I've seen a lot of comments in the forums (and I think it's in the "how to wrap a book" directions) about NOT using Press and Seal plastic wrap.  Why?  I've never bought it, but I was under the impression that it only stuck to itself.  I take it that is false?

It has a filmy glue substance that can transfer to surfaces like books. I used to love the stuff until I noticed the glue buildup on my containers, then I thought ick, that's on my food too!

OH, that is *ick* -- I didn't know it was like that.  It doesn't wash off easily, then.  yuck.

I read someone used press and seal back ward, with the sticky side OUT???

I love it and never noted any residue on my containers...but I would never use it to wrap books.

I got book once that was wrapped in it and the entire book was covered in sticky stuff.  *Sigh*

I'll use it once in a while inside out.  I haven't heard any complaints.  I hate the stuff for covering dishes.  It never seems to work!  I'm trying to get rid of the last of the roll.  It actually seals really nicely when you use it inside out. 

Melanie D. wrote: "then I thought ick, that's on my food too!" 

It's actually some type of food glue, so it's edible.

Press n Seal leaves a sticky residue when mailed in cold or "nice" weather.  In hot weather, or April to November here in TX, the !@$#$%#$^ stuff won't @#%#$%$# come off.  :)

The sticky residue is annoying.  Not being able to try the stuff off the book in the first place is what eventually lead to it's downfall here at PBS.  There is nothing like putting a Press N seal wrapped book in your black mail box in the hot sun for a couple of hours.   Many of the "The plastic melted onto my book" threads have involved Press N Seal.

It's BAD stuff.  :)

Kerry

So does the requestor get a credit back when there is Press 'N Seal damage?

Jan, it's up to the sender to give the credit back. Since it's in the rules to NOT use sticky seal I would hope the sender would give the credit back, but they don't have to.

I would ask for my credit back if a book were damaged by Press 'n' Seal. The wrapping instructions specifically say NOT to use it.

ETA: HC info:

Consider using an inner layer of plastic

• • You can use Saran Wrap, or clean plastic grocery bags, or any kind of clean plastic material
  • please do not use "Press and Seal". This product contains some type of glue that sticks to the books.
    • If you wrap your book in this and it is then damaged when the package is opened, you will not receive a credit.
    • If you get a book that was wrapped using Press-and-Seal, a product called Goo-Gone will remove the residue from the book cover.

It's funny, but that Help Doc is the second or third mention I've seen of using Goo-Gone to get gunk off books.  I've never been brave enough to try it on a book because whenever I use it on a hard surface, I have to thoroughly clean it afterward to get rid of the Goo-Gone odor.

Has anyone tried it?  Does it leave the book smelly? (the Goo-Gone I've been using the kind in the flattish squirt bottle, not the trigger sprayer)

Karen

I use Goo Gone on books all the time to remove price stickers.   Just went and double-checked a few books I know I've used it on in the past and none of them smell like the product, so it does go away after a while.

I've used Goo Gone on lots of things, including books. I only use it on books that have a shiny finish. If it's a matt finish (seems lots of the larger trade PB have this) I wouldn't try it.  If you get it on paper that doesn't have a smooth shiney finish, it will make a stain like oil.

I always squirt it on a cotton ball first, then wipe the sticker or other goo. Sometimes I also put some windex on a cotton ball or paper towel and wipe with that too.  Rubbing alcohol will do a pretty good general cleaning, too. It dries fast.