Removing trim adhesive from UPVC windows

[Osem]

A mate of mine recently decided to remove some of the plastic trim sections which have been fitted around the interiors of his new UPVC windows but come loose. Of course he found a multitude of gaps between the window frames and the interior masonry which hadn't been made good but he also discoved that the trim has been glued to the UPVC frames using some sort of adhesive which has set very hard and is proving difficult to remove without damaging the UPVC. Does anyone know if there's some form of solvent which can be used to get this stuff off or it it just a case of very carefully scraping it away with a Stanley blade or similar? I know there are solvents for removing silicone but will they work on this adhesive?

Cheers.

[heero_yuy]

I think you'll find that this is Solvent weld adhesive as such it's actually "melted" PVC that you're trying to remove. I can only suggest removal with fine sand paper and polish the surface after with metal polish.

[Taf]

Many fitters now use Cyanoacrylate superglue with a spray activator.

This can be removed from most surfaces with something like Everbuild Stick 2 Superglue Remover.

[martyh]

Originally Posted by Osem

A mate of mine recently decided to remove some of the plastic trim sections which have been fitted around the interiors of his new UPVC windows but come loose. Of course he found a multitude of gaps between the window frames and the interior masonry which hadn't been made good but he also discoved that the trim has been glued to the UPVC frames using some sort of adhesive which has set very hard and is proving difficult to remove without damaging the UPVC. Does anyone know if there's some form of solvent which can be used to get this stuff off or it it just a case of very carefully scraping it away with a Stanley blade or similar? I know there are solvents for removing silicone but will they work on this adhesive?

Cheers.

i've had to remove trims like these in the past Osem as i'm a window fitter ,so i'll give you step by step instructions on how to remove them
1)cut around the edge of the trim between the wall and the trim with a stanley knife
2)take a wood chisel and strike the trim were it joins the window frame working down untill the trim has broke away
3)you will be left with some bits of trim still stuck to the frame ,these are best removed with a sharp chisel tapping gently with a hammer keeping the chisel angled so it doesn't dig into the frame
4)when you have completed stage 3 there will still be glue residue left on the frame this is best removed by using a fine grade emery paper (no water )this will sand the plastic until smooth ,i use the sort that car body workers use generally white circular discs ,i start with a fairly rough grade and finish with a very fine
5)to return the shine back to the frame i use Ciff cream cleaner this is widely used in the industry to polish plastic just use it with paper towel and rub hard this will take some effort

do not use any solvent on the frame as the trims have stuck on using super glue and a activator and any solvent strong enough to remove this will destroy the frame
hope this helps

ps Ciff can also be used to return the original polish back to older windows that have grime on the outside or nicotine stains on the inside,it is not wise to use any type of solvent on pvc windows to clean them

[Osem]

Cheers guys

[jsmith]

Originally Posted by Osem

A mate of mine recently decided to remove some of the plastic trim sections which have been fitted around the interiors of his new UPVC windows but come loose. Of course he found a multitude of gaps between the window frames and the interior masonry which hadn't been made good but he also discoved that the trim has been glued to the UPVC frames using some sort of adhesive which has set very hard and is proving difficult to remove without damaging the UPVC. Does anyone know if there's some form of solvent which can be used to get this stuff off or it it just a case of very carefully scraping it away with a Stanley blade or similar? I know there are solvents for removing silicone but will they work on this adhesive?

Cheers.

try wd40, usually works a treat