Just an addition to what I wrote above. What I'm concerned about most is the adhesive from the liner paper being left on the wood. That's what I'd like advice about. The places where I've removed the paper, the wood is really sticky. I don't want to put anything on there to remove it that will cause problems later.

Thanks.

You are going to have to remove the adhesive residue at some point...heat will only soften the adhesive bond enough to allow you to peel off the shelf liner.

You have two choices:

1.Scrape and sand the residue off.
2.Use a solvent to soften the adhesive residue further and wipe off.

Someone may come in here with some advice on what solvent will dissolve pressure-sensitive adhesive from that era. You can discover that on your own by trial and error by subjecting the residue on the back of the vinyl to various solvents until you find one that will work. Most solvents will drive residues further into the wood, however.

As for what I'd do...I'd physically remove the stuff with sharp scrapers and then sandings with the appropriate schedule of sanding grits. The scrapers have to be razor sharp and your technique is to slice the residue off the wood while being careful not to gouge or nick the wood surface too deeply. A careful application of heat while scraping can hasten removal, as the softened adhesive is easier to work. I use hooked paint scrapers, but sharp cabinet scrapers would work well also, I'd guess.

Alot of work for sure.

I agree with the hair dryer to warm the stick-um and allow you to peel the paper off.
And goo gone I believe will be the best way to remove the residue...sanding won't work because the sand paper will gum up.
I have never heard of a solvent driving anything into the wood....you need to liquify the goo and then wipe it off. Safer than trying to shave it off with a sharp tool
No matter what you do you will have to refinish the surface.
Linda C

Solvents emulsify the adhesive and the resulting slurry can seep into the wood fibers...that is why professional floor finishers don't use chemical strippers or solvent removers. If you use a solvent, then simply sand the wood surface until it is clean and will take the finishing materials you choose to use.

You could try using a plane to take the adhesive off (after you've heat-softened it and peeled away the plastic sheet). You can set the blade (a BRAND NEW and very sharp one) how you want, therefore set it to be level w/ the base of the plane, instead of extending below.

But I think I'd practice w/ the plane on some other item before I proceeded.

For glenn and lindac,

Thank you so much for all your advice. The hairdryer worked like a charm. Softened the shelf paper enough to where I could peel it off in long strips.

As for the adhesive left behind, I'm still working on that. But stay away from Goo Gone.....it barely made a dent, and still had to scrub with a Scotchbrite pad to get any results.

Isn't trying new things fun?!

Good luck with your hutch.

For glenn,

"Isn't trying new things fun?!"

Ain't it the truth? But that's how most of us learn...a continuing process of trial and error. That adhesive is REALLY on there. Touching the wood is like touching flypaper. Will yet have to resort to some sort of solvent to get it off, then like you said, just sand things down to where there's pure wood.

"Good luck with your hutch."

Thank you. This piece is quite sound overall, but it will need at least partial disassembly to properly refinish it. In reference to your first statement about things being fun, I'm sure getting that large sheet of veneer off the back without cracking or splitting it should be an absolute blast......: )