How To Remove Kwik Grip Once Dry

How do I remove old Selleys Kwik Grip from a fibreglass boat floor — is there anything better than acetone?

The honest answer is no, there is nothing better. Kwik Grip is a tough product to remove once it has been applied, no matter what solvents you use, and it will always be hard work scraping it off bit by bit. Selleys' recommendation is to scrape it off rather than chase it with solvent.

The only way to readily remove cured Kwik Grip is to scrape it away, or by some other mechanical means. That is the whole answer, and reaching for a stronger solvent than acetone will not change it.

Why solvent stops working

Kwik Grip is a solvent-based contact adhesive. While it is wet, solvent is what it is carried in, and its data sheet says to clean up wet adhesive with mineral turps. That window closes as the adhesive cures — Kwik Grip Horizontal and Kwik Grip Vertical Gel both reach maximum bond strength after 24 hours.

What makes it a good adhesive is what makes it hard to remove. It is formulated to hold a bond that is heat resistant to 130°C and water resistant, which is exactly why it is used on boat floors in the first place. A product that dissolved readily in a common solvent would not survive that service.

There is a second reason not to escalate solvents on a fibreglass boat floor. Kwik Grip's own tips warn that you should ensure compatibility with the materials involved, testing on an inconspicuous area first, because some materials are incompatible with solvent products. That warning is given for the adhesive; it applies with more force to whatever aggressive stripper you might be tempted to try next. You can end up with a damaged floor and the adhesive still on it.

How to approach the removal

1. Test any method in a hidden corner first. Under a hatch, beneath a seat base, anywhere the result will not be seen if it goes badly.
2. Scrape mechanically, working in sections. Selleys' advice is that it comes off bit by bit; a methodical pass across a small area beats attacking the whole floor.
3. Keep the blade angle shallow so you are lifting the adhesive rather than digging into the surface below it.
4. Finish with light sanding where a residual film remains. Selleys' marine guidance notes that gelcoat should be lightly sanded before an adhesive is applied — which means light sanding of gelcoat is an accepted preparation step, and it is also the sensible way to deal with the last of the residue.
5. Wear eye protection and a dust mask when you are sanding, and gloves while scraping.

Set your expectations before you start. This is a slow job on any area larger than a patch, and the amount of time it takes is why Selleys answers the question the way it does rather than offering a shortcut that does not exist.

What will not help

• Stronger solvents. Selleys is explicit: no solvent makes this easy, and it will always be hard work scraping it off.
• Sealant remover. Selleys Sealant Remover is made for cured sealants — its data sheet lists silicone, acrylic, SMP/hybrid and polyurethane sealants. A solvent-based contact adhesive is not in that group, so it is not the product for this job.
• Waiting. Cured Kwik Grip does not become easier to remove with age. If you have wet product on a surface it does not belong on, clean it up with mineral turps now, while you still can.

Getting it right next time

If you are removing the old adhesive to re-lay a floor covering, the removal effort itself is the argument for careful preparation. Kwik Grip is applied to both surfaces, spread evenly to complete coverage, then left apart for approximately 20 minutes — no more than 40 — before the surfaces are pressed together, at which point it grabs immediately with no repositioning. Getting the alignment right the first time is what saves you doing this scraping job again.

On gelcoat, light sanding before applying an adhesive is the recommended preparation, and it also gives the new bond a better key than a smooth, glossy surface would.

Common questions

Will acetone remove cured Kwik Grip?

Not readily. Selleys states that Kwik Grip is tough to remove once applied no matter what solvents you use.

What actually removes it?

Scraping, or some other mechanical means. That is the only method Selleys recommends for cured product.

Is there a chemical remover made for it?

Not in the Selleys range. Selleys Sealant Remover is formulated for cured sealants — silicone, acrylic, SMP/hybrid and polyurethane — not for contact adhesive.

How do I clean up Kwik Grip that is still wet?

Mineral turps, straight away. Once the product cures, that option is gone.

How long do I have before it is cured?

Maximum bond strength is reached after 24 hours. Do not plan on a leisurely clean-up.

Will scraping damage the fibreglass?

Work carefully, keep the blade shallow, and test in a hidden area first. Light sanding is an accepted way to prepare gelcoat, so finishing residue with light abrasion is reasonable — but the removal still needs a controlled hand.

Can I use a heat gun to soften it?

Kwik Grip's stated heat resistance is 130°C, so it is built to tolerate heat. Selleys' recommendation for cured product is mechanical removal.

What about removing other cured Selleys products?

See removing cured Selleys No More Gaps, removing dried Liquid Nails and removing dried Araldite.

Where can I check Kwik Grip's application details?

On the product pages for Kwik Grip Horizontal and Kwik Grip Vertical Gel, or across the contact adhesive range.