For those contemplating Treadmaster removal

[gavin400]

I have been thinking about replacing the Treadmaster on the coachroof of my Fisher 25 as it has begun peeling at the edges, it has been repainted at some time in the past and is looking terrible

One of my biggest concerns was finding a way to remove the old stuff and I envisaged many hours of work trying various different methods

Yesterday, I applied some heat using a hot air paint stripper on medium heat and a scraper and within 3 hours I had the entire coachroof stripped (the Fisher has a LOT of Treadmaster) - if you time it right/get lucky (not too early, not too late) the Treadmaster lifts clean off with most of the adhesive attached to the panel and hence virtually no cleaning up - I wasn't particularly successful in this but nonetheless the residue fairly easily cleans up with some Sticky Stuff Remover and a Scotchbrite pad

Am unable to post photos because the file size is too large

May be of use to anyone contemplating the same job

 

[Kelpie]

Thanks for that, sounds very encouraging! I am also considering removing the Treadmaster on the side decks and putting down Kiwi Grip instead.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I have been thinking about replacing the Treadmaster on the coachroof of my Fisher 25 as it has begun peeling at the edges, it has been repainted at some time in the past and is looking terrible

One of my biggest concerns was finding a way to remove the old stuff and I envisaged many hours of work trying various different methods

Yesterday, I applied some heat using a hot air paint stripper on medium heat and a scraper and within 3 hours I had the entire coachroof stripped (the Fisher has a LOT of Treadmaster) - if you time it right/get lucky (not too early, not too late) the Treadmaster lifts clean off with most of the adhesive attached to the panel and hence virtually no cleaning up - I wasn't particularly successful in this but nonetheless the residue fairly easily cleans up with some Sticky Stuff Remover and a Scotchbrite pad

Am unable to post photos because the file size is too large

May be of use to anyone contemplating the same job

The guys who I use to clean the deck of my boat seem to have very little removing my tread-master with their high pressure washer even when I don't want it removing.

My treadmaster is stuck down with sikaflex type material from Den Braven

 

[NormanS]

I reckon that mine is stuck down with epoxy. I had great difficulty in removing a tiny bit to fit something.

 

[macd]

I reckon that mine is stuck down with epoxy. I had great difficulty in removing a tiny bit to fit something.

Heat gun and wallpaper scraper works well on epoxied Treadmaster. Epoxy softens substantially when heated.

 

[LadyInBed]

Heat gun and wallpaper scraper works well on epoxied Treadmaster. Epoxy softens substantially when heated.

Glad to hear that, the sub surface that shows through after pressure washer destruction looks like epoxy on my deck. I must work up some enthusiasm and get the job done!

 

[sailorman]

On flat areas i used a 1/2" router with a HHS 1" cutter, set just light of the depth then an orbital sander to remove the remainder of the adhesive

I didnt think of a heat gun

 

[NUTMEG]

Thanks for the tip. Got,several bits than have,worn very thin and been putting it off. Might give it a go now

 

[Humblebee]

I have been thinking about replacing the Treadmaster on the coachroof of my Fisher 25 as it has begun peeling at the edges, it has been repainted at some time in the past and is looking terrible

One of my biggest concerns was finding a way to remove the old stuff and I envisaged many hours of work trying various different methods

Yesterday, I applied some heat using a hot air paint stripper on medium heat and a scraper and within 3 hours I had the entire coachroof stripped (the Fisher has a LOT of Treadmaster) - if you time it right/get lucky (not too early, not too late) the Treadmaster lifts clean off with most of the adhesive attached to the panel and hence virtually no cleaning up - I wasn't particularly successful in this but nonetheless the residue fairly easily cleans up with some Sticky Stuff Remover and a Scotchbrite pad

Am unable to post photos because the file size is too large

May be of use to anyone contemplating the same job

Thanks for the tip, Gavin. I have been trying to remove some Treadmaster which the previous owner stuck to area where it just gathers water and dirt. I spoke to the makers who seemed helpful but said the only way to remove the epoxy glue was physical ie no solvent will touch it, it's just a case of scraping, sanding and the like.
Like the idea of using a heat gun and will give it a try.