boat carpet removal

[oldkennerguy]

I am looking for suggestions of products to aid in removal of old marine carpeting from the deck of my old fiberglass houseboat.We need to get rid of the old glue without destroying the fiberglass deck.I plan to repaint the surfaces with a nonskid type of coating???<br /><br /> Thanks for any info. G T

 

[KRS]

Re: boat carpet removal

Pull up the carpeting (if it's old it's probably almost out now!), and use a drill or grinder with a wire wheel attachment. Be sure you have no loose clothing/hair and have at it... and DON'T forget a respirator and tyvek suit (if you have the suit).

 

[paulie0735]

Re: boat carpet removal

Check out your local floor covering store, they often sell cleaning chemicals that will dissolve the glue while not affecting the fiberglass. It’s a crappy job even with the best of chemicals.....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: boat carpet removal

i found the wire wheel the best. closed safety glass help also. a fan in the to blow the dust away is also good. if you in a marina the neighbors may not like you.

 

[peterbo3]

Re: boat carpet removal

Hi Greg,<br />Many carpet glues cure cold but may be softened by the application of heat. Test a small section with a hair dryer & see if the carpet can be removed. If it works then hire or buy an electric heat gun for the big job. The softened glue will scrape off but you will not get it all. <br />The heat gun will not damage the gelcoat if you are careful. Apply heat only until the glue softens.<br />Then have fun with the wire wheel.<br />Regards,<br />Peter

 

[oldkennerguy]

Re: boat carpet removal

The wirewheel sounds like the answer for our application.I wish the was a easy way out but...<br />We started removing some last weekend and some coes right off,some won't!! Perhaps a glue dissolver also,but I'm resigned to the fact that it is just bullwork with the grinder. 35 ft long and a long hot summer. Let' go Boating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RobDar]

Re: boat carpet removal

I have replaced the carpet in my boat and two friends boats and all three...the glue was degraded enough ( once allowed to dry) to scrape most of it off with a puddy knife and the rest came off well with one of those Mr. Clean magic erasers.