Sail number adhesive removal

[Plevier]

I've just bought a used spinnaker. It's had sail numbers on it which have been removed (even the GBR unfortunately!) leaving sticky adhesive traces.
Does anybody know what will remove this without damaging the fabric please (the normal ripstop nylon)?
Mike
PS and a source of new stick on numbers?

 

[Anonymous]

Following advice from a pro sailmaker we used acetone. Vast quantities. Made Mrs L feel quite ill and would seriously suggest you invest in a suitable mask.

 

[William_H]

Yes acetone is good but the problem is that the acetone disoolves the glue then promptly evaporates leaving the glue very sticky and possibly spread.
You need to use lots of acetone on a clean patch of rag each time with a wipe and lift action that leaves the glue on the rag in the acetone before the acetone evaporates. Even then you may not get rid of the remnants of glue which will attract dirt.

So if you are going to replace the GBR then try to get the exact same size and shape and replace inb the same spot so not requiring glue removal.
In our chandleries there is available a light weight sail repair tape in various colours about 50mm wide. This can be used to make numbers etc.

Don't try to put the numbers on one side directly over the numbers on the other side. The transparency of the sail means that eg 2 "3"s become on 8. The numbers need to be well displaced above and below one another.
good luck olewill

 

[charles_reed]

Acetone does it or you can use cellulose thinner - the latter doesn't evaporate as quickly as acetone so is easier to use.

 

[Plevier]

Thanks everyone. Vile job!