TFR problem

Observer · 18 June 2008, 10:21

Having read recommendation on a thread on this board, I bought some traffic film remover to clean the tubes. I started with 10:1 dilution, which worked well and I was happy with the results.

Unfortunately, the TFR appears to react with the rubber on the trailer rollers and, when I launched/recovered the RIB, I ended up with black marks on the hull where the rollers make contact. These are a real pig to get off. I've tried ordinary detergents, white spirit and thinners but none of the above really shift it well, although I can remove the worst of it. However, the rollers are still affected because I'm getting new marks whenever the boat is launched or recovered.

Any ideas for cleaning the marks from the hull and preventing new marks?

Mollers · 18 June 2008, 10:35

If it's the GRP that you're trying to clean, 3m Finesse is the stuff. It's a GRP fine rubbing compound, it'll remove anything.

Observer · 18 June 2008, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

If it's the GRP that you're trying to clean, 3m Finesse is the stuff. It's a GRP fine rubbing compound, it'll remove anything.

Yes - it's the GRP that's affected. I did try T-cut as well. Will this 3M stuff do what T-cut didn't?

Mollers · 18 June 2008, 11:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Observer

Yes - it's the GRP that's affected. I did try T-cut as well. Will this 3M stuff do what T-cut didn't?

Yeah, 'T' cut hasn't got much 'bite' to it. It's more a detergent to remove paint oxidisation. Farecla G3 is an auto product,but it'll do a better job than t cut. You can buy a tube rather than a largish tin.

Julian · 18 June 2008, 11:15

Hi,

This may sound strange but we had a similar problem with marks on the hull, we sprayed rib revive over the black marks and left it for a few mins and the whole lot rubbed of quite easily.

Cheers

Julian

codprawn · 18 June 2008, 14:00

Try WD40 on the hull - it certainly removes tar spots etc very easily from car paintwork!!!

I really can't see that it was the TFR that caused the problem - how did it get on the rollers in the first place? I would be more worried about the Galv on the trailer!!! TFR is very similar to alloy wheel cleaner and it doesn't harm the tyres. Rubber is usually pretty impervious to most chemicals. It's not the warmer weather causing the problem is it? Rubber gets softer this time of year.

Nick Hearne · 18 June 2008, 14:16

Have you tried TRF to get it off?

Observer · 18 June 2008, 15:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Have you tried TRF to get it off?

Yes - it helps but doesn't really shift the marks. Also I don't want to get it on the rollers again (I'm pretty sure that the TFR has done something to the rollers).

Mollers · 18 June 2008, 15:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Observer

Yes - it helps but doesn't really shift the marks. Also I don't want to get it on the rollers again (I'm pretty sure that the TFR has done something to the rollers).

TFR will pull the black grime out of rubber, it brings car tyres up like new. It will stop though, pressure washing the rollers might get it out.

Observer · 18 June 2008, 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

TFR will pull the black grime out of rubber, it brings car tyres up like new. It will stop though, pressure washing the rollers might get it out.

That's a point that hadn't occurred to me. I'll try power-washing the rollers. Thanks.

ian parkes · 19 June 2008, 00:00

sounds daft but try an ordinary pencil eraser on the marks . tfr does effect some rubber , try wearing thin rubber gloves while using it , they last about 10 mins

codprawn · 19 June 2008, 03:39

Remember most "rubber" gloves are Latex which is rubber before it has been Vulcanized. Vulcanisation uses high heat and sulphur to bake the rubber and make it much harder.