Good adhesive remover?

[dvroty]

So I took some decals off of my GW after being on for 30 years....left an almost cream colored area where they were stuck. Used acetone to remove the left over adhesive, also tried alcohol but still no major results. Any recommendations? The area left is not sticky to the touch, but when you run your finger from the bare fiberglass to the area in question, it does feel to be raised a little bit...which I’m thinking is still adhesive although not sticky. I guess my biggest goal is to just get the white bare fiberglass look again. Tried hull cleaner (On/Off) and sandpaper. Any good cleaners that work that you’ve had luck with?

Thanks guys

 

[Fishtales]

goo gone? goof off? duck brand?

 

[dvroty]

goo gone? goof off? duck brand?

Wow surprised I didn’t think of that...kinda feel like an idiot. I’ll try that and get back to you

 

[DennisG01]

It's not adhesive. It's the "original" gelcoat. It's higher underneath the sticker because that was never degradaded by UV or compounded. Very normal - as is the color difference. Which, by the way, the color of the gel under your sticker... that's your original color - not the other way around.

 

[dvroty]

It's not adhesive. It's the "original" gelcoat. It's higher underneath the sticker because that was never degradaded by UV or compounded. Very normal - as is the color difference. Which, by the way, the color of the gel under your sticker... that's your original color - not the other way around.

Fascinating..I actually didn’t know that but it makes sense. Any ideas on how to lighten it up? Kinda blend it together?

 

[DennisG01]

Try wetsanding/compounding the gelcoat that was NOT under the sticker a little heavier in your blending process. That way you'll expose fresher gelcoat. The color that is under the sticker will eventually fade and blend in better. But from my experience, there's no real "quick fix" for this. Well, I take that back... put a new sticker back over it!

 

[Lt.Mike]

Try wetsanding/compounding the gelcoat that was NOT under the sticker a little heavier in your blending process. That way you'll expose fresher gelcoat. The color that is under the sticker will eventually fade and blend in better. But from my experience, there's no real "quick fix" for this. Well, I take that back... put a new sticker back over it!

Kinda risky as sanding the older gelcoat that has worn away already may bust through.
Give it a good compound with something gentle like 3M finesse-it and go to plan B throwing the new stickers over where the old cane off.
Mine was the same and it is kinda scary when you can actually see how much has worn away.
It will inspire you to keep it waxed.

 

[DennisG01]

Kinda risky as sanding the older gelcoat that has worn away already may bust through.
Give it a good compound with something gentle like 3M finesse-it and go to plan B throwing the new stickers over where the old cane off.
Mine was the same and it is kinda scary when you can actually see how much has worn away.
It will inspire you to keep it waxed.

No question - you gotta keep a close eye on things, for sure.

 

[RussGW270]

Okay, so to continue the thought here...

Using a rubber wheel to wear down the adhesive heh. I was able to do one side. BEFORE I put the stickers on, short of having the entire outside sanded down and adding a new gelcoat...i.e. paying thousands, what could "I" do to prepare the outer hull for new decals?

I am not against "redoing" the outer hull, I plan to clean it up, but it does not look "bad", I just have some small nicks and such and I have zero doubt that once I start trying to fix them, I will make more heh.. so...

Trying to make a plan on how to restore the hull before I put the decals on, vs just sticking them on there.

Then, best way to protect the decals etc after they are back on? Products you like?

I do not mind replacing the decals in a few years when I really redo the hull, if it needs it.. but, hate to just stick the ones I have on and go, "if I had only spent a little more time".. heh

But.. let's be honest, low on the priority

Thanks

Russ

 

[ROBERTH]

I always use mineral spirits and plastic scraper to remove the glue residue. Works pretty good. Then wool pad compound the area and see what it looks like. The fade around the area where the decal was will be more pronounced and not a lot you can do unless replacing with new decals or over time, sun will blend it somewhat.

 

[Fishtales]

I think I'd just leave the gelcoat alone if it is that and not residue. It will fade over time and I think you'll just be chasing your tail (unless you compound the whole side or boat.