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Removing tape adhesive
DavidM - 6/4/06 at 12:17 AM

What's the best thing for removing adhesive residue from fibreglass. I have a few areas where masking tape has been stuck on for a considerable time (years) and now I've pealed it off it has left a hard residue. I've tried white spirit but it won't touch it. How about petrol, will that work without damaging the gel coat?

David

stevebubs - 6/4/06 at 12:19 AM

If it's just gelcoat, then acetone (nail varnish remover) will probably be the best thing. Just ensure you wash it off afterwards.

nitram38 - 6/4/06 at 02:38 AM

Try 'panel clean'. Most motor factors or paint shops sell it.

Kodiak - 6/4/06 at 05:00 AM

MEK works great but it is NASTY, other option is to use a low flash point solvent such as kerosine and tape a paper towel soaked in it, covered with cling film overnight. Softens up the resins in the glue and should be easy (ish) to remove next day.

Danozeman - 6/4/06 at 05:53 AM

White spirit?

Kissy - 6/4/06 at 05:57 AM

MEK is very nasty stuff - carcinogenic actually.
Acetone will do fine - if wiping does not work use petrol on a cloth resting on the affected area for a minute or so - should then come off.

David Jenkins - 6/4/06 at 07:23 AM

A mundane fix is to use 'sticky stuff remover' - available in most supermarkets. Smells of oranges!

David

nludkin - 6/4/06 at 08:02 AM

White spirit worked for me... I found it best to go over it with soapy water afterwards to wipe away the crud.

iank - 6/4/06 at 08:37 AM

I've used isopropyl alcohol before, didn't damage the paint and just evaporates away.

You can get cans in Maplins.
link

DarrenW - 6/4/06 at 09:48 AM

Ive always found panel wipe works fine. As said befre available from bodyshops / motor factors, its a kind of weak paint thinners. As always - test in a hidden area first.

Acetone is available in small bottles very cheaply from local chemists. Also great for removing kids felt tip pen from tiles and paintworks! (Guess how i know!!!)

Peteff - 6/4/06 at 10:52 AM

If it's gummy adhesive like on the back of price tags I use furniture polish or baby wipes, both do the job.

wicket - 6/4/06 at 11:11 AM

White spirit works a treat

02GF74 - 6/4/06 at 12:59 PM

quote:
Originally posted by stevebubs
If it's just gelcoat, then acetone (nail varnish remover) will probably be the best thing. Just ensure you wash it off afterwards.


you sure about acetone? I need to look in the CFS catalogue but seem to rememebr they sell that for cleaing brushed use for resin so does not seem a top idea to me.

Paraffin, turps, white spirit or petrol have worked for me.

DavidM - 6/4/06 at 10:25 PM

Thanks fellas, I'll try some of them, just look out for my next new topic...."How do I repair melted fibreglass?

David

02GF74 - 7/4/06 at 08:42 AM

yep; looked in the book; acetone is used to remove uncured resin. I owuld have thought it would not be kind to hardened resin.

TimC - 12/3/08 at 08:53 AM

I have loads of dried on masking tape on my tub. Have tried whiite spirit and a bit of petrol (although I didn't leave it on.) Any advances on how I can get it off?

procomp - 12/3/08 at 09:29 AM

Hi acetone work fine on GRP and paint for removing stains and tape residue. It dose not effect it. If it did all the race cars would have melted grp by now.

Cheers Matt

TimC - 16/3/08 at 03:44 PM

Awesome advice - amazing how easily it comes off.

wax-it - 20/3/08 at 06:07 PM

Tardis from AutoSmart rep

Tar Remover from AG (Halfords etc)

Dont forget to wax afterwards.

DarrenW - 21/3/08 at 12:16 AM

quote:
Originally posted by wax-it
Tardis from AutoSmart rep

Tar Remover from AG (Halfords etc)

Dont forget to wax afterwards.


Is Tardis the stuff that comes in tiny tubs. When you take the top off its amaxing how much is in there

wax-it - 21/3/08 at 09:43 AM

LOL

Its very cheap and very handy to have around.

Just dont forget to clean the paintwork (dodo lime prime is ideal) and top with a decent wax.