How do I remove expanding foam from UPVC

[alanfrank]

Can anyone help. I have managed to smear expanding foam onto a UPVC frame and now I can't shift it. It has been solid for about a month now. I have found a cleaner advertised but this only works on UNCURED foam. Has anybody had any success or know of a suitable product? Thanks.

 

[neds]

Cut off the main bits with a hacksaw blade or utility knife then scrape off the remaining. Some IPA will will help shift it too if your desperate.

 

[alanfrank]

Cut off the main bits with a hacksaw blade or utility knife then scrape off the remaining. Some IPA will will help shift it too if your desperate.

Thanks for that. I have spent a fair amount of time scraping it off but I just can't get rid of the stubborn stuff. I did consider sanding it off but I didn't want to damage the plastic. I will try the IPA though. Cheers.

 

[Space cat]

I did consider sanding it off but I didn't want to damage the plastic.

There's every possibility that, like solvent weld glue, it's chemically bonded itself into the plastic. If this is the case then the damage is done already so you'll be looking for the best way of repairing the surface.

I'm afraid I don't know of any solvents that will shift polyurethane without also attacking the PVC. Careful mechanical removal will get you down to a level surface and some metal polish might just restore the shine. If the stuff has eaten into the plastic and discoloured it then, to put it bluntly, you're screwed.

Edit: Test any solvent on a scrap piece of PVC before you use it in earnest. Acetone is definitely one to avoid.

 

[foxhole]

I found a soak in white spirit or lighter fuel will soften for removal.

 

[kevindgas]

you could try Tar remover by Autoglym it removes gunk of bodywork with damage (haven't tried it so try a small area first)

or possibly nail varnish remover, again not tested so go gently

 

[dave.m]

WD40 removes the leftover sticky gung from sticky price labels.
Might help with this.

 

[foxhole]

Do not use nail varnish remover, it disolves pvc, wd40 contains petrol to thin it and cleans like lighter fuel but leave oil residue.

 

[JohnD]

is it indoors or out?

sunlight degrades expanding foam, in time.

 

[planemad]

Screwfix actually do a product that removed expanding foam

 

[jameshere]

Here is a product specifically intended for removing hardened expanding foam, and it's safe for use on PVC.

The supplier is a firm in Andover, Hampshire, and is called, AB Sealants Ltd., and they supply the product via mail order.

It's called, Soudal PU Remover, £8.06 100 ml plus £2.35 p & p.

http://www.absealants.co.uk/product_9-4-28_Cured-Expanding-Foam-Remover.htm

http://www.absealants.co.uk/contactus.php