Bidwin

My Feedback: (5)

I removed a plastic-like decal from an ARF wing but a lot of adhesive stayed on the covering. I tried alcohol (no effect), GooGone (removed some), and lighter fluid (removed most). I still have some residue on the wing that's sticky and looks dull. Any suggestions on how to remove the residue?
Thanks,
Bidwin

TLH101

My Feedback: (90)

Keep working with the lighter fluid. It will eventually get it all.

dieFluggeister

You might try debonder for CA (the commercial stuff - not acetate). It works wonders on film covering residue.

skull1971

WD-40, we use it to remove decals from racecars and motorcycles.

rajul

My Feedback: (58)

Try some acetone, but don't get them on any covering seams

Deadeye

Starting fluid (ether).

daveopam

My Feedback: (9)

I have had great luck with Trim Solvent. It stinks up the place but works well. I put a little heat to peel the decal. Then get the surface flat so the solvent stays in place. Then drip a little on the glue and rug it around with you finger tips. After a minute or so the glue will turn into a jelly and start to clump up. Then you can scrape it off with a credit card or the likes. I little glue may stay behind. This can be wiped away with a little Trim Solvent on a rag. This may not be the most cost effect way to do it. But I had the stuff in my shop and don't like using it for it's intended purpose. I need to try the WD-40 some time. i'll bet it will work.

David

Charlie P.

I use a product called "Brush Cleaner" for getting old goo of lots of things. I believe Jabsco distributes it and hardware stores carry it. Less aggressive than acetone. Napthalene works good, too (basically lighter fluid).

Bidwin

My Feedback: (5)

Thanks for all the replies, guys. Here's the results:
CS debonder worked great, but had to do a small section, apply it with my finger or a cloth, then wipe with a clean cloth, else residue just got spread around;
Lighter fluid and WD40 worked about equally well, but not anywhere near as well and debonder, and they didn't cut all the residue;
GooGone not as good as lighter fluid and WD40; and,
Alcohol was a waste of time.

I didn't try any of the other recommendations because I didn't have the stuff at hand, but did have debonder.

Bottom line, I guess, is that almost anything will work if the solvent will cut the adhesive - it depends on the situation. You wouldn't use an oil based solvent to cut latex paint, for example. In my case, the debonder worked best. But I'll sure keep these recommendations for future reference.

Thanks again,
Bidwin

Deadeye

Starting fluid would've disloved it, but there is a small chance of it taking the shine of some plastic coverings, monokte not being one of them. Also try using a microfiber rag with some of the other solvents. Those things work wonders.

Newc

Not to mention the ease with which one can take a nap when using it!

sebo

Try IRONEX from Coverite. It removes all kinds of glue. Just don't get it on plastic parts like canopies and the like. it will melt them. It is used to remove the glue from sealing irons when you get glue from the plastic covering on them.

Miniflyer

another insider which most people have at home: brake cleaner spray for motorcycles and cars. It gets out whatever usually sticks....and tends to be gentle to plastic :-)

Best regards
Hank