CLeaning windshields

[iamsuperdan]

I have a dilemma!

I am in the final stages of an old Tamiya BMW Z3 kit.

I masked the windshield to paint the edges. I used Tamiya masking tape around the edges, and a wide 3M green masking tape in the middle of the windshield. 

I've done this before on other kits wth no ill-effects.

However, on this one, the tape left some residue in the middle of the windshield.

So far, I have tried Tamiya polishing compound, a Meguiar's polishing compound, rubbing alcohol, soap/water, and was very carefully trying a solvent remover. Nothing has worked so far.

I don't want to go too nuts, as it is clear plastic, and I fear that too much rubbing might cloud it or scratch it.

Any thoughts?

 

THanks!

[Len Woodruff]

Have you tried wax? Like you use for the painted bodies.

[stitchdup]

If you have a cheap spray deodrant, try spraying it on a soft cloth till its soaked then use to wipe the glass. I do this to remove residue from work vehicle stickers when they are removed and it works well. I would try it on some scrap clear first to be safe, I have never tried it on styrene but it was perfect on 1/1s

[iamsuperdan]

Have you tried wax? Like you use for the painted bodies.

Yes, I tried both the Tamiya modelling compund and a Meguair's cutting wax I use on my 1:1. Neither did a thing. 

 

 

 

Deoderant, eh? Hmm...would never have thought of that, will give it a try. Actually, will have to find some, as I'm pretty sure it's all pitstick in our house!

Thanks!

 

Dan

[Snake45]

Model airplane friends tell me WD-40 works well for this. Others recommend Goo Gone. I've never tried either so can't personally recommend them. Try on some scrap clear styrene first to make sure they don't affect the plastic.

[BigTallDad]

Model airplane friends tell me WD-40 works well for this. Others recommend Goo Gone. I've never tried either so can't personally recommend them. Try on some scrap clear styrene first to make sure they don't affect the plastic.

Goo Gone is a non-abrasive, non-solvent, citrus-based product that works very well for removing residual adhesive. I'd highly recommend it.

It will leave a residue of it's own behind (kind of greasy to the touch) but that's easily removed with Windex or soapy water.

Edited August 28, 2017 by BigTallDad

[randyc]

Did you try sticking the tape to the residue and pulling it off again?  Sometimes works.  May be too late after trying other things though.

[Snake45]

Did you try sticking the tape to the residue and pulling it off again?  Sometimes works.  May be too late after trying other things though.

Yeah, that should be the FIRST thing you try. It won't work now.

[StevenGuthmiller]

Model airplane friends tell me WD-40 works well for this.

That's what I use.

Should take it right off.

 

Steve

[iamsuperdan]

THanks guys!

Heading out to the bench later this evening to have another go at it.

 

[peteski]

What is unclear to me is whether the spots are adhesive residue from the tape (you can feel them when you run a finger over them, or if you pick at them with your fingernail they are soft and sticky), or are those spots embedded in the clear plastic (you can't feel them with your finger)?

If it is leftover adhesive then you should be able to remove it using one of the above described methods: pick them up using some fresh tape, ue a solvent like Goo Gone or alcohol (which I suspect is in the cheap deodorant).

If the spots are in the plastic itself then polishing should clean them out (polishing is an abrasive process which removes a thin surface layer of the polished object).  But I guess if whatever caused these spots ate deeper into the clear plastic then polishing won't work.

Also, are you sure the spots are on the front surface of the windshield? Maybe they are on the back of it?

Edited August 29, 2017 by peteski

[iamsuperdan]

What is unclear to me is whether the spots are adhesive residue from the tape (you can feel them when you run a finger over them, or if you pick at them with your fingernail they are soft and sticky), or are those spots embedded in the clear plastic (you can't feel them with your finger)?

If it is leftover adhesive then you should be able to remove it using one of the above described methods: pick them up using some fresh tape, ue a solvent like Goo Gone or alcohol (which I suspect is in the cheap deodorant).

If the spots are in the plastic itself then polishing should clean them out (polishing is an abrasive process which removes a thin surface layer of the polished object).  But I guess if whatever caused these spots ate deeper into the clear plastic then polishing won't work.

Also, are you sure the spots are on the front surface of the windshield? Maybe they are on the back of it?

THey're definitely on the backside, facing the interior.

I can feel them when I run my finger over them. Heading out there now, will report back in the monring.

 

Fingers crossed. 

If unsuccessful, I'll just have to get creative.

[iamsuperdan]

Well, unsuccessful. WD40 did not remove the offending residue. I'm not planning on working the windhsield any further, as it's already starting to cloud up a little.

I have an idea though.

 

 

[StevenGuthmiller]

Well, unsuccessful. WD40 did not remove the offending residue. I'm not planning on working the windhsield any further, as it's already starting to cloud up a little.

I have an idea though.

 

 

If WD-40 didn't do the trick, I find it unlikely that it is tape adhesive.

There must be actual damage to the glass.

If that is the case, your only option will probably be sanding & polishing.

 

Steve

[Super28]

I tried the sanding , polishing routine. Worked for me. Seen it on a video by "Hunter" on Showtime Studios"

[gtx6970]

I had a so so glass for an old annual 1960 Ford. Nothing real serious that like you could feel with your finger. Typical hazy light scuffed looking glass . But I was amazed how well it looked after a simple dip in future. No polishing or sanding in any way. Dipped it and pulled it right back out. l

Let it sit over night an viola . It looks killer