Removing adhesive yuckiness from glass boat

[Scoot]

What's the best/safest way to remove the residue left behind from a spot on a fiberglass boat? The spot is what remains of an adhesive backing to a 2"x2" velcro piece and it's on the clearcoat of the fiberglass boat. I need something strong enough to remove the adhesive, but don't want to harm the clearcoat...

[TR21HP]

Nail polish remover or plain acetone should do the trick and not harm the clearcoat.

[hugonian1]

Goo Gone works very well for things like this.

It is citrus based.

[leech~~]

Try some Acetone or Gumout spray. Finger nail polish remover does have acetone in it if it's just a small spot and your wife has some on hand.

[hydro]

Do you mean the "gelcoat" layer of a fiberglass finish? Clearcoat is the top finish on auto paint.

First, be sure to test whatever you use in an inconspicuous area, just in case it damages the finish.

Then, in order of aggressiveness try these solvents:

1. Paint thinner/Mineral spirits. Soak a napkin and lay it over the adhesive for 15 minutes or so then rub to remove the softened spot.

2. Lacquer thinner, same process as above, but it evaporates so you can try scrubbing right away.

3. Acetone, be careful here as this is really aggressive, and it is absorbed through the skin. Nasty stuff, but it dissolves almost anything.

One of these will remove the adhesive and I would bet on mineral spirits.

[Scoot]

Do you mean the "gelcoat" layer of a fiberglass finish?

Yes, that's what I meant.

Thanks for the info fellas.

[HawgMan]

Try some WD40...

[Jim Almquist]

Try some WD40...

I agree!!

That is always my first choice just because it is water soluble.

[Old Dewjabber]

+2

On the WD-40. Had some stickers on mine which I removed with a heat gun! Was really surprised how well WD-40 worked for taking off the sticky dump!

[Surface Tension]

Mineral Spirits or WD-40 won't harm the finish and won't evaporate so fast that its gone before it can dissolve the adhesive.

[MuskieJunkie]

Use Adhesive remover not goo gone. Let it soak for 20-30 seconds then wipe, repeat. If that doesn't work warm it up with a heat gun/hair dryer first, then try again.

[Scoot]

Thanks guys- I used WD-40 and it worked like a charm.

[SpecialK]

Plain old rubbing alcohol is another alternative. Usually doesn't hurt anything and evaporates away.