Super Glue on Dashboard

[mcevoyd]

So have spent the last couple of hours trying to deal with the previous owner's handywork - they'd obviously decided it was a humdinger of an idea to affix something to the black dash with superglue (and bang in the middle to boot), what en eyesore!! Careful work with Locktite glue remover has at least got rid of the 2" square white cured glue area but sadly there is a residual staining. Have given it a go with dashboard rejuvenator but I think I'll just have to live with what remains. Some folk really are such goons.

 

[dokalj]

Approach with caution, have you tried using an all purpose cleaner? A microfibre towel does sometimes help and as a last resort Autosmart Tardis? I know its used for wheels and bodywork, although a very small amount may help?

You could always ask a mobile repairer if they could have a look?

 

[dokalj]

Any pictures of the damage? Additionally, a small amount of leather repair dye could mask the defect.

 

[mcevoyd]

Sorry for delay - been trying to work out how to post pics! Here is one although not that good as the stain looks far better than it does in reality. I like the idea of the leather dye and will do a search for info on that. Having got rid of the worst I think it's now a matter of blending.

 

[trapperjohn]

You have done a decent job there. Have a look at this lot if you have not already found what you are looking for.

Zymol Gliptone from Monza Car Care

Also put a post up with your picture and question in the "Detailing" section.

Detailing - MBClub UK - Bringing together Mercedes Enthusiasts

 

[Lukeydb]

whatever you do don't do it by yourself, just go to the leather repair specialist

 

[Huey124]

If it was definatly super glue,then wet with warm water on a small sponge and get it nice and damp and with luck it should wipe off fairly easy, Super Glue does not like water

 

[Dieselman]

You might need to use a scrubbing brush or old toothbrush to work the cleaner into the grain as that's all you have left now.

 

[mcevoyd]

Is the dash leather or vinyl? My next stage plan was a gentle nailbrushing and a little leather tlc - ordered my Gliptone kit on-line and awaiting delivery.

 

[0ptic]

Cheap nail varnish remover (just acetone) will work too. Best test on an inconspicuous area first though. As DM said, an old toothbrush or something to work it in to the grain??

 

[dokalj]

Is the dash leather or vinyl? My next stage plan was a gentle nailbrushing and a little leather tlc - ordered my Gliptone kit on-line and awaiting delivery.

Thanks for the picture, it does look like you have done a good job and warm water maybe enough.

The gliptone cleaner may be sufficient to remove the glue. After washing off the cleaner, apply the conditioner.

Failing this, re-clean, leather dye.....wait a long time (possibly 24hrs) then condition.

If you don't mind me asking which kit did you purchase, I remember the rep telling me there is a different kit for man-made leather. Just wondering if you purchased this or not?

 

[Dieselman]

I wouldn't think that any leather cleaner or conditioner will be good on the vinyl dash.

 

[mcevoyd]

When I say kit, I actually meant the standard twin bottle set. 250ml each of cleaner and conditioner. I have a fear Dieselman may be right tho' in that it'll likely make little difference. I was going to buy the Gliptone leather stuff anyway to TLC the seats so I prob have little to lose in giving it a go when it arrives.

 

[flango]

you need a powerful surfactant to break the cyanoacrylate bonds of superglue the only think I can think of you could buy would be "stardrops" use it neat and work in with a toothbrush it will take a while but the glue will break go gooey and then you can get it off.

As for superglue not liking water we actually use it for underwater repairs both in fresh and seawater It is also used to repair wounds sustained in the war particularly used in the Vietnam war but was actually invented by Kodak in 1942.

 

[mcevoyd]

mmm I see a small war of words developing between the scientists!

 

[flango]

mmm I see a small war of words developing between the scientists!

I'm an Engineer, albeit a chemical one. Scientists has me thinking of boffins in white lab coats a bit like the Tefal advert

 

[Dieselman]

My understanding is that superglue uses moisture to cure it.

You can buy strong surfactants at any cleaning materials supplier, about £5 a gallon to be diluted up to 100:1.