Removing Adhesive

[Herbseesmoore]

Ready to make this boat our home with a new name.

took off the vinyl letters and got off 90 percent of the adhesive with a 3m product for that purpose that came with the boat but not enough. Before i head for the store to get a new container, will anything else work, denatured alcohol or acetone is on board.

any tips?

[Weyalan]

It depends on the glue. Sometimes turpentine is the answer, sometimes methylated spirits, sometimces acetone. In one case, with a particularly stubborn glue, we found that applying a decent coating of sunscreen, covering with plastic and leaving for a while was just the thing (don't ask how we discovered that this worked). Basically, gelcoat is reasonably tough, so don't be afraid to try a few different things.

Once you have got as much off as you possibly can, a decent cut and polish will bring it up like new.

[zeehag]

acetone is great adhesive remover. does a good job. keep well ventilated and way from any fire or flame or sparks.

[ub1]

zylene is the main ingredient in 3m adhesive remover, alot cheaper, or acetone

[Herbseesmoore]

ok thanks for the quick replies, took the remainder off with the acetone.


some light sanding and on with the knew letters

[barnakiel]

Depends on glue - try acetone or turps.

On our boat the old letters left shades even after we removed all glue and applied new wax.

b.

[zeehag]

the adhesi8ve glue in those vinyl stickies is similar to duct tape--the 200 mph variety--i kept a chevy luv truk together with that stuff for years-- about 8 yrs, actually--lol-- was a trip-- acetone wins every time. have to use in between applications of tape. otherwise you have monster leaks down your back in rainy cold wet winter from hell--yes i had lots of experience!! LOL...
my ericson still hs shades from when she was named balderdash..lol.. sun bleaching of the gelcoat.

[svHyLyte]

We have found WD-40 to be an effective adheasive remover in many cases.

FWIW...

[mikereed100]

+1 on the WD-40. Works great on tape adhesive. I have heard that just about any oil will do, including olive oil.

Mike

[Darryl]

I keep a small bottle of eucalyptus oil onboard. it is very effective in removing old adhesive tape and other glues.
As a side benefit, it has a lovely nostalgic smell that reminds me of home; (Oz). A bit like a Kiwi and mint sauce I guess.

Cheers
Darryl
SY Coral Kuching