How do you remove rubber cement from fiberglass

[Rusty99]

Hi all,
I used to have a rubber mat to protect my Boler that was glued onto the front of my Boler with rubber cement.

What product would you recommend to help remove this tacky/gooey rubber cement from the Boler fiberglass?

Would paint thinner or Varsol work? I don't want to cause any damage to the fiberglass. The plan is to remove the rubber cement then start some major body work on the Boler.

Cheers
Russ

[Thomas G.]

I'd start with mineral spirits (paint thinner). If that doesn't work try lacquer thinner. If that doesn't work try acetone.

[Glenn Baglo]

I presume you mean "contact cement". You can buy contact cement thinner ( probably right next to the contact cement. I'd start with that and a plastic putty knife.

[stevebaz]

Try some good ol WD-40 it works wonders on most soft adheasives.

[Glenn Baglo]

I love the smell of WD-40 in the morning..

[frankie]

p.b. blaster its like wd 40 if you can find it if it will take lexsel off your hand and not burn you up it will take. Off rubber cement...

[rick.a]

To remove rubber cement, use rubber cement thinner called "Bestine" You can find it at art supply stores like "Michael's" It's a strong sovent and absolutely eats rubber cement as well as tape residue and other adhesives. We have used it for years around the house to clean off all types of non-water soluble stuff.

Rick.

[_Scamp87_]

Originally Posted by frankie

p.b. blaster its like wd 40 if you can find it if it will take lexsel off your hand and not burn you up it will take. Off rubber cement...

...wear gloves...my assistant (mom ) got it on her hands and shirt and the odor made her sick sick sick...had to shower and scrub. We used the pb on the screws that held my stove in this past weekend. They were permanently there. That stuff worked and we had them off in 15 mins...we had beed trying for 2 weeks prior. No doubt it will remove the cement quick fast and in a minute.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by rick.a

To remove rubber cement, use rubber cement thinner called "Bestine"

Bestine does look promising, especially if the material actually is rubber cement. From the manufacturer's website:

Formulated for thinning rubber cement, Bestine is also a most versatile cleaner. Bestine readily cleans up inks, spray adhesive, and is an exceptional parts cleaner.

Over the years, professionals have used Bestine for removing both decals and labels from all types of surfaces.

But, most important, Bestine does not dissolve most plastics.

According to Wikipedia, it is simply heptane,which is used as a fuel and solvent.

[Glen_]

Try the stuff in the picture. It's called Ducan and I got it at the Co OP.
Used it to remove rubber molding around the entrance door and the foam wall covering on a Trillium that needed to be removed. Needs good ventilation.

No harm to the fiberglass. The glue just wipes off with paper towel.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Glen_

Try the stuff in the picture. It's called Ducan and I got it at the Co OP.

Good tip.
I don't think it needs to be the Ducan brand - as the label says it's xylene, which is a common solvent. Ducan doesn't even list it on their website as a product; their products are sealers which use xylene as a solvent and for clean-up.