Removing Silicone Adhesive

[fishnowworknever]

So at least that's what I think this guy used to attach a homemade bow guard . It's a fiberglass boat and I want to attach a new bow guard but it needs to be a clean surface.

What would be my best/safest bet at trying to remove this adhesive? I'm able to remove some of it by hand but there is some on there that has hardened quite well.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

[CAMAN]

I'd try 3M Adhesive Remover first. It will probably take a few hours to get it softened up so figuring out a way to keep the area wet will be key.

[fishnowworknever]

Thanks that worked pretty well, I used that in combo with Citrol Adhesive remover.

Now to install the new bow guard...should I use marine silicone adhesive along with the sticky backing that is already provided? It seems like the sticky backing won't be enough to keep it on there.

Thanks

[marine_man]

I would definitely use something besides the self adhesive backing.

marine_man

[CAMAN]

Yeah I'd use a good 3M silicone adhesive and throw the double sided tape out.

Quick tip since it is cooler out right now - get all the surfaces nice and clean with whatever the manufacturer recommends (probably rubbing alcohol) then place the keel guard in the oven set on low. While that is warming up use a hairdryer set on high or a heat gun set on low and warm up the keel of the boat. Now everything should be nice and pliable and you should have no problems with the adhesive sticking. You may even want to put a small space heater or two under the boat while the adhesive is curing.

Obviously you wouldn't need to do any of this if it were warmer out..

[mbeyer]

After removing old bowguard and adhesive, make sure you have good clean surface. Last cleaning step should be IPA (rubbing alcohol).You could slightly scuff that area with light sandpaper.

Some Bow guard has 3M PSA on back. The provided sticky back should work without additional silicone with good surface prep and care.

[fishnowworknever]

Thanks all for the tips. I did have to cut the corners off on the bow guard to get it to fit right, heated it up and it formed real nice.

It does have the 3M PSA sticky back and I added a small bead of 3m adhesive around the outer edge for extra support.