How to remove adhesive?

[Munch]

I have what appears to be adhesive on my weatherstrip for my rear hatch but I'm hesitant to try and remove it for fear of discoloring or even damaging the weatherstrip. The adhesive is a gold color and kind of hard and crispy looking for what it's worth.

I was considering acetone but not sure if that will damage the weatherstrip, any suggestions?

Thanks.

[91corvette]

WD-40 should work.

[Vet4jdc]

Originally Posted by 91corvette

WD-40 should work.

[Munch]

I got in there with the WD-40 but it wasn't really doing anything to it so I started to poke at it and what do ya know it all just peeled off like snake skin. I think it was something left over from the tint job on the back window. I did use the WD-40 to go back over it and that took all the remaining residue off.

Now I can open my hatch with pride.

[91corvette]

Your welcome.

[Luv my 94 Corvette]

With ALL due respect WD40 is a lubricant. Acetone is a terrific very strong organic solvent and that is why you should not use it on a weather strip b/c it will eat its soft rubber.
I would CAUTIOUSLY try kerosene, turpentine or benzene(lighter fluid). I would do a quick test to ensure it does not eat the rubber.
Good luck!

[leec4ce]

WD 40 is petroleum base that loves to eat adhesive left over from old sticker or other adhesive products left behind on paint. We use it all the time on the racecars when removing old vinyl logos and sponsor stickers

[Cobra4B]

As mentioned WD-40 is great at removing bugs/tar/adhesive etc. Even better is goo-gone... buy a bottle next time you're at Lowes/HomeDepot etc. It comes in very handy.

[Vet4jdc]

Originally Posted by Cobra4B

As mentioned WD-40 is great at removing bugs/tar/adhesive etc. Even better is goo-gone... buy a bottle next time you're at Lowes/HomeDepot etc. It comes in very handy.

[Bucwheat]

I have used Googone for years and it does well.and smells good.

[Munch]

Now I'm trying to remove the residue from my VA state insp sticker, I could only get so much off with a razor blade and now there is a smeared mess. If i use goo gone or similar will it leave its own slimy residue? Plus I don't want to get anything on the dash as the sticker was at the bottom of the glass at the dash and in the center of the window.

[JMS32935]

I'd recommend "mineral spirits". That's a mild solvent, about as effective as wd-40, but without the messiness of the oil. It's normally safe for use on painted surfaces and for most plastics. It's readily available in hardware stores, and it's sold as thinner for varnishes and as "tar remover".

The next stronger thing I'd try is alcohol. That's safe enough on glass, but you should try to protect your dash surface. Small amounts likely won't affect the dash, but there is some risk. BTW, I think most glass cleaners contain some alcohol.


I'd never use acetone around plastic, or even on most painted surfaces. It's way too aggressive for that kind of work. About the only place I'd use that is on bare metal.

[kingpin]

In case anyone is still reading this...LIGHTER FLUID IS YOUR FRIEND.
Works better than anything and evaporates quickly. Just test for color fastness prior to use.