stripping black monocote
 

------HELP----- Trying to strip black Monocote off a Sig Smith Mini. From what it looks like so far,previous owner used Balsarite on all the contact area.I put heat on it from a heat gun--Plastic got gummy,pulled loose ,and left a black residue.Any ideas ? Thanks --

RE: stripping black monocote
 

I have removed monokote residue with acetone, not easy but can be done.

RE: stripping black monocote
 

Yup, the plastic comes off but the adhesive remains, sometimes so shiny it appears that the plastic is still there. Try using a trim iron. Wipe it on the area and the bulk of adhesive will attach to the iron which you can wipe off on a rag. Then try the acetone for the rest of it. Sometimes I have good luck scraping the adhesive with the side of the trim iron, sometimes I use it like a plow, sometimes I just heat it like I was applying it.

RE: stripping black monocote
 

Heat up with a heat gun, and lift the residual pieces with a pair of tweezers

RE: stripping black monocote
 

Got just about all of it off,but when I used the acetone ,it turned the wood dark.I hope it don't show through under white Monocote.Thanks for all the tips.wonder if Walmart has a sale on fingernail polish remover --Joann

RE: stripping black monocote
 

amelia-air - You're better off buying a quart of acetone from a hardware store. The fingernail polish remover has perfumes and oils in it that you do not want on the balsa. (don't ask me how I know) [X(]

RE: stripping black monocote
 

Hi Ed.
Your right--big difference in price. Is this stuff safe to use in the house ? Cat is clawing at the door ~~holding his nose ..

RE: stripping black monocote
 

There is a risk that the acetone in the wood might weaken the glue joints. Check and re-glue if necessary

RE: stripping black monocote
 

I wouldn't. The smell is awful and liable to get into the cat food, ice cubes, and unopened beer. :D