Duct Tape Removal

[labestia]

Hello:

What's the best way to remove duct tape "Glue" residue from gelcoat and/or aluminum.

La Bestia

[oceanscapt]

A couple of ways. Goo-gone or ice.

In the past I've placed bags of ice on the reluctant adhesive, let it sit for a while then use a sharp single edged razor blade to gently scrape off the big chunks.

I've used Goo-Gone, acetone, and alcohol to dissolve the remaining glue.

If the residue is in the non-skid, I don't have any good suggestions.

[JohnRPollard]

Small amounts of acetone on a rag, then rinsed immediately.

[14432]

The nice thing about Goo Gone is that is doesn't evaporate quickly like acetone so you have more working time. It's also easier on the gelcoat. I had the glue-in-the-non-skid problem and Goo Gone, a stiff brush (plastic bristles) and some scrubbing got it all out. WD-40 and all similar products work pretty well too.

[JimsCAL]

+1 for WD-40. Safer than acetone and everybody has a can onboard.

[timebandit]

Goof Off and a terry towel, turn often.

[xsboats]

After leaving duct tape all summer on my fiberglass whitewater kayaks here in the south, I have had the best results with 3M adhesive remover.

[HatterasJack]

WD-40 and a rag works as good as anything and is not as nasty as most harsh cleaners. Wash with Dawn dish soap afterwards to remove WD-40 then rinse with fresh water.

[donradclife]

Paint thinner works better than acetone, but be careful not to get either on your plexiglass.

[hellosailor]

The glue is basically rubber cement, and the solvent for that is naphtha, similar to benzene. Higher fraction solvents (like acetone) may be overkill since any kind of oil eventually softens it up. Mayonaise and peanut butter are recommended because they'll stick long enough to let the oil absorb and soften the residue up, then wipe clean without harming the fiberglass or paint.

The specialty products like 3M's adhesive remover and goo-gone are great, a bit pricey but they work fast and clean if you want to run out and buy them.