BMF Glue Residue Removal

[Horrorshow]

Which is the best product for removing bare metal foil glue residue?

[stitchdup]

depend on the paint type. i'd try sticking masking tape on the residue first, it can sometimes remove the residue and is a good first step before more aggressive methods. even blutak might work

[slusher]

just rub it off with you fingers or a little windex on a soft rag..

[StevenGuthmiller]

WD-40 will take it off instantly.

 

 

Steve

[NOBLNG]

4 hours ago, StevenGuthmiller said:

WD-40 will take it off instantly.

 

 

Steve

How do you clean off the WD if you want to put more clear on?

[Cool Hand]

Enamel thinner or polishing wax.

Have seen others recommend lighter fluid.

[peteski]

I would skip WD-40 (a lubricant) and just use Naphtha (aka Ronsonol Lighter Fluid).  It is a mild solvent which leaves no residue when it evaporates.  But don't let Naphtha sit on the painted surface too long (especially if the body is painted with solvent based enamels). Just a quick wipe or two should remove all the BMF adhesive residue.

 

Ronsonol is fairly pricey (sold in small quantities). I buy Naphtha in the hardware store's paint thinners section as VM&P Naphtha. I can get it in quart or gallon size cans.  I use it for many tasks (like cleaning and degreasing N scale locomotive mechanisms.

Edited yesterday at 03:22 AM by peteski

[StevenGuthmiller]

4 hours ago, NOBLNG said:

How do you clean off the WD if you want to put more clear on?

Soap and water.  (Dawn)

 

Of course, I don't clear over the foil.

 

 

Steve

[peteski]

WD40 is a low viscosity penetrating lubricant.  It appears to consist of some heavier lubricant dissolved in slow evaporation rate solvent, probably similar to mineral spirits. If you squirt some WD40 out into a small open container and let it sit for several days the solvent evaporates leaving the thick yellow lubricant behind.  When used on a model, even if WD40 is wiped of, some of the lubricant likely remains. Water and a dishwashing detergent removes it.

Using a mild and quick evaporating solvent like Naphtha will not require the extra step of washing the model since it evaporates with no residue. If there is some residue left behind it is some of the BMF adhesive which was not completely wiped off. Then just repeat the cleaning and that should leave the model adhesive-free with no oily residue.