Removing glued down decorative objects

[Pam Sherwood]

Anyone know what to use to dissolve the glue holding decorated items down in a boat interior. I just bought a boat that has several items glued down in the salon and galley. Thanks.

[nuku34]

What kind of glue? If its epoxy nothing will "dissolve" it. You'll have to chisel the "decorative items" off. Some non-waterproof "household" glues can be softened by applying lots of boiling water. There will probably be damage to the varnish/paint that you will have to repair.

[Pam Sherwood]

I'm not sure what the owner used to anchor the items. I will email and find out. Thank you for your help.

[marcjsmith]

If it’s something soft like a double stick tape or a soft caulk type glue I would use some heavy grade thread, fishing line etc get it behind the object. And then use the thread like a saw to cut the glue so you can remove the item and then begin working on removing the adhesive since now you can actually see it.

They do make a “cable saw” for cutting plastic pipe. I think it’s nothing more than a multi strand cable with rubber handles on it. Down side it that the cable will likely damage the bulkhead when you saw it back and forth.

https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools...a-420978968769

[thinwater]

Gluing items on seems kinda stupid.


More likely they used 3M high bond tape. Mineral spirits, prying, a drywall knife, and sometimes fishing line can cut through it without damamge.

[Phantom Jim]

For double edge tape and similar adhesives a product named De-Solv-It, available at most hardware and grocery stores works well for us. A similar product, orange oil, or orange solvent, works very well too.

[sailorbobdeb]

Regular WD40 also removes adhesive and hasn't damaged any sealed (varnish, paint, etc.) that we have used it on. Wouldn't use on raw wood. It also removes the black stuff Beneteau uses to hold wire runs. Riggers were amazed when I showed them how quickly it dissolves the stuff and you can clean your hands and surfaces with Dawn dish detergent and water.

[thinwater]

^^ and these comments, assuming it is self-adhesive pads/ high bond tape.