Need Assistance: How to Remove / Clean 3M Adhesive

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jsmith

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What is the best way to remove the 3M adhesive off the plastic surfaces of the GPS modules, etc. I am having to take down all dashcams in order to get my front window re-tinted. The tint damage twas caused by a 3rd party who is paying to re-tint the windshield This is a monumental pain in the butt to take down all MY cameras , but it has to be done. Therefore, I will need to clean and prep all plastic surfaces so the NEW ADHESIVE will adhere to the plastic backing of modules.

What do you guys do / recommend to remove the residual 3M adhestive on GPS Module + Interior Cams, etc in order to clean / prep surface.

Thanks.

GPS Module.webp
 
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I got a bottle of glue remover from Lidl a few months ago. Works very well and does not cause any issues with the plastic.
 
jsmith said:
Would you happen to know the name / brand of the product? Or could you share a link? Thanks.
Click to expand...
It was from Parkside (The tool brand from LIDL). 250ml. Unfortunately, I do not have any link. It was only available in the stores.
You should be able to find similar sticker removers from other well known brands.
 
I've had good results with this:

www.toolstation.com

Zep Sticky Stuff Remover

Do you get frustrated when your sticky labels won't peel off cleanly? Make sure you've got Zep Sticky Stuff Remover on hand - this powerful spray can remove even the toughest of tape or sticker residues, as well as adhesives and grease. It can even be used to tackle chewing gum.The spray is...
www.toolstation.com www.toolstation.com

Also works good for removing stick from Cricut/Silhouette Cameo matts.
 
mentadent said:
I've had good results with this:

www.toolstation.com

Zep Sticky Stuff Remover

Do you get frustrated when your sticky labels won't peel off cleanly? Make sure you've got Zep Sticky Stuff Remover on hand - this powerful spray can remove even the toughest of tape or sticker residues, as well as adhesives and grease. It can even be used to tackle chewing gum.The spray is...
www.toolstation.com www.toolstation.com

Also works good for removing stick from Cricut/Silhouette Cameo matts.
Click to expand...
Does it also work to remove VHB residue from the windscreen?
 
TonyM said:
Does it also work to remove VHB residue from the windscreen?
Click to expand...
Why not use a razor blade? Much easier and faster.
 
Julian23 said:
Why not use a razor blade? Much easier and faster.
Click to expand...
I mount my cameras on the raised frit dots. Not sure a razor blade is going to work well there.
 
Yes it should work Tony.
 
Julian23 said:
Why not use a razor blade? Much easier and faster.
Click to expand...

Far as normal course for removing the VHB, my windows are tinted. Razor blade wouldn't be recommended. This time, I just needed the mounts off. I used a heat gun to loosen the VHB. Far as removing residual VHB from the GPS Modules and Cameras, I don't want to damage plastic with a Razor Blade.
 
TonyM said:
I mount my cameras on the raised frit dots. Not sure a razor blade is going to work well there.
Click to expand...

Those raised dots aren't going to hurt anything if taken off, but they are intended to act as a shield from the sun, and you do risk removing them with the VHB...
 
From my understanding the frit is a ceramic enamel permanently baked into the glass surface and won't scratch off with a razor normally.
I would advise against using a razor as it could scratch the windscreen, but each to their own.
 
Hi guys,
I've found that good old Mineral Turpentine works extremely well at removing any glue residue.
Does not touch, affect plastics.
Metho will not work.

Just use some on a small piece of clean, soft cloth.
 
I have had to do this a number of times so this works for me. It works on the windshield and on the back of the plastic of the dash cam attachment where the old sticker was attached.

I use 99% isopropyl alcohol (it's safe for cleaning glass and dries fast) to wet the area using a Q-Tip. I use a thin plastic scraper and wipe off with a paper towel for small sections at a time. The paper towel is important because it picks up the softened glue instead of smearing it across the glass like the scraper would. You will need to repeat it a number of times (maybe 5+ times at least) to remove it all.

I use the same method to remove the glue or leftover 3M stickiness from the VIOFO plastic attachment piece. It leaves a smooth plastic surface or scratched up but at lean of leftover adhesive, so I can apply a new 3M sticker.

From Amazon. The very slim, thin edged ones.
Burius brand.

scraper.webp

 
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On the windscreen i use Kent Speedy 500
 
No matter what solvent you use, I found it to be a tedious time consuming task to remove the adhesive. Have patience when you do it.
 
mentadent said:
I've had good results with this:

www.toolstation.com

Zep Sticky Stuff Remover

Do you get frustrated when your sticky labels won't peel off cleanly? Make sure you've got Zep Sticky Stuff Remover on hand - this powerful spray can remove even the toughest of tape or sticker residues, as well as adhesives and grease. It can even be used to tackle chewing gum.The spray is...
www.toolstation.com www.toolstation.com
Click to expand...
I used some Zep Sticky Stuff Remover and it successfully removed these greasy sticky residual patches that had accumulated on the frit area after testing various dashcams.

It took a lot of rubbing with a cloth soaked in Zep, but it did the job.

1758379448810.webp
 
I personally use a paint scraper, but only for non tinted windows. Works ok on the dotted areas too of the windscreen.

Other than that it's alcohol wipes and lots of blood sweat and tears
 
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