OT (sortof): How to remove dried BLO from a flat-panel computer monitor?

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1215

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Sep 25, 2015
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I work with computers. Mostly hosting servers in data centers (not interacting with humans) but I have built out small offices (10-50 people) in the past. We just got this new home and I have piles (35-40) flat screen monitors stacked up in the garage right next to the workbench. I didn't realize at the time I did my first couple hangs that some of the BLO was spraying from the end of the paintbrush onto a row of computer screens.

Its not the end of the world. They are older (2009-2010 vintage square flat screens) and even before I learned that I had BLO'd the monitors, I had been planning on mounting two that got hit the worst up over the bench so I can stream music, watch the game, bug you guys, look up torque & other specs online for the cars, watch YouTube instructional videos, etc.

So I went to set the computer up tonight and I found that I had dry BLO all over two of the monitors --what can I use to get it off? Regular monitor cleaner (like Windex) isn't working.

Thanks...
 
jblyttle said:
Acetone (carefully on a non abrasive rag).
Click to expand...

Seriously? I've never tried it but I'm inclined to ask you to try first and tell me how it work out... These are Dell 21" (square) flat panels. They have plastic screens, not glass.

Is that my only option?
 
My recommendation would be to call Dell tech support and ASK them what the screen material is made of. Some of those screen materials MAY melt under acetone.

Another test would be to find a dead Dell monitor and test it on that one.

I've just seen acetone melt too many things that were THOUGHT to be safe.
 
1215 said:
Seriously? I've never tried it but I'm inclined to ask you to try first and tell me how it work out... These are Dell 21" (square) flat panels. They have plastic screens, not glass.

Is that my only option?
Click to expand...

That's OK, my screens don't have BLO on them. ;)

J/K, I should have thought about the glass/plastic thing before answering. Maybe scrape with a credit card, Goo Gone maybe?
 
I would suggest denatured alcohol. Much less damaging to plastics, might have to soak a paper towel and lay that over the spots to let them soften. Then work loose with finger/thumbnail and alcohol and gentle rubbing.

The textured plastic non glare surface is prone to marking and scratching.
 
Dish soap, Simple Green, orange/citrus whatever cleaners. If that fails, then I'd try original Gojo, the cream, not with pumice. All these things cut oil and are water soluble. You could look into WD40 but I think it's relatively mild and would easily clean up with one of the water degreasers.
 
Rapt_up said:
I would suggest denatured alcohol. Much less damaging to plastics, might have to soak a paper towel and lay that over the spots to let them soften. Then work loose with finger/thumbnail and alcohol and gentle rubbing.

The textured plastic non glare surface is prone to marking and scratching.
Click to expand...

That's probably a good suggestion. Of course try it first in a corner of the least valuable monitor.
 
Please define BLO. Have no clue what you're talking about. How is it connected to axes and tomahawks??
 
Not that anyone would be wondering how my monitors cleaned up but in case you were...

I ended up using BLO on a Q-Tip. It softened the dried BLO very quickly. From there I was able to use a paper towel to wipe it up and windex after that. Good as new.
 
Nice. Now if we ever end up in the same situation we know a little hair of the dog that bit it will clean things up. :D
 
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