Duct tape and fiberglass

[Kiltmadoc]

In a fit of desperation, duct tape was used to cover a hole where the autopilot control head used to be. It was then left on for the last 1-2 months of the season, and not removed until recently. Now, of course, there is duct tape residue on the walls of the cockpit surrounding the hole.

Does anyone have suggestions for removal without damaging the finish on the glass? I have considered: denatured alcohol, mineral spirits, methyl-ethyl ketone, acetone, jackhammer, drill, and sandpaper.

All good non-destructive ideas are welcome!

[Beersmith]

I've been using a lot of duct tape while taking my boat apart. I stopped using it due to the clean-up involved, it is nasty stuff.

To clean it, I would scrape as much as I could off then use acetone and a scotch brite pad. Some sandpaper did the rest, where needed.

edit: I only went the sandpaper route because I am prepping to sand and paint the whole deck anyways.

[SVCarolena]

I suggest starting with something like Goo Gone, which is a citrus based solvent for removing adhesives. If that doesn't work, then break out the acetone. I'd try to stay away from sandpaper as it will make a real mess of the gelcoat and may just spread the adheasive around.

[mitchb50]

another one is GoopOff

Mitch

[CapnBilll]

I would start with alchohol, it disolves duct tape, and has the lowest risk of disolving something else. The stronger solvents may damage, (fog or soften) the gelcoat.

[arf145]

I would use alcohol or mineral spirits--neither one of these is going to hurt gelcoat.

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

The adhesive is a rubber material. Paint thinner works as petroleum products attack rubber. Apply it, rub it a bit, wait half an hour rub again and it should come off.

[EJO]

Goo Gone really is your best bet. Even after several years when al you have left is the webbing of the duct-tape let the Goo Gone soak in and wipe. I wouldn't use anything scratchy (scotch brite, sand-paper, steel wool, knife) as it can and will scratch or dull the gel-coat surface.
Good luck.

[mitiempo]

Acetone

[willyd]

WD-40 takes it off. Put some WD-40 in a rag and rub the area until the residue is gone.