Removing headlining (glue removal)

freebird1

freebird1

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Any ideas? Removing the foam backed headlining has left behind a patchy soft glue finish. Any clever ideas for removal? A scraper is hit and miss. Using heat even gently softens the glass or at least starts lifting glass fibres.

So far a wire brush attachment on the drill seems best, but still troublesome.

I suspect I am looking for a miracle!

I suspose I should add that I am not replacing it, just preparing it for a coat of paint. It is only a project boat!
 
I've done this job on my Fulmar and the best way by far, is to use a steel (or brass) cup shaped wire brush in a 100mm angle grinder.

Yes I know it sounds vicious, but it's extremely effective and you very soon learn how much pressure is needed in a particular area.

Make SURE you wear suitable goggles (wire in the eye ain't much fun!) and make SURE you cover the floor of your boat, otherwise the filthy stuff gets trodden in and is a double-barrelled, cast iron bast**d to remove!

It's a very quick and easy method compared with using solvents or scrapers and my Fulmar took just two days to get clean.

Good luck, as it's still a rotten job!
 
I found cellulose thinners on a rag helped when doing this job.
 
You can try 3m spray citrus adhesive remover which I've used successfully or a mechanical disk as jerryat suggests.

Hawke House supply face-off discs (see http://www.hawkehouse.co.uk/default.asp - click on glue remover in the sidebar) - I used these in my aft cabin to remove old glue from the side walls - they're not quite as vicious as the wire brush & shouldn't harm the GRP - still messy though.
 
I used a wire cup brush in an angle grinder, thinking that it would be better than breathing volatile fumes from solvents. I didn't reckon on the destructive force when the brush came into contact with the curtain (that I should have removed before starting). I didn't even see the angle grinder as it was whipped out of my hands......
I also didn't bargain on emerging from the cabin looking something like a yeti - covered from head to foot with bits of foam and glue that was impossible to brush off.
Next time, I'll still use the wire brush, but I'll remove absolutely everything first, and buy some disposable overalls.
 
srp said:
I used a wire cup brush in an angle grinder, thinking that it would be better than breathing volatile fumes from solvents. I didn't reckon on the destructive force when the brush came into contact with the curtain (that I should have removed before starting). I didn't even see the angle grinder as it was whipped out of my hands......
I also didn't bargain on emerging from the cabin looking something like a yeti - covered from head to foot with bits of foam and glue that was impossible to brush off.
Next time, I'll still use the wire brush, but I'll remove absolutely everything first, and buy some disposable overalls.
Click to expand...

That is where I am at now. I might try the 3m remover though.
Thanks all
 
I used the Hawkehouse face-off discs in an angle grinder - they make a mess of your fingers (as well as curtains) if they get in the way. I'd second everything said about the mess and suggest using a breathing mask - you'll need one for the glueing phase anyway.

Mark
 
Removed headlining in 3 cabins 5 years ago. The only thing which really worked was an industrial strength wire cup brush about 3 ins in diameter and a powerful electric drill, which was bought cheaply to do the job and it was knackered at the end, as was the operator
 
I've renewed all the headlinings on my boat, this involved removing the lining material from the original hardboard (which was in good condition) using a Fein Multimaster tool and the scraper (2 inch ish width) attachment - fantastic tool. Tried all sorts of methods prior to this to no avail and with a lot of effort. The tool can be run along the surface to remove even small traces.
 
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