Cleaning adhesive residue from gelcoat
 

My 93 Formula came with some giant decals from previous owner that covered half the boat on both sides of the hull... I thought they looked kinda dumb so I removed them years ago. They came off easy enough by warming with a hair dryer. I scrubbed and scrubbed after I removed them, but the adhesive reside remained, and it has collected dirt and looks even ****tier. I tried one of those rubber wheel rollers on a drill, but it seemed to just move it around... I could give that another shot I guess, but I'm hoping there is an easier way.

I thought about using acetone, but I figured that wasn't smart on gelcoat, and could damage the oem decal striping below the area if it dripped down - I could maybe mask that off though to catch the chemicals.

Can anyone suggest a safe product and/or technique to clean the adhesive residue from gelcoat?

99% isopropyl alcohol :D
never had a problem with that on gelcoat unless i used a harsh rag and rubbed too hard (that what she said ;) :D )

I use WD-40 to remove adhesive from stickers.

Laquer thinner

Laquer thinner is what I've used for years on decal adhesive

Goo Gone works great

rapid remover or tar-x.... both plant/citrus based and wont hurt gel, both available on amazon

Debond works great for that as well. Since it takes 5200 off easily then the residue will be gone in a second or two.

Thanks Gents, lots of good ideas here.

Lacquer thinner I might assume would be similar to acetone as a solvent??? worth a shot I guess

I may get some goo gone - I think our local hardware store has it. I might also have a bottle of rubbing alcohol somewhere in the house, or possibly a bottle of heet (which I think is just isoprpyl alcohol).

I would start with WD40 for sticker residue, just make sure you let it sit and it may take a few applications. For acetone, when I got my boat there was tree pitch all over it. Tried goo gone, goof off, running alcohol, etc. Nothing would touch it. I asked a friend that worked at 4 Winns and he said use acetone. Took it off instantly and didn't damage the gel coat.