to previous cautions about alcohol, the isopropyl variety will successfully remove permanent marker from those CDs which may have been unfortunately "autographed" at some time in their life. Red, blue and green marker tend to dissolve readily. The notable exception being black marker which either does not dissolve or does so very slowly and only with repeated applications. Try it yourself, on a CD case for example, to see for yourself.

One last tip concerns adhesive residue, which I repeatedly see referenced as being on CD cases and the like. For those not aware, spray lubricants (in my experience I'm referencing WD-40) will safely dissolve and remove most common sticky adhesives. You know the type left by security tags, price stickers and those labels tackily affixed to previously-owned CD cases proclaiming "Out of pint!", "Gold CD!", "Audiophile!" or "Bend over!". If you're able to remove most of the sticker leaving the adhesive residue, WD-40 applied to the adhesive and gently rubbed with a finger or cloth will do the trick. Follow with the cleaner of your choice. Brillianize, of course, works great on all surfaces of the case. This also applies to those sealed CDs you wish to have remain sealed. Carefully remove the sticker or security tag and remove the adhesive as above. With care you remove the adhesive and leave the seal intact."

[Mattb]

Bruce,

That was indeed the post! Thank you for reposting this informative message. I will find that cleaner and use it. I hope I can get it locally.

Thanks again!