Duct tape adhesive removal

[Sea Hunt Video]

In preparation for transport I used duct tape to secure several items in the cockpit of my new-to-me Cape Dory 25D - covers for compass, depth guage, etc. The tape was on 3 weeks. I removed the tape yesterday and, not surprisingly, some of the adhesive remained on the gelcoat, etc.

I need a recommendation for something to remove this. My first thought was acetone. My concern is what acetone might do to the gelcoat.

Thoughts and recommendations please.

[sharkbait]

Try using the Tar & Bug removal products for automobiles.

[Ron M.]

'Goof - Off' will remove adhesive residue

[Russell]

Goof Off works well, also WD-40 works well.

[Stan W.]

Robert,

3M makes a product specifically for this purpose called something like "3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover." It's main market is automotive body shops but most marine stores carry it too. Use in a well ventilated area. I don't know what's in it but it is one of the nastiest solvents I have ever encountered.

[RIKanaka]

+2, but make sure you have good ventilation because I think it has xylene or something like that I have also used acetone and isopropyl alcohol but am not sure if it was the solvent or rubbing action that was most effective.

[doubleb]

This will sound crazy but try lighter fluid. It removes all kinds of sticky things and will not harm the surface.
We use it all the time around the house for things like that, Years ago before bar codes we used it on price tags on xmass gifts. soak tag. slide it off. Done. no harm to package.

my 2 cents

B.B.

[Terry]

In the army, we used coffee for this sort of thing. 'Course YOU probably don't make your coffee like the army does.

Goof-Off is less toxic, even smells okay.

Terry

[Sea Hunt Video]

Sorry for the delay in responding. Just got home. Spent "day 2" prepping S/V Bali Ha'i. Hope to splash her next week.

As much as I would like to try using "coffee" (perhaps Medaglia d'Oro), I will probably go with Goo Off or WD 40. I have both at home. Never thought of it.

I would prefer to save my coffee for drinking.

Thanks

[Neil Gordon]

In the army, we used coffee for this sort of thing.

In the Navy, too. The combination of hot, slightly acidic and a bit abrasive works wonders.

[Dick Villamil]

Use vegetable oil - it is non toxic, softens the glue and then it just wipes off. WD 40 is also great. Remove all oily residues before they soak into the gelcoat as soon as possible.

[Sea Hunt Video]

I used WD40. It worked great. Thanks to all.