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[rickles23]

Hi,
A friend has asked me to finish his Narrow/Canal boat which is made from a thin plastic possibly ABS.


Most of it was covered in masking tape which had been on for a very long time.


I got most of it off but in places there is a sticky substance which I presume is the 'glue' for the masking tape.


A little came off with wet/dry paper used wet.


How or what do I use to get the rest off?


Regards

[Plastic - RIP]

I had to remove old masking tape residue from an acrylic bath - I used methylated spirits on a rag & lots of elbow grease. Do a test to make sure the meths don't affect the plastic first.

Another way is using T-Cut. It's like a very fine sandpaper - good for removing scratches too.

[mikromodell]

For removing of (old) labels and so on I use - I think in UK they call it white spirit?
In Germany it's called "Waschbenzin", a kind petrol for special use - for cleaning and for firelighters.
It doesn't damage plastic but is able to remove adhesive from paper labels and masking tape.
Regards
Harry

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

I'll go along with the White spirit. 

It is also a very good surface cleaner of plasticard and removes pencil markings better than a rubber, (which leaves greasy slide marks !)

ken

[Dixie212]

Another good one for removing gummy residue left by tapes is lighter fluid.

[Tug Fanatic]

I remove all label glue with WD40 and/or petrol (in the garden). Don't know if it will work with very old masking tape but it is worth a try.


Obviously try somewhere hidden first!

[tigertiger]

I have a can of 3M adhesive remover. It is spirit based and works a treat. I also use paper hand towels to wipe down, as they are white and lint free. Kitchen roll also works well.

[david48]

I have a bottle of Sticky Stuff Remover ,that's what its called from Betterware had it for years,  do  not know if the company is still going ,it has a very strong smell of oranges.
 I will do a Google ,just had a look Betterware still are about and thy still sell the Sticky Stuff Remover. Sorry I can not get the link to work
David

[boat captain]

White spirit is also good for removing some tape marks.

[Netleyned]

I have a bottle of Sticky Stuff Remover ,that's what its called from Betterware had it for years,  do  not know if the company is still going ,it has a very strong smell of oranges.
 I will do a Google ,just had a look Betterware still are about and thy still sell the Sticky Stuff Remover. Sorry I can not get the link to work
David

Sticky stuff remover is available most
anywhere.
Orange oil derived cleaners are quite
amazing on what they will clean.
They smell nice too
Ned

[rickles23]

Thanks for the feedback.


I'll start with the good old WD40.


If that does not work I shall go through the list.


The adhesive used in the masking tape must be good.


An hour's worth of wet/dry sanding got me nowhere.


Regards

[rickles23]

Good news one and all.


The WD40 worked a treat.


Spray on, wait a few seconds and wipe off.


It also gets rid of the yellow age colour.


Regards

[mikromodell]

Thanks, that's something new for me.
What's about the surface, is it now clean, can you paint it? Or do you have to remove the WD40?
Regards
Harry

[JimG]

You will have to completely remove the WD40 before painting, any left behind will cause major problems with the paint. I think that WD40 contains silicones which stop the paint from sticking.
Jim

[rickles23]

Hi mikromodell,


Here in Oz WD40 is used for many things and this is the first time I have tried it this way.


Due to the people on this model site, it makes it easy to ask any question.


The surface is now free of the adhesive and clean and as white as the rest of the hull.


Before painting I will wash it in warm soapy water, rinse it and let it dry.


This will be followed by my usual wet/dry sanding used wet, undercoat and top coats.


Regards

[Hellboy Paul]

I think that WD40 contains silicones which stop the paint from sticking.
Jim

No silicones in genuine WD40, still got to be clean though..

[Tug Fanatic]

Pleased to be of assistance. We could have a whole thread about uses for WD40. It seems to have uses way beyond the obvious.
I agree about this site. I have learnt a lot.