Removing Hydroturf and Gator grip

(darinmg) · (darinmg) **Join Date: Jul 2006** 01-27-2008, 3:02 PM

Has anyone tried removing either of these products from the top deck of their boat? I really want to add something before someone falls putting a board away. I have heard that once it touches, it is there to stay.

(flyspec14) · (flyspec14) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 01-28-2008, 2:23 PM

Alot of scraping and thinner will get it off, it just sucks. Also depends what material it is and how it was put on. If it was pressure-sensitive (peel & stick) you will have better luck. If it was old hydroturf and they used contact cement you will never get it "clean". Although I've put new Hydroturf on top of cleaned and scraped contact cement with good results.

(bill_airjunky) · (bill_airjunky) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 01-28-2008, 3:04 PM

I've always had pretty good luck using a heat gun or hair dryer. Once the adhesive heats up, it releases a bit & can be peeled up a lot easier.
Even letting the boat sit out in the sun has worked.

(olskooltige) · (olskooltige) **Join Date: Mar 2007** 01-28-2008, 5:15 PM

Eraser wheel on a high speed rotary tool will pull all the adhesive off very easily.

(nauty) · (nauty) **Join Date: Feb 2004** 01-29-2008, 6:27 AM

You can safely remove the adhesive without ruining the gel coat by following these steps:

- Pull up the Hydroturf/Gator grip
- Spray leftover adhesive with WD-40, let set 45 minutes
- Scrap off adhesive residue with a dull edge (credit card, etc)
- Clean remainder with Acetone (wipe on, wipe off immediately).

I have replaced the matting on my swim platform twice using the above method and it worked great without ruining the gel coat. The above method came straight from Skier's Choice.