removing UHMW adhesive?

[AlexPeterson]

Originally Posted by rv9av8tr

I some spots of residual duct tape adhesive on my canopy. suggestions??

Just a heads up - something in duct tape will craze plexiglas, so I'd recommend never putting it on the canopy. I don't know what to recommend to remove duct tape residue either, but try whatever you use on scraps before putting it on the real deal.

A year ago, I removed all the UHMW tape from the flaps. It was a major pita. I tried a lot of things, but the plastic had become very brittle in 7 years. What finally worked was to build a little 1/4" wide scraper from plexiglas. There were a lot of hours spent scraping the old crud off, but of course this was only half the battle, or maybe 3/4's of it. After scraping, the adhesive goo needed to be removed, and I used lacquer thinner for that.

Don't use UHMW tape, the plastic simply won't hold up. The plane has been hangared except when on trips, and most of the problem tape is hidden under the top skin of the wings except during landings. I replaced it with what is supposedly a more durable urethane tape. We'll see.

[Kyle Boatright]

Has anyone really figured this one out? We (Yours truly and Brian Unrein who posts here as Blahphish) started on one flap today. As it turns out, the UHMW tape is at least 3 layers - an outer layer of UHMW, a second layer (which is what yellows) and a third layer which is thin and clear.

The cracked outer layer of the UHMW tape came right off, but the next layer was yellowed and there was no way to peel it off. We tried mineral spirits (my first choice for a solvent), then WD-40, and then laquer thinner. The laquer thinner did enough damage to the yellowed layer that it could be scraped off. But nothing seems to touch the third layer.

Suggestions?

[Bob Axsom]

No solution but when you get it off I suggest what Van's originally called out before all the cut fingers, stainless steel tape. Seven years now on mine and it still looks new.

Bob Axsom

[Kyle Boatright]

I have replacement UHMW tape, but after today's experience trying to remove the old stuff, I think I'll try something else - probably one of the clear films.

[REHughes]

I have used WD40 on occasion as a cleaner (it works better than anything else I have found to strip the grunge from flying wire terminals), but have always been told that it will contaminate a surface and compromise any repainting efforts, much like compounds containing silicones.

I have also been told that some aircraft shops will not allow a can of WD40 anywhere near the work areas. Has anyone had experience prepping and refinishing an area previously exposed to WD40?

Thank you for any information.

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by Tbone

3M makes a general purpose adhesive cleaner designed for just that application. On dried adhesive it is best to let it soak for a few minutes before using a squeege to remove. It won't work thru the film of the decal though. 3M also makes a aerosol that will go thru the film, spray on and let dry. Scrape off and then the adhesive remover. Any automotive paint supply store should have those items.

The 3M stuff works well and even smells nice...

Spruce has it -

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...ubaseclean.php

Data sheet here -

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...8923670968.pdf

Should be OK on plexi, but I would verify with 3M first. It doesn't seem to have any solvents in it -

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...9lxtD7SSSSSS--

[Webb]

Originally Posted by rv9av8tr

I some spots of residual duct tape adhesive on my canopy. suggestions??

Naphtha. Also cuts belly grease without messing up paint. Cleans off grease and old brake fluid too.

[Paul K]

Bob,

I have been looking all over the place for a source of this stuff. Willing to risk cut fingers for the possibility of finding a "final solution" to this problem.

[penguin]

Another vote for the 3M stuff. Try to get the top 2 layers off as a sheet - any bits of the middle layer left on will be very hard to remove. Then soak the bottom layer with the 3M stuff and scrape with an old piece of plexiglass. The glue will ball up and be a real mess, wipe it away with more 3M stuff (or mineral spirits). Takes a while and takes a few wipes to get rid of all of the glue.

Pete