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Removing VHB glue residue

Posted By: TC@HP2

Removing VHB glue residue - 06/09/23 01:41 AM

Working on a vehicle that a previous owner had installed curtains in. In their infinite wisdom, they used velcro and attached it to the metal trim with VHB tape. Got the velcro tabs off, but the glue left behind is major league sticky. Tried mineral spirits, no dice. Acetone, nothing either. Goof Off and and Goo Gone, it just laughed. Finally making some progress by soaking it in WD-40 for 5 minutes and then using a 3M adhesive eraser in my drill. Progress is painfully slow and it took 40 minutes to clean up 6 inches of metal and then its slippery as hell because of the WD.

Anyone know a less labor intensive way to get this stuff off?
Posted By: Charger69RT8

Re: Removing VHB glue residue - 06/09/23 08:40 PM

I am not a professional nor pretend to be one. However, some friends in the auto body business 30 years ago told me of this:

3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover

When I went to look this up I see they now have some additional options. I actually still have a little remaining in the can I bought back then. I have used it on countless things and in 30 years have not found an adhesive it would not cut.
Posted By: PhillyRag

Re: Removing VHB glue residue - 06/10/23 12:23 AM

Certain alcohols will remove or even soften many types of glues. But depends on the glue used here.
Posted By: TJP

Re: Removing VHB glue residue - 06/10/23 03:20 AM

might try a bit of heat from a hair dryer or heat gun.. Most all adhesives give way to heat up
Posted By: TC@HP2

Re: Removing VHB glue residue - 06/10/23 01:17 PM

Great ideas, guys, thanks! I'll report back with results as I try these.
Posted By: TC@HP2

Re: Removing VHB glue residue - 06/11/23 02:56 PM

Okay, went to the nearby chain store looking for adhesive remover. They did not have the 3M 08984 general purpose remover. They did have 3M 38984 specialty remover. $55 for 32 ounces, so a bit spendy. But it did work at cutting through the grip of the glue and allowing it to be rubbed off comparatively easily. I was able to remove several feet of the residue in the same time I had spent previously on only a small section.

I also tried using it to clean up to sealant on the corner caps of my RV. This is a sealant that is very soft, grey, and non-hardening. It also worked very well at cutting through and removing that sealant as well.

Thanks again!
Posted By: Rodenteliminator

Re: Removing VHB glue residue - 06/11/23 04:23 PM

Ether / starting fluid yes it smells tough but it will not hurt paint or chrome and I have never had it discolor or hurt plastics but I would check it on a small area on plastic first. Doug
I use it on anything you need any oil or grease residue removed, anywhere a gasket will used, it removes residue and drys the surface.
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