Is there a good way to remove a tailpad without damaging the board? Also, I’ve seen people remove wax with a razor blade-Good/bad idea? Thaks for any info!!
Im sure there are other ways to do this – I just removed some traction pads and wax from an old board.
The wax is really easy - just set the board in the sun for a few minutes to soften the wax. I then use a 3" wide plastic wallboard/putty scraper. This gets the majority of the wax off. I then wipe down with a citrus (orange) based cleaner with a rag to remove the wax residue.
The traction pads – I used a straight edged razor blade and lifted the edge of the pad. While pulling the corner up I ran the razor blade between the pad and the board being carefull not to get into the deck glass. It took awhile to get it all off. Once it was all off I applied some goo gone to the residual glue. Let the glue soften and then removed it with a rag.
My guess is that there are other helpfull suggestions that you may find doing a search.
yoyo
There’s a product I’ve used called “Contractor’s Solvent” that will melt the things you don’t want it to if you leave it on too long.
http://www.orange-sol.com/contractors/index.html
You might be able to pull up one edge of the pad and start applying it sparingly and let it sit for a bit.
i’ve used a heat gun to loosen the hold of the adhesive on the trac pad. you can find them in the paint section of most hardware stores. think i got mine for approx $25.00.
start at one of the corners and apply the heat as you pull back. doesnt come up instantly so dont burn your hands.
brasco
JBJ,
I was recently introduced to a product that is so effective at wax and traction pad-glue removal I WISH I had known it 20 years ago as a ding grommet.
“Prepsol” is what panel sprayers use to remove any traces of grease from panels prior to painting.
With some of this wiped on, left to soak a moment, then scrubbed with a fistful of PU shaping dust your board will be clean in moments and scratch-free. (Has to be PU dust, sorry.)
Bring on the new tricks for old dogs…I’m running around the workshop madly de-waxing EVERYTHING with glee now…
Josh
Hey Brasco…
I see respirators got fashionable…mines a German fire brigade approved model, so there!
Josh
A cheap hair drier will work just as effectively, mine cost £2.99, you need to life one corner with a raxor blade, stick some plastic over the gule on the bottom to stop it getting dusty then you can just stick it back on when you done.
For wax scrape of heavy stuff with a putty spreader, then go over board with same 2.99 hair drier and a paper towl, then rubb on some foam dust, though if you dont have this laying around you could give it a wipe down with meths. then wasg with soap and water.
Actually the wax on my board is so old its coming off by itself, maybe its time to strip it down?
the best tool I’ve found for removing old wax is a squeegee… I use one of my old laminating Thalco squeegees after leaving the board in the sun for a few minutes, can strip off all the wax in about 20 seconds, nice & clean, no fuss no muss.
Don’t know alot about removing traction pads, but after scraping the majority of wax off with the plastic putty knife, I fill an old sock with sand and wipe the board done. Cleans it all the way to the gloss coat.