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  • Getting rid of adhesive on windows!

    Posted by Sharon Hicks on 9 June 2006 at 14:31

    Good Afternoon All,
    Can anybody point me in the direction of a chemical to remove the adhesive residue that vinyl leaves behind please?
    I have a client who has taken over a shop which was previously a clothes shop and so had that awful anti-fade film on the windows. They’ve taken that off but it has left a really thick residue.
    I’ve tried Graphytip Grafimove and this melts the glue but then smears it around.

    Help!!

    David Rogers replied 19 years, 6 months ago 5 Members · 6 Replies
  • 6 Replies
  • Peter Normington

    Member
    9 June 2006 at 14:36

    Sharon,
    I use glue and tar remover bought from motor factors in a 5l tin.
    The glue will still go gooyee but use a paint scraper to remove it. if the adhesive is hard just use a blade scraper.
    Peter

  • Nick Minall

    Member
    9 June 2006 at 14:37

    I would use the Graphytip to soften the adhesive then a scraper to remove it, then clean with a cloth.

    Nick

  • Sharon Hicks

    Member
    9 June 2006 at 14:40

    Thanks Nick,

    I poured some on, waited a few seconds, scraped it then wiped it, but it still smears. I’ll probably have to persevere with the Graphytip, but as it’s 2 large windows I just wanted to make my Monday easier!!

  • Nick Minall

    Member
    9 June 2006 at 14:46

    You need to scrap it all one way first, a razor blade or stanley blade type scraper is best.

    Nick

  • Adam McGuire

    Member
    9 June 2006 at 15:32

    If it’s window film, we use a soap solution and a 6inch razor blade. We don’t wipe it at all.

    Basically you spray the window with the soap solution, and leave it to soak for about 5 mins. Then spray it again and using a razor blade scrape the glue off. It’ll come off like chewing gum and probably be a yellowey colour. It needs to be a new razor blade as the edge will be smooth. Grit on the glass damages the edge of the blade and can lead to scratches in the glass. You do have to put a fair amount of elbow grease in though, and work progressivly. Then once the glue is off, a quick spray with the soap solution and squeegee down with a normal window type squeegee. Just be VERY careful with the razor blade, my dad almost took his thumb off with one!

    Hope this is some help

    Adam

  • David Rogers

    Member
    9 June 2006 at 17:19

    If it’s just glue that’s left. Meths (methylated Spirits) works brilliantly and leaves no residue.

    If you have delicate hands – wear gloves.
    Soak some paper towel in meths and wipe over the glue.
    Repeat, rubbing hard and it’ll all come off into the paper.

    Dave

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