Well this is my first published major goof that I though I would share with you. I've been trying to get my backdrops mounted onto some styrofoam with thumtacks. They tend to work loose after awhile and collapse. So....I had some 3m spray adhevsive that I decided to apply to the backdrop and the wall/styrofoam. And in my infinite wisdom I decided to spray this without the tracks protected/covered. So now the tracks will need cleaned in the area where the spraying occured. Were talking about an area of 10-15' with 4 tracks. Of course the tracks are in the most inaccessable area, Yeah!!! So ive slowly been cleaning them with 91% isopropol alcohol but the stuff is hard to get off. After cleaning them over a couple of hours 3-4 times its becoming difficult to get all the gunk up. I'm thinking about switching to carbureator cleaner to remove the gunk once and for all. Or would this make matters worse?
That sounds pretty bad. I suggest you try $2/gallon paint thinner first--that usually cleans up spray adhesive pretty well. Then denatured alcohol, if the paint thinner doesn't work. Then naptha--although it is very flammable! Let me know your progress--as King of the Stupid Mistakes on Trainboard, I might just grant you the rights to SM #60.:teeth:
I dont know if this would work or not but in the automotive detailing shops if there is something like overspray or anything like that on a cars surface, we use GOO GONE. Just an idea.
Thanks Pete for the consideration on #60. I will try the paint thinner first. CWWrman, I will try goo be gone as a last result. I would work but the fumes from that stuff are pretty strong.
I guess I should say its Unitrack. I'll be carefull with the paint thinner, so long as I just clean the rails I should be alright. Then again this could evolve into the stupidest mistake of all time.
Try orange solvent in a well ventilated room. That will clean up the track. Stay cool and run steam.....
Dave , If you have to put up backdrops again use doll house wallpaper paste. You can get it at Hobby Lobby in the doll house section. I used a brand called Millies but they may carry a similar item. It holds well ,sticks to anything , and the backdrop can be moved around to exactly where you want it then clean any mess with water. Mike
When I paint my track, I use lacquer thinner to clean the railheads... Works slicker than a greased doorknob!
Last time I did that I used my wife's "Adios" nail polish remover, "Salon Formula". Contents are acetone, water and isopropyl alcohol. And no it does not attack the plastic ties, because it is deluted, wife used it in her salon for years with no ill effects. Regards Richard
I want to say thanks for all the suggestions, I'm surpriesed by the variety of suggestions. Also want to say thanks about the wall paper paste for the backdrops, this has had me stumped, perplexed and a litte bit disconcerted about this whole project. My faith has been restored thanks to everybody. I will report back on Monday with results.
Boy....that's gotta suck!!! I would second the paint thiner/mineral spirits route. Good luck with it.
Tony, Is it just paint thinner or is it any solvent? Paint thinner is usually considered milder than denatured alcohol, acetone or lacquer thinner. I've never had a problem with any of them. Of course, I'm not immersing track in them. I usually use 91% isopropyl alcohol these days, as it's much safer, and non-flammable.
Just read the fine print on the 3M spray (3M 77?) and almost all will tell you what to use to clean up.
The solvents work by de-emulsifying oils. There is oil in your skin, which is destroyed by alcohol. Rubbing alcohol has additives to replace the oils (a good reason not to use it for cleaning wheels!). Plastic is also an oil based product. "Crazed" is what we call a plastic that has had the outer layers of oil molecular chain destroyed. Some plastics are more resistant, and some others melt real fast. This solvent process is why stripping paint is such a trial and error process. If you leave the shell in for long enough, it will most certainly first get brittle, and then dissolve (eventually).
OK, with that answer you hereby are granted Trainboard Stupid Mistake #60. You may change the title of your post to include the number, if you are so honored. You are only one of three on the Trainboard forum to be granted your own number. I have the other 57.:teeth:
