Removing glue from gelcoat

[black pearl]

Need to remove the glue after I removed the hailing letters from the back of the boat. I can't find the thread about using alcohol and water I think it was 3 parts water and 1 part alcohol but not sure. I tried using Accetone on a different painted suface and it worked quite well since it tries in seconds. I think accetone is the ticket but I don't want to mess up the gelcoat. Do ya'll think this will be ok? The letters are vinyl. I have already removed the letters now just the glue for the new lettering. Oh yea already tried Goo Gone did no work. The letters have been on the boat about 5 years now. Thanks Jim

 

[tobnpr]

Have you tried mineral spirits?

 

[Henry Boyd]

I'll differ to anyone with direct knowledge, but I've used Acetone in the past without any negative results. My thinking was it was ok as it is the recomended cleaner for gelcoat repairs.

I would also think that whatever you use, that you apply a coating of paste wax over the cleaned area when you are done.

Henry

 

[fwebster]

My personal theory of cleaning boats and fiberglass is to begin wit hthe least offensive and work my way up to the most aggressive cleaning agent. Acetone on gelcoat is pretty high up on the aggressive scale since it can damage lots of nearby surfaces. Because it evaporates quickly it takes a lot and is prone to spillinf\g as you have to replenish the rag frequently.

Toluene works best, but most adhesives come off well with mineral spirits or paint thinner. WD-40 is also good but leaves an oily residue and can spot fabrics. Sometimes a solvent base polish will work, but I have better luck with mineral spirits followed by buffing and waxing.

Removing names, hailing ports and registration numbers can be troublesome because the area under the paint of vinyl has been protected from the sun and atmosphere and isn't oxidized. If your letting has been in place a long time, expect there to be a shadow of the lettering after you remove it and the adhesive. Wet sanding, compound and buffing is all that will reduce the shadows.

Oh, I forgot........lots of elbow grease is needed too.

 

[Fetch ND]

Gum Freeze ?

or Goo Gone ?

or a product called Misty Vandal mark remover

http://www.amazon.com/Misty-Vandali...1_92?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1213562335&sr=1-92

http://www.amazon.com/s/?field-brandtextbin=AmRep&rh=n:13900821,p_4:AmRep&tag=themusicsource62658-20

You don't need a whole case 1 can would last a long time

don't use it on vinyl (unless you are careful - use a (Q-tip) & lightly - & always spray on a rag 1st then lightly go to what you want to remove - Great for ink - markers - spray paint too - it has fumes & is flammable - But it works !!! Find a Janitorial supply & see if you can get 1 can

I took off that California emissions sticker on my boat yesterday (peeled the sticker) & Misty took the glue easy - No problem

+++There are not many stains that cannot be removed+++

 

[tobnpr]

The GTX is a good choice (that's one towards the bow of my boat in my signature, also an XP on the other side).
I had the GTX given to me for free, basically a hull w/a shot motor. Consider going that route when buying an older ski; you can repower with a rebuilt engine w/a one year warranty and have most of the ski mechanicals (carbs, fuel lines, etc.) re-worked for a couple of grand. Then, you've got a "new" ski

 

[Woody]

I was looking at the Spectrum gel coat repair site and they recommend Acetone/10% water for cleaning and prep before gelcoat repairs. I have always used WD40 sprayed on a cloth then applied to the adhesive. I wash the site immediately after I'm done to remove the residue. So far have not had any problems with this method on paint or gelcoat.

 

[KayKook]

Goo Gone is what you need. Don't even bother with any home brew. It works.

 

[280 SeaRay]

Goo Gone is what you need. Don't even bother with any home brew. It works.

Agree. Goo Gone has worked very well to remove all of the nice warning labels SR put on my boat as well as the bi-annual registration sticker.

 

[Newbie]

Goo Gone works OK but Goof Off is by far the best. I have tried nearly every kind of this stuff here in the construction field and there are few things it wont take off. Glue from lettering, ink on vinyl, paint overspray, grease etc all disappears. SB

 

[Larry&Leisa]

Oh yea already tried Goo Gone did no work.

said he tried goo gone already.....

 

[280 SeaRay]

Goo Gone works OK but Goof Off is by far the best. I have tried nearly every kind of this stuff here in the construction field and there are few things it wont take off. Glue from lettering, ink on vinyl, paint overspray, grease etc all disappears. SB

As Frank mentioned the idea here is to start with the least offensive (the most mild product that will work) product and move more aggressive if required. Goof Off is certainly effective.... but also seems much more aggressive. At the end of the day it is your boat.... use what you like.... I personally choose to spend a little more time and a less aggressive product.