Ralph45 Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 can anyone tell me safest without damaging the paintwork or best way to remove the foam and clean up ready to apply new strips?thanksRalph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted December 18, 2019 Member Share Posted December 18, 2019 Previous discussion.There are comments in there on suitable solvents for the residue. I wouldn't use anything more aggressive than isopropyl alcohol or WD-40.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph45 Posted December 18, 2019 Author Share Posted December 18, 2019 Thanks again Jonathan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 To add one more solvent to the previous list - I use paraffin. Works well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 Autoglym tar spot remover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph45 Posted December 18, 2019 Author Share Posted December 18, 2019 Thanks again,wrightpain and revilla, I've got both products so I'll try them both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benton Posted December 19, 2019 Share Posted December 19, 2019 Another supporter for Autoglym Tar Remover, it always seems to work where other solvents sometimes struggle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted December 19, 2019 Member Share Posted December 19, 2019 Assuming that Andrew's "paraffin" is the stuff used as heater fuel in the UK rather than anything else that goes by the same name...I'd expect that WD-40, paraffin and petrol would have similar effectiveness as solvents for this purpose. But the need here is to remove the residue without damaging the paint. Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover differs in at least two ways: it contains xylene and a surfactant. The latter is probably irrelevant here as there isn't a water phase, it could make a big difference with cleaning clothes, etc. Xylene is a more powerful solvent and carries a greater risk of damaging paint. But the manufacturers say it's suitable and Ian has recommended it so the risk is probably low.... so I'll try them both.It would be great hear how they work back to back. And isopropyl alcohol if possible. NB For all of them wash off asap.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted December 19, 2019 Share Posted December 19, 2019 Yes my paraffin is just regular heater fuel. And yes I think paraffin, WD40 and petrol and any other light hydrocarbon oil such as diesel or home heating kerosene would work just as well. Paraffin is cheap, not very volatile (so you can soak the strip in it for a while without it evaporating away) and reasonably safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted December 19, 2019 Share Posted December 19, 2019 As autoglym is designed for removing tar from vehicle paintwork it should be acceptable - as with all chemicals on paint try a bit first. Personally, I wouldn't leave any of the above on paintwork for a long time (water can cause modern clear coat lacquer to bloom with constant, prolonged contact) and I finish by wiping with a soapy microfibre cloth to remove chemical residue.I do find that automotive sticky trim tapes respond differently when being removed depending on chemical. I work through most of the suggestions above till I find one that works. Also seems easier in the warmer seasons!Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted December 19, 2019 Share Posted December 19, 2019 PS - I know a bit due to de-badging / de-chroming cars and re-attaching said badges!The most challenging was removing my Carrera badge to fit a 911 script only to find a shadow in the paint. I had to devise a way to cut out new trim tape to stick it back on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilCSR Posted December 19, 2019 Share Posted December 19, 2019 Tried all sorts including IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol), tar remover and WD40 and found that White Spirit was the best. Hate the stuff (vapour is obnoxious) but it is the most effective solvent for attacking the adhesive. Always clean off surface after with IPA before affixing replacement foam strip in case the paintwork doesn't like the White Spirit but never had any problems.Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Mackenzie Posted December 19, 2019 Share Posted December 19, 2019 Yes, I've used white spirit as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted December 19, 2019 Member Share Posted December 19, 2019 I'd expect white sprit to be a better solvent for the adhesive goo. I'd also expect it to carry a greater risk of damaging paint. Obviously that doesn't happen all the time, or even commonly, but I don't want to be the exception. So I'd start with something else.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted December 19, 2019 Member Share Posted December 19, 2019 ... and I finish by wiping with a soapy microfibre cloth to remove chemical residue.Having some surfactant in the remover will help at that stage. I do find that automotive sticky trim tapes respond differently when being removed depending on chemical. I work through most of the suggestions above till I find one that works. Also seems easier in the warmer seasons!The effect of heat is very interesting. A surprising number of sticky things will come off with that alone. The solvent action should be greater with increasing temperature. But that effect where little balls of goo lift off the next bit of goo might also be enhanced. (Does it have a name?)Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph45 Posted December 19, 2019 Author Share Posted December 19, 2019 This weekend I will use all three,the Autoglym,white spirit and Isopropyl alcohol and throw in some heat to soften the adhesive.My heat gun AKA wife's hair dryer may not be as powerful as a real deal heat gun but equally probably going to be a lot safer for the paintwork. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Usual warnings apply where glowing heater element and flammable vapour is in the same vicinity! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph45 Posted December 20, 2019 Author Share Posted December 20, 2019 You're quite right, thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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