Originally Posted by
lili
Sorry, think you have to brave Hobby Lobby again for that. I think you will be using their "decoupage medium." I would shellack the tray first to seal it, which they may or may not recommend. You might also want to stain it first.
To remove lables, put bottles in bathtub covered in water (push them down so they fill up inside and don't float). Come back the next day and lables are either floating or just slide off. The colors don't fade in water.
Years ago we bottled our own wine - probably more than legally allowed - using bottles local restaurants saved for us. Go figure, we were poor and had more time than sense.
We just tossed the lables and went on to sterilizing the bottles, but you could lay them flat on any hard surface and mabye pat them with towels, then put something on top to keep them flat. How many are your talking about anyway?
Most bottle labels come loose with lots and lots of soaking. Don't rush the process.
Goo Gone is fantastic stuff, but not for this project. It's for price tags and things that use that supposedly non-removable adhesive. (Try a hair dryer first, and have lots of patience. Don't rush the process.)
Yeah, I've made my own "beer" and bottled it in plastic 20 oz coke bottles.
I am finding that the labels need to be flattened, especially if they needed razor-blading. I put them between paper towels and put a couple heavy books on top. They don't need to be perfect; a scar or wrinkle adds character (just like me and Mrs BamaVol). I'm thinking 50 or so may be enough.
I will probably stain and polyurethane the tray first. It has all the strength and character of balsa wood. If I need anything more from Hobby Lobby <shudder>, I will have to send Mrs BamaVol.