How To Remove Wine Bottle Labels
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How To Remove Wine Labels?

David J Sharp
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In this article, we’re going to be discussing how you can remove wine labels from your bottles of wine. Therefore, without further ado, let’s get into it!

Why remove wine bottle labels?

A wine label of a bottle may hold certain memories of a special occasion or an experience that you may want to remember, in a physical form, and some people choose to remove the label from the bottle in order to include it in their scrapbook, label collection or journal.

Alternatively, some may want to remove a bottle‘s wine label and replace it with one that they have designed themselves.

We also hear a lot about wine labels being removed by artisans and crafters who intend to reuse the labels or bottles for their arts and crafts projects.

Such projects may include the creation of wine tile coasters, wine bottle lights, glassware, frames wine labels (as wall and desk art) and lots of other items.

How To Remove a Wine Label

Removing any existing wine labels from your wine bottle before applying your custom wine label will give your wine bottle a more professional appearance. Here are some pointers on how to remove existing wine labels to assist you.

The method you choose to remove an existing label from a bottle is determined by the method that was originally used to attach the label to the bottle. There are two fundamental methods for attaching wine labels to bottles.

The first type of label is an adhesive label, also known as a pressure-sensitive label or a “sticker” label. This type of label is found on the majority of wines.

The second ingredient is glue, which is typically found in European wines. After you’ve determined what kind of label you have (see initial steps), you’ll need to take the necessary steps to get it off.

Initial Steps for removing both label types

Using a fingernail or a razor, raise the corner of the label in the first step for both types of labels. If the back of the label is sticky, proceed as if it were a sticker label by following the steps for “sticker” labels. To use a label with a non-sticky back, follow the steps for using a label that is “glued.”

Sticker wine labels

1) When dealing with “sticker” wine labels, the first step is to run the hottest water (not boiling water) you can get your hands on over them to make removal easier and faster. Allow the bottle to sit in water for a few minutes until the water reaches the top of the existing label.

2) Dry the bottle with paper towel. Now, test the label to see if it is ready to be removed by carefully sliding a razor under the label edge to begin the removal process. In most cases, if the label comes off easily, you will be able to gently pull it off in a large section.

3) Finish by drying the bottle thoroughly and applying your new custom label from Bottle Your Brand.

Glued wine labels

1) Place the bottle in warm water in a container large enough to completely submerge the bottle above the label. Allow the bottle to sit soaking in water for a few minutes.

2) Dry the bottle using some paper towels, this is important so your hands don’t slip as you operate the razor/utility knife. Carefully slide a razor blade under the label edge to see if the label is ready to be removed. You will be able to pull the label off if it is ready. When you begin to peel the label away from the bottle, it may begin to separate, with some of the label remaining stuck to the bottle. Take a razor and begin peeling the label from the other side with it. You may want to use a steel wool pad to remove any additional glue residue from the glass bottle.

3) Dry the bottle thoroughly before applying your new label design or personalised wine label from Bottle Your Brand.

Can I use a wine label without using water?

An alternative way is to bake the bottle in the oven and then peel off the label, this means avoiding water/hot soapy water altogether. However, don’t forget to use an oven mitt, as outlined in the video:

Can I use a wine label remover kit?

There are quite a few wine bottle label remover kits available, oh which they apparently contain everything you’ll need to remove a label.

However, from the wine label removers that we’ve seen, and the product reviews that we’ve read, we’re not convinced that there are many great solutions out there.

Therefore, we’d suggest sticking to the above instructions, depending on the type of label you’re looking to remove.

David J Sharp is a wine equipment expert, having previously worked with some of the best wine cooler manufacturers within the USA. Today he works as a full-time wine cooler and wine cellar consultant for small and large clients alike. You can find out more about LoveCraftWines here.

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