How to Remove Construction Adhesive From a Bathtub
After you've set a new bathtub in position and fastened it to the wall studs, it has many opportunities to catch falling construction adhesive before you take your first bath.
The most common source of adhesive spots is drips that occur during installation of vinyl paneling, but the spots can also happen during trim installation. Construction adhesive sticks really well, and it's strong, but it's easier to remove than you may suspect. You can usually loosen its grip to the tub walls with a lubricant, and once the bulk of it is gone, you should be able to scour the rest off.
Things You Will Need
- Petroleum jelly
- Mineral spirits
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Plastic putty knife
- Baking soda
- Scouring powder
- Toothpaste
Tip
After you've gotten off all the adhesive residue, it's a good time wash the entire tub with a strong detergent, such as 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate. This will remove all other construction dust and grime that has accumulated, and it will prepare the tub for its inaugural use.
Warning
Strong solvents, such as alcohol, may soften construction adhesive, but they can also damage the finish on the tub, so it's best to avoid them.
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Coat the adhesive with petroleum jelly and wait for it to soften, which may take several days. Use mineral spirits as an alternative, but you may have to reapply it once or twice before the adhesive will soften.
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Heat the adhesive to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, using a heat gun, if you don't have time to wait for petroleum jelly to work. If you don't happen to have a heat gun in your tool closet, a hair dryer set to high will also work. Keep the heat on the adhesive until it softens.
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Scrape off as much of the adhesive as you can, using a plastic putty knife. A plastic knife will scrape effectively, and it won't scratch the finish.
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Scrub the residue with a mildly abrasive cleaner, such as a paste made from baking soda and water. You can also use scouring powder or, in a pinch, white, non-gel toothpaste. Wash with clear water when you're finished.
The Drip Cap
- After you've set a new bathtub in position and fastened it to the wall studs, it has many opportunities to catch falling construction adhesive before you take your first bath.
- Use mineral spirits as an alternative, but you may have to reapply it once or twice before the adhesive will soften.
- Heat the adhesive to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, using a heat gun, if you don't have time to wait for petroleum jelly to work.
References
Writer Bio
Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies.
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