problem with bath tub

Nancy Howell

Well-known Member
We are doing a bathroom remodel. We are installing an acrylic tub. When the tub was unpacked, it looks like some of the styrofoam packing was glued to the front of the tub. The glue is gummy, somewhat like rubber cement, but the stuff is very hard to get off.

Does anyone know what I can use on the tub to get this mess off without damaging the tub?
 
You might want to contact the manufacturer, so if you use what they tell you and it wrecks the finish, its on them. Also need to let them know that there might be a warranty claim, as I would say the tub is "damaged in shipping" as it is.
 
Believe it or not sometimes WD-40 doesn't work to bad. Spray Brake Clean is a more aggressive chemical make up but tamer than spray carb cleaner. Both of these will have a fair odor to use in the house. Then of course there is acetone. Anything you use should be tried in an inconspicuous area. Lastly I completely agree with coshoo about notifying the seller/manufacturer about the issue first.
 
try some wd 40 but first apply it to an out of the way spot on the tub to see if it discolors. or try a hair dryer and gently heat the glue an pick it off with your finger or plastic scraper. napa also sells plastic razor blades for automotive use. they work good.
 
better consult with manufacturer, I installed a bathroom sink and used plumbers putty to install the drain, sink cracked, it wasn't compatible with the putty.....go figger.
 
You might try a hair dryer. Sometimes just a little heat will loosen that type adhesive. If that doesn't work you could try paint thinner or naphtha. It will either work or do nothing. It won't hurt the tub to try it.
 
(quoted from post at 09:27:22 09/27/17) We are doing a bathroom remodel. We are installing an acrylic tub. When the tub was unpacked, it looks like some of the styrofoam packing was glued to the front of the tub. The glue is gummy, somewhat like rubber cement, but the stuff is very hard to get off.

Does anyone know what I can use on the tub to get this mess off without damaging the tub?
peanut butter may work...just mix it with the glue. caveat...no actual experience myself.
 
We went the other way in February. Took out the tub and surround and put in a walk-in shower. As my folks got older they couldn't step over the tub to use the shower. Figured I would beat the odds and put the walk-in in. Sure do like the walk-in shower. Sorry, can't help on the glue.
 
Nancy,

Read online/or package for GOO-GONE. It's a citrus-based cleaner.

I've never tried in on something acrylic - so always test in an inconspicuous spot...

But I have used it on an antique oak table to remove rubbery/glue smear from a case of paper (probably put on the bottom of cases to keep them from sliding during shipment).

Have also used it on numerous kitchen items to remove sticky price tags... such as plastic cups and a frying pan handle.

GOO-GONE worked great in all applications that I used it for - and did not damage any of the finishes to which I applied it.
 
What coshoo said. Turn it in for warranty. They will ether send you something to get it off or send you a new tub. Trouble is the tub is the least cost. The installation for the new tub will be at your cost.
 
Another vote for WD40 here. I use it for just about every adhesive removal. It works very well on road tar also. Might take a bit of soaking, but it will help dissolve most adhesives. As stated test first and use a very soft cloth.

OTJ
 
Called Kohler, the manufacturer. After denying responsibility (no surprise there), they suggested vegetable oil. Didn't work.

Tried something akin to goo gone that the contractor had. Didn't work.

Tried bath tub cleaner. Didn't work.

Tried WD 40. Didn't work.

James got the 'Simple Green'. It said to apply and let stand a few minutes. It worked some. After 2 hrs of applying Simple Green, leaving it on for a few minutes and a couple of dozen paper towels, I got it off. I applied the other stuff and let it sit for a while, but only the Simple Green had any effect.

I have another tub from Kohler. It hasn't been unpacked yet. Anyone care to bet that it has the same problem?
 

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