Cleaning residual rubber backing off fiberglass

[bvgas]

I recently pulled up my cockpit carpets & noticed that their starting to break down & left small areas of the rubber black backing residue on the fiberglass. I've tried using a scrub brush with soap, soft scrub, plastic knife, etc. Slow & minimal impact on getting it off. Obviously don't want to scratch up fiberglass surface. Any suggestions on what will remove it best? Thanks

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Cleaning residual rubber backing off fiberglass

Is it a nice gelcoat surface under the carpet? I'm assuming so, since you care about the appearance. Try an adhesive remover, but don't let it sit too long on the gelcoat.

On the other hand, if it is truly a fiberglass (not gelcoat) surface, a wire cup brush on an angle grinder won't hurt that surface one bit.

 

[bvgas]

Re: Cleaning residual rubber backing off fiberglass

I'm assuming its actually gelcoat - non skid in most places, smooth in others. Any particular adhesive removers that are "safe" & won't mar the surface? Thanks

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Cleaning residual rubber backing off fiberglass

Almost any such product is going to have a base of acetone and/or toluene and/or methanol/ethanol/isopropyl; none of those chemicals will harm gelcoat, and all are good for paint removal, but unfortunately they are only moderately good at breaking down adhesive residue.

I'd say to look for something that also has methylene chloride in it (check the MSDS). That chemical will quickly strip any just about any paint, adhesive, or rubber residue. As long as you wash the stuff off within say 15-30 minutes (don't leave it on for hours, and don't use in extreme heat or direct sunlight), it won't harm the gelcoat.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Cleaning residual rubber backing off fiberglass

I recently used a product called goofoff (I think) to remove the adhesive from some old vinyl letters. As per previous posts, don't leave it on long...and yes, it will strip every last bit of wax.

 

[donzi gt230]

Re: Cleaning residual rubber backing off fiberglass

A safe easy start would be WD-40. Let it soak for a bit. You can also use acetone, toluene, naptha, etc. but I'd add some oil to it to keep things from re-sticking while you wipe it away.