Hi,

I have a Omega 2.5m sailplane (composite D box / built up wing) that I have removed the covering film from the inner wing panel. Now I have a distinct mark where the covering film's heat activated glue was.

What is the best solvent / method to remove this glue so that I can re-apply new film?

I was thinking methylated spirits or eucalyptus oil (followed by metho).

I've seen a few youtube clips of people using strong clear packing tape to remove the residue. just apply it to residue, push it on to the patch, and rip off, seems to work in the clips at least!

Don't whatever you do us eucalyptus oil to remove it, you'll never get anything to stick to it ever again! If you MUST use a solvent, I have in the last used lacquer thinner to good effect, but I'd try the tape trick first.

Originally Posted by Curare

I've seen a few youtube clips of people using strong clear packing tape to remove the residue. just apply it to residue, push it on to the patch, and rip off, seems to work in the clips at least!

Don't whatever you do us eucalyptus oil to remove it, you'll never get anything to stick to it ever again! If you MUST use a solvent, I have in the last used lacquer thinner to good effect, but I'd try the tape trick first.

Thanks for that Curare,

I just tried methylated spirits and it seems to work after a few rubs.

there is also a product from topflite that use to work pretty well

coverite use to have another product that was a thinner for their balsarite product that also might work too

Originally Posted by pval3

there is also a product from topflite that use to work pretty well

I'll have to have a look for "a product" from Topflite

I have used the packaging tape method on balsa surfaces. Apply the tape then use your covering iron over that to warm both and the adhesive will bind better to the tape. If the surface under the covering is painted like my Omega HLG , DO NOT use solvent, it will dissolve the paint.
What you could use is Bestine and only Bestine on a painted surface.
Hopes this helps.
Frank

Originally Posted by zbytekfr

I have used the packaging tape method on balsa surfaces. Apply the tape then use your covering iron over that to warm both and the adhesive will bind better to the tape. If the surface under the covering is painted like my Omega HLG , DO NOT use solvent, it will dissolve the paint.
What you could use is Bestine and only Bestine on a painted surface.
Hopes this helps.
Frank

Thanks for that. I have since removed the adhesive with methylated spirits and it worked a treat.

I'll have to remember the packing tape trick for balsa surfaces though. Adhesive on balsa is a PITA