Lsapilot Posted October 1, 2018 Report Share Posted October 1, 2018 I fly a 2008 CTLS. I'm planning on replacing the tape that covers the wing next to the fuselage However, after removing the tape there is quite a bit of sticky residue. I would appreciate some advice as to the best solvent to remove this sticky substance without harming the wing surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted October 1, 2018 Report Share Posted October 1, 2018 I don’t use hard solvents. I do use Goof Off. Just apply it to a rag. You are not trying to soak the area to be cleaned. I have never had any tape residue that couldn’t be wiped off with Goof Off. Available at Ace Aviation and many other stores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runtoeat Posted October 1, 2018 Report Share Posted October 1, 2018 If Bolus tape residue, this is easy to remove as Roger says. Personally, I use rubbing alcohol for this and to remove exhaust gas stains on the bottom of the fuselage. My 2006 CTSW had been taped at the joint of the ventral fin and fuselage with a tape that left residue that was crusty and could not be just wiped off. I used Goof Off, MEK, alcohol, acetone. Nothing seem to dissolve the residue. Finally, after soaking overnite with acetone, I was able to scrape off the residue with a razor blade, being careful not to scratch the surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted October 1, 2018 Report Share Posted October 1, 2018 Hi Dick, I wouldn't use MEK or Acetone on our CT's. I haven't found any tape including the old cloth tape and the plastic strip tape that was on the stab that wouldn't come off with Goof Off and some elbow grease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WmInce Posted October 2, 2018 Report Share Posted October 2, 2018 7 hours ago, Roger Lee said: Hi Dick, I wouldn't use MEK or Acetone on our CT's. I haven't found any tape including the old cloth tape and the plastic strip tape that was on the stab that wouldn't come off with Goof Off and some elbow grease. Cocur . . . that is what I experience. Goof Off is great stuff. Some claim it is nothing more than lighter fluid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lsapilot Posted October 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2018 Thanks guys. Appreciate the input on the residue problem... I flew my CTLS to OSH from Boston this year. Camped by the plane. I hit some turbulence over the Catskill mountains and when I landed i discovered that the wing tape was peeling off. That was a surprise. I hope everyone remembers to close the fuel shut off valve after a flight. I had a bad experience after forgetting to do that. Eventually fuel leaked pass the carbs and into the cylinders and oil reservoir. What a mess!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runtoeat Posted October 2, 2018 Report Share Posted October 2, 2018 Believe me Roger. Whatever was used for tape defied all solvents and rubbing compounds. I tried the hard core stuff because I didn't want to scrape it. I ended up slightly softening it enough that I could remove with a razor blade. The Bolus leave very little residue that can be easily removed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted October 3, 2018 Report Share Posted October 3, 2018 I found some old enamal reducer that worked really well on the old cloth tape residue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ls6pilot Posted October 3, 2018 Report Share Posted October 3, 2018 Anyone tried this? 3M 08987 General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner https://www.amazon.com/3M-General-Purpose-Adhesive-Cleaner/dp/B0002NUO6K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538564448&sr=8-3&keywords=3m+adhesive+remover Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGLyme Posted October 3, 2018 Report Share Posted October 3, 2018 A great and safe "solvent" for cleaning epoxy from tools, etc (I built a boat) is good old vinegar. You probably have some in the kitchen, see if it works. Nothing more difficult to remove than epoxy. Vinegar won't harm the plane finish or your health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckaroo Posted October 3, 2018 Report Share Posted October 3, 2018 Goof Off let it sit some wife off wet again let sit 5 minutes wipe off. Takes a little rubbing. I left tape off my stab and under fin and like the look much better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted October 3, 2018 Report Share Posted October 3, 2018 7 hours ago, AGLyme said: A great and safe "solvent" for cleaning epoxy from tools, etc (I built a boat) is good old vinegar. You probably have some in the kitchen, see if it works. Nothing more difficult to remove than epoxy. Vinegar won't harm the plane finish or your health. Be very careful with anything that is not a neutral Ph. I know vinegar is on the other end of the Ph scale from alkaline cleaners, but I am not sure how it would effect the Rochel foam. Cleaners on the other end of the scale will dissolve the foam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lsapilot Posted November 9, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2019 After applying solvent, a good way to remove softened material is a credit card. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob737 Posted January 18, 2020 Report Share Posted January 18, 2020 I am looking at replacing my gap tape on my trim tab. I see the solvent suggestions however is there a recommended glider tape I should use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lsapilot Posted January 18, 2020 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2020 I used white vinyl tape 2" wide for my wing gaps. I don't remember the brand name. I ordered it from Arian at Flight Design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted January 18, 2020 Report Share Posted January 18, 2020 I would use Bowlus tape. I tried one of the cheaper glider tapes. It was not as glossy, so it didn't blend in with the finish as well, it would creep easier, and left more of a gooey residue. IMO the Bowlus tape is worth the extra money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob737 Posted January 18, 2020 Report Share Posted January 18, 2020 thanks Tom, just ordered Bowlus tape. I see that Bowlus recommends lighter fluid as a solvent for removing residue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KentWien Posted January 19, 2020 Report Share Posted January 19, 2020 Goof off works incredibly well on that tape. Just don’t let it touch your vinyl decals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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