Definition: Remove the labels

This has become a headache for collectors, who have to adapt their techniques to successive generations of adhesives. In the past, labels were affixed using egg white or milk, but later they were applied with powdered adhesives, which can be neutralised simply by immersing the bottle in hot water. But the new generation of labels, most of which are self-adhesive (a process detectable by the bubbles under the label or their often rounded corners), is giving collectors a hard time. Created to prevent fraud, this fixing technique makes them very difficult to recover in perfect condition. They must not be soaked in water, as this weakens the paper, making it more likely to tear when pulled. It is better to pour boiling water into the bottle to soften the glue and then remove the label with a razor blade. Sometimes this technique does not work. In this case, you will need to try a number of alternatives: microwave oven, pressurised steam, solvents, but be careful, as some colours are not resistant. Be prepared to devote a good deal of patience to the task.