Best solvent for cleaning deckhead?

[MissFitz]

I've removed some old headlining from my boat and need to clean a couple of decades' worth of dreck from the deckhead before painting it white. I've had a go with white spirit, which sort of works but will be a long job. Is there anything that would be more effective? (I have friends who can get me trade stuff if necessary.)

Also, any suggestions on what to apply it with would also be very helpful. So far I've tried rags and sponges, again can't help feeling there be a better solution. (Washing up scratchies?)

 

[ip485]

I find thinners are often one of the best agents - but plenty of ventilation and the necessary protection.

 

[awol]

Not at all helpful, I'm afraid. Avoid the use of solvents in a confined space unless there is more than adequate ventilation. Effects can be long lasting.

 

[VicS]

Not at all helpful, I'm afraid. Avoid the use of solvents in a confined space unless there is more than adequate ventilation. Effects can be long lasting.

If using solvents in a combined space good ventilation should be combined with the use of an organic vapours mask such as the 3M 4251, which is readily available eg fromToolstation

https://www.toolstation.com/shop/Wo...rganic+Vapour+&+Particulate+Respirator/p48094

 

[ashtead]

Would an adhesive removal spray as sold by Lidl in a can not help? Personally I would have thought Screwfix or suchlike would stock an adhesive removal spray? I recently remove glue which had been underneath Formica covering using neat petrol but this was in a non boats environment .

 

[thinwater]

If the adhesive is old and dried up (it probably is) a cup brush on an angle grinder is WAY faster more complete. You will need a fan, respirator, and goggles. But it is fast. Last year I had to clean a 2' x 5' section; with a cup brush it took 10 minutes, tops, clean enough for epoxy bonding.

I had to peal back carpet to reinforce a centerboard case. Interesting project.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G26Y_w-AgXs/Wguw4EeylMI/AAAAAAAAONE/RR4WUvTVfZYkjZj0XSG8AaNZnNXIxNv3wCLcBGAs/s1600/CB%2Bangle%2Band%2Bribs%2Bbefore%2Btrimming.jpg
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-work-day.html

 

[Hadenough]

Hawke House https://www.hawkehouse.co.uk/product-category/adhesives/glue-removal/

 

[Varne27]

Hawke House https://www.hawkehouse.co.uk/product-category/adhesives/glue-removal/

+1
Perhaps more convenient from Screwfix, to fit drill or, better, angle grinder. Works like magic.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/non-woven-preparation-wheel-115mm/83915

 

[Gwylan]

I've removed some old headlining from my boat and need to clean a couple of decades' worth of dreck from the deckhead before painting it white. I've had a go with white spirit, which sort of works but will be a long job. Is there anything that would be more effective? (I have friends who can get me trade stuff if necessary.)

Also, any suggestions on what to apply it with would also be very helpful. So far I've tried rags and sponges, again can't help feeling there be a better solution. (Washing up scratchies?)

Did someone suggest 3M adhesive solvent. Expensive aerosol, ome sort of citrus spray. But it works on old Evo-Stik and similar.

https://indigo.co/Item/3m-citrus-scotch-weld-cleaner-spray-adhesive-remover

Shop around on the internet - the prices vary widely.

 

[MissFitz]

Thanks guys, the angle grinder solution sounds great, much safer than solvents. Will give it a go!