Dinghy repairs... removing old adhesive...

[long_ben]

So further to my post about my Crescent 3.9hp outboard... as part of my budget dinghy solution, I have an old Avon which was slowly loosing air. After inflating and working my way round all the seams and surface with a spray bottle, I have traced the sources of the leaks to the areas around the valves. These seem to to have been built up over time with a series of repairs on repairs on repairs... I suspect due to a fairly poorly done initial valve replacement. Not being too keen on the idea of adding to the problem, I removed the whole 'aftermarket' assembly... which - to give you an idea of it's soundness - simply peeled off after being left in the sun for half an hour.

So... it looks like the wrong adhesive was used to repair the dinghy from the outset and the previous owner had been chasing their tail with more material and adhesive ever since. Problem is... I am now left with this mess...



I can't decide whether to try and sand it back or to try and find some sort of clever solvent that will attack the crusty mess but not the hypalon. I have had a bit of a go at one of the valve surrounds with a bit of 120 grit but it doesn't seem to want to come off too easily. Is there a less labour intensive method of getting this stuff off? I'm not adverse to elbow grease but I also don't necessarily believe in making work for myself if there's a neat - and not prohibitively expensive - solution... thanks all... Ben

 

[Minchsailor]

If you find a shop specialising in car paint re-refinishing, they may have strong solvents, usually used for re-moving silicone polishes before re-painting.

Beware - these are pretty nasty solvents, so use in the open air with protection (gloves), and check for compatibility with the dinghy fabric. They one I got was OK with Hypalon (Avon).

 

[Catalina36]

Many contact adhesives yield to white spirit, which is unlikely to damage hypalon - but to be on the safe side, why not enquire of an agent to see if there's a specific product to do the job?

 

[long_ben]

I have some white spirit so I might give that a go. I also have some old bits of the dinghy from where I removed the valves so I can try it on that first.

I also like the idea of the a car body finishers... I'm always on the lookout for alternative industries that use similar products. Surprising how much of a mark-up something gets as soon as it has the word 'marine' in the title...

 

[VicS]

I have some white spirit so I might give that a go. I also have some old bits of the dinghy from where I removed the valves so I can try it on that first.

I also like the idea of the a car body finishers... I'm always on the lookout for alternative industries that use similar products. Surprising how much of a mark-up something gets as soon as it has the word 'marine' in the title...

Difficult to advise on a suitable solvent for cleaning off old adhesive without knowing what it is, but xylene is one I would try on old contact adhesive.

Look at Polymarine's 'website. They are the expert/ specialist inflatable dinghy repair, parts and materials supplier..... Also see their instructional pages

Polymarine Paints, Adhesives, Parts & Accessories | Everything to keep RIB's and Inflatables in good repair & great condition

Polymarines, P510 solvent/ cleaner for Hypalon is a mixture of butanone (MEK) and hydrocarbons ........ try adding some MEK to your white spirit

 

[fredrussell]

I’d stick a circular wire brush attachment on a drill and go at it carefully to remove the bulk of the gunk, then finish off with a solvent.

 

[Quandary]

I have been using a solvent called 'Detak' to remove sealants with good success, I think it might work with adhesives too. It was originally developed for removing chewing gum by councils etc. You may need to use something like isopropyl alcohol ??? after to ensure you new adhesive sticks.
Detak is available from Hadlow Marine but I am sure there must be plenty of non boaty suppliers. Made by Clover Chemicals at Whaley Bridge.

 

[Graham376]

I’d stick a circular wire brush attachment on a drill and go at it carefully to remove the bulk of the gunk, then finish off with a solvent.

Flapper sanding wheel will do less damage can work well, followed by solvent. Have done it that way several times.

 

[NormanS]

I've had good results with a hair drier.

 

[neil_s]

NormanS might have the right idea - if the old glue is an inferior sort of contact adhesive, the warmth will soften it and allow you to scrape it off.