Gluesticks

How do I loosen the glued on sticks?

I just got this coffee table that has a design on top that consists of bamboo like sticks glued on. Many of the sticks started to come loose and I just ended up removing them with the plan of just staining the table. Anyhow, there are a few sticks that are really hard to get off. Is there a clever trick to loosen the glue underneath to make them come off easier?

Public Comments

1. Try a little rubbing alcohol. Put some on a q-tip and swab the area around the stuck-on sticks. Be patient as it might take a little bit. You can also try nail polish remover but it is more likely to take the finish off the table. You can also check your local Lowe's for an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone, Goof Off, or Un-Do. You should be able to find these in or near the paint section. Good luck!
2. With all due respect certainly you could TRY rubbing alcohol; but without knowing the substance of the glue; you might try a dozen things unsuccessfuly. I want to assume that the process was SHODDY to begin with; why not just try a wide blade paint scraper? You'll likely have to sand off any residue anyway; to get to a point where stain will actually work. Steven Wolf
3. heat up the glue with a hair dryer and it will get liquidy again