MTScott

My 93 Formula came with some giant decals from previous owner that covered half the boat on both sides of the hull... I thought they looked kinda dumb so I removed them years ago. They came off easy enough by warming with a hair dryer. I scrubbed and scrubbed after I removed them, but the adhesive reside remained, and it has collected dirt and looks even ****tier. I tried one of those rubber wheel rollers on a drill, but it seemed to just move it around... I could give that another shot I guess, but I'm hoping there is an easier way.

I thought about using acetone, but I figured that wasn't smart on gelcoat, and could damage the oem decal striping below the area if it dripped down - I could maybe mask that off though to catch the chemicals.

Can anyone suggest a safe product and/or technique to clean the adhesive residue from gelcoat?

Wally

99% isopropyl alcohol
never had a problem with that on gelcoat unless i used a harsh rag and rubbed too hard (that what she said )

Rookie

I use WD-40 to remove adhesive from stickers.

flat rate

Laquer thinner

87MirageIntruder

Laquer thinner is what I've used for years on decal adhesive

Griff

Goo Gone works great

offshoredrillin

rapid remover or tar-x.... both plant/citrus based and wont hurt gel, both available on amazon

bencini231

Debond works great for that as well. Since it takes 5200 off easily then the residue will be gone in a second or two.

MTScott

Thanks Gents, lots of good ideas here.

Lacquer thinner I might assume would be similar to acetone as a solvent??? worth a shot I guess

I may get some goo gone - I think our local hardware store has it. I might also have a bottle of rubbing alcohol somewhere in the house, or possibly a bottle of heet (which I think is just isoprpyl alcohol).

onesickpantera

I would start with WD40 for sticker residue, just make sure you let it sit and it may take a few applications. For acetone, when I got my boat there was tree pitch all over it. Tried goo gone, goof off, running alcohol, etc. Nothing would touch it. I asked a friend that worked at 4 Winns and he said use acetone. Took it off instantly and didn't damage the gel coat.