Masking tape - removal?????

[JasonB]

Hi all,

How do I shift masking tape that was left on Gelcoat too long???

I've tried soaking the stuff in Hot soapy water, I've tried a scrubbing brush and I've tried the stuff we use to clean the insides of Laser Printers - no joy!

The only thing that had any sort of an effect on the remains of the adhesive was scraping it with a chisel!!! Am I stuck with this? (Ha, Ha, Ha, no pun intended). I'm afraid if I continue on with the chisel I will end up making a huge amount of scratches on the gelcoat on the coachroof, which will, of course, show up every bit of grime etc.

Thanks,

Jason.

 

[SteveA]

Try white spirit

 

[stamfordian]

Try paint thinners or once when i was stuck nail polish remover(SHMBOB)

http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/stamfordian

 

[Ecartar]

Try Lighter fuel

 

[Mirelle]

Bitter experience.....

White spirit or other paint thinner will eventually shift it - but very slowly. A few nylon pot scourers will come in handy.

 

[SloopJohnB]

Use white spirit this year. Next year, use the new blue tape that doesnt stick!

 

[30boat]

I had the same problem a week or so ago and found a very simple solution for it.After trying all sorts of thinners with no luck I resorted to my sandvik scraper and found that used with a little care it won't scrath the gelcoat .It worked a treat.Blades are tungsten carbide an slightly rounded to avoid digging in.
best of luck.

 

[Guest]

Re: Bitter experience.....

As above plus gentle heat from a hairdryer or similar. Heat a few feet with 'brushing' movements then remove. Oh you will also need some brandy or malt, it ensures that you don't notice the boredom of the task.

Pete

 

[vyv_cox]

Most light solvents will be effective. White spirit and paraffin are not best because they are on the heavy side. They will work but very slowly.

On GRP, solvents like acetone or petrol usually work well and do no harm in small doses, but on newly painted surfaces they are not advisable. As suggested, cellulose paint thinners is excellent and quick.

In Holland we can buy many solvents and liquids that are not freely available in UK. One of these is called "washliquid" and smells like solven naphtha, mostly xylene with some toluene. This works a treat. Petrol would not be a million miles from this stuff.

 

[Eudorajab]

Afraid this is a hard one. Had the same problem years ago. Tried everything mentionded with little or no success.

Only solution is hours and hours of elbow grease depending on how much tape you left on.

 

[VMALLOWS]

Try MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone - or something like). Its the only stuff that will un-stick the glue used on glued inflateables. It's used for cleaning the drums on photocopiers; also available from inflateable boat repair suppliers.

 

[Guest]

Re: Bitter experience.....

I used "Hammerite" Brush cleaner(it contains Xylene) and my adhesive residue came quite easily. It's good for cleaning mucky plastic coated head linings also.
Regards, Rod.

 

[Guest]

WD40 and elbow grease and patience will win the day

 

[charles_reed]

Oh the hours I've spent trying to get the stuff off.

I found, in the end xylene-based solvents to be the most successful - the only problem, they remove most antifouling paints as well.

Avoidance is best - don't leave the tape on more than 72 hours.

 

[tr7v8]

Someone I believe its 3M make a long stay masking tape which is guaranteed easy to remove for about 3-4 days after application.

Never used but but could be worth a try...

Jim
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