To make a long story short, a can of clear spray paint spilled on my 3DS. I've gotten most of it off but it has "glued down" my L and R buttons. Anyone know of a way to clean out the gunk without having to take it apart? I don't trust myself to be able to properly put it back together..
I'd probably use an x-acto knife and try to cut through the gunk around the buttons, and gently scrape it away. If that doesn't work, maybe try dipping a rag in paint thinner and very carefully with the rag barely damp just wiping over the affected area. May want to change the title, too. "Sticky residue on 3DS" made me think you were watching that evil pornography.
Second the paint thinner approach. Since its paint you spilled D: 1. Soak a rag/softcloth and wipe the L R area making sure to rub everywhere. 2. Soak a q tip in thinner and jab it into the nooks and crannies. 3. Could also get another person to hold a hair dryer to help blast the thinner under the pads themselves. 4. Hold the 3ds upside down as you work to let gravity pull the gunk downwards rather than deeper into your console. Also check this semi tut here: http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20120730/231194/
