removal of duct tape glue from fibreglas deck - Maxum Boat Owners Club

RedRocket · 08-29-2011, 12:40 AM

Hi all again: recently had to use duct tape on my fibreglas foredeck. It was on for about 3 weeks. I removed it yesterday and a lot of glue remained. How best to clean this up? Mineral spirits/paint thinner first came to mind. There is also Goo Gone. GG recommends testing 1st on an inconspicious place, would do the same with ms/pt. Any info appreciated. TIA Mike

mcoffey · 08-29-2011, 01:09 AM

I have always used and have had great luck with plain old simple WD-40. Yep, you heard that right, works like a charm and I have never had it harm the surface of anything. I have even used it on painted surfaces (RV and car). You then just need to clean with a degreaser after, something like Spray-Nine or Simple Green.

Just spray it on, let it sit and then wipe up after about 5-10 minutes. Then clean it off when all goo is gone.

biggerseagar · 08-29-2011, 01:18 AM

Last resorts..........acetone.........it loves to clean fiberglass..........

jamanati · 09-01-2011, 02:53 AM

WD40 is good, removes all types of sticky stuff and pretty safe for fiberglass. Like mcoffey said, wd40, then clean it off with a degreaser.

seapuppy · 09-01-2011, 03:01 AM

yep..definitely WD40......spray some on....let sit for a bit...then wipe it up...

SP

ed & inge · 09-01-2011, 08:52 AM

or use sticker glue remover....thats save on every survace/underground

greatz, ed

tjwieseler · 09-01-2011, 01:35 PM

Don't use Zinzer Adhesive remover. I used that on my boat to remove the vinyl decals and it actually started to melt the gelcoat

vffb507 · 09-01-2011, 02:30 PM

I've used goo gone myself even on the dark burgundy with no problems whatsoever...

Cymru · 09-01-2011, 03:18 PM

Have to agree with mcoffey. Spray some WD40 on the stufff and leave it to do its thing.

RedRocket · 09-03-2011, 06:15 PM

[ATTACH][/ATTACH]Job in progress using WD 40 with good success. Hopefully 1 pic attached; glue on black [maybe just painted] surface very evident but there is also glue on white. For more pics and info on replacing my skylights go to Cruisers - "Help installing new skylights-gasket and sealant"

Warpa1 · 09-03-2011, 09:16 PM

I use Tardis glue and tar removal, best of the buch in the detailing world and great if de badging a car.

jamanati · 09-12-2011, 02:00 AM

Well, I had to to this today as well. I had duct taped my hatches shut for hurricane irene, and after I pulled up the duct tape, lot of glue. I was going to go with the wd40, but I saw the comment about tar and bug remover and remembered that I used that on my truck, and best part is no oil residue to wash. So, got a spray bottle of the stuff, and a dobie (a plastic type of sponge), and went to work on the 3 hatches. After some elbow grease, it came off nice and clean. I'll never do that again, meaning, duct tape my hatches. A lesson learned.

jayesq · 09-12-2011, 07:14 PM

Jamanati I did the same thing for Irene and had the same results. After I had everything taped up a few neighbors on the dock told me to use Shrink Wrap tape next time. It apparently doesn't leave a residue. I figure I'll give it a try because it can't be any worse than the duck tape, which was on for only 48 hours and it took an hour and half to get all the glue off.

shrew · 09-13-2011, 01:43 PM

Ditto on Shrink wrap tape. That is what I used to seal the cabin hatch in prep for Irene. I also use it to afix sections of carpeting on sharp points during prep for shrink wrapping. It does leave a little residue, but far less than duct tape and what is left behind comes off easily. Also ditto on WD-40.