Removing Decal Glue on Gelcoat

06Rinker270

I bumped off part of my Rinker decal.  What do you think best way to get old glue off?  I thought about getting as much off as I can by hand and then buffing rest off.  

Michael T

De-natured alcohol might be less harsh than lacquer thinner (acetone). I have used both with success. There are also "decal -off" products available on line or at marine stores.

aero3113

WD-40 works well to get glue off

06Rinker270

I thought about wd40, goo gone and all the other thinners but I worried about them being to harsh.  Maybe I am over thinking it.

Cableguy Greg

Acetone also works.

F1100

I use 3M 08984 ...seems to be safe on plastic and removes adhesive well. THey usually use it as a paint prep

Gregg

WD  or acetone works well , but if your not replacing Rinker name as well tape it off.The solvents may grap the foam in the tape and you may be replacing that next season.a little heat from a hair dryer or heat gun on low will also help.

MarkB

Is it hard or soft? If it's soft you can try heating it with a hairdryer and then rubbing it off.

06Rinker270

Not sure actually, I think I will go the heat gun route.  Thanks everyone.

Michael T

@06Rinker270, respectful suggestion with the heat gun - go slowly as the heat will build-up fast. Heat for awhile then try to remove the residue, repeat. I have seen gel coat blister and that's a real mess. If using heat I would be inclined to use a hair dryer rather than a heat gun. BTW I have never had to resort to heat to remove decals, stripes, lettering or boat names. There are a lot of removers that won't harm the finish and won't risk bubbling the gel coat. I'd rather take 15 minutes more and a little "elbow grease" than be looking at a gel coat or fiberglass repair.

06Rinker270

Yea I agree MT, I will try removers, shouldnt be a big deal.  

Kennuck

Ronsonol lighter fluid. Works great doesn't hurt the gelcoat. Don't use acetone that will damage the gelcoat.

06Rinker270

Yea I was worried about acetone.  I see the power of that stuff.  I will star with the most simple and move my way up.  The reason for his post was to avoid any damage.  

MarkB

Huh? Professional gel coat repairers use acetone ALL the time. In fact it even says to use acetone on some gel coat repair kits. I've never heard of acetone being a problem on gel coat. 

Kennuck

Gel coat repairers use acetone to soften the gelcoat so the repair will adhere better. Go ahead put some acetone on a rag and wipe your gelcoat down, if it is dark colored gel you will be surprised the color transferred to the rag. Then feel the gelcoat that you just wiped and you will notice it is much softer and can be marked with your finger nail.