Removing Dried Glue from Aluminium Windows Without Causing Damage General decorating topics, questions and answers. find help, tips and advice on completing your decorating projects

[Sisodiap]

I used masking tape to protect the anodised aluminium windows from paint work. On removal it has left dried on glue on the surface which has become hard on exposure to the sun.

I've tried using steam cleaner to no avail. Any suggestions on how I could remove the hardened glue without damaging the surface of the aluminium frame.

[proptech]

Hi Sisodiap

There's Two things I can think of, methylated spirit my do the trick. The other being Siroflex solvent cleaner. This is used by glazing installers on PVC, if it's as good on aluminium, you may have a winner. Whatever you use will be hard work.

It's not widely known that masking tape does have a 'remove by' time. A lot of the standard tape in DIY stores is only designed for 24 hours. If you need longer, something like Scotch Blue is OK for 14 days.

[vidwiz]

White spirit should also work fine. Put a clean rag around your finger, dip it in the white spirit and gently rub over the affected area.
Do this on a cool day and it should come off with no probs at all. Wash your frames over to remove any residue left behind - job done!

As with all things test a small area first to be sure there's not a bad reaction but tbh it should all be fine.

Hope this helps.