cetol removal

[lucky]

What is the best way to remove cetol dripped on fiberglass?

Al
c34 hull #13

[Jeff Kaplan]

lucky, try either acetone or mineral spirits. if it's already dried, use acetone, if you are working and drip some, mineral spirits work fine...jeff

[Stu Jackson]

I agree.  And after it dries, we've been successful in using a small screwdirver to scrape it off from crevices and over brushing on both flat and non-skid areas in small spots.

[dave davis]

 As you have found out, Cetal is a bear to remove after it dries. You might try a hard toothpick. It will not damage the Gelcoat Good luck
Dave

[Ron Hill]

Al : I've use the acetone as mentioned, but let a wet rag with acetone sit on top of the spill and it will soften up so you can remove it easier.   

[Jon Schneider]

Use M.E.K. instead of acetone; it's pretty much the same as acetone, but it's got spirits in it that halves the evaporation rate, so it works better and it's easier to apply.  Available at any hardware store.

[Ron Hill]

Al : I have all three on board - laquer thinner, MEK & acetone.  I've found that acetone works the best for me 

[Jon Schneider]

I've found acetone and M.E.K. to be equally efficacious in removing poly-based coatings, but with acetone you have to dump a lot on because it evaporates so quickly.  I prefer M.E.K. because it's so much easier to work with, and you can work more slowly and, therefore, more carefully. 

[crieders]

Don't believe any of these posts. You are screwed. I have done it and over the years it will come off but the chemicals recommended will damage the fiberglass. If its only a little bit, don't worry about it; the years will fade it. UV is the best remover. Sorry.

[Jeff Kaplan]

al, the little bit of acetone that you will use will not affect the fiberglass. it evaporates so quickly no harm will be done. after you clean the area, just wipe down with water...jeff

[Clay Greene]

I used Interlux Fiberglass Solvent Wash and it did a good job of taking up spills on flat surfaces.  I applied it with a toothbrush and scrubbed.  In the non-skid, I first used a toothpick to pull up the Cetol in the crevices and then followed up with the FSW. 

[jmnpe]

I have had good luck with some of the Island Girl products [ www.islandgirlproducts.com ] for a variety of cleaning and restoration projects on fiberglass and vinyl. For tough stuff like 3M 5200 and Cetol, I would use the Neutral cleaner since it is a more potent cleaner that the Pink. The Island Girl cleaners will basically remove anything from gel coat that has not chemically combined with the gel coat. It will do no harm to your gel coat! You can call Jim at Island Girl and see what he recommends procedurally.

Good luck.

John
1988 hull no. 728
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