M.E.K and automotive paint

[creationode]

So, since my last posts about removing nasty old carpet glue, I have done more researching.<br><br>I will not be using the aircraft paint stripper (althought I still want some, because I am a tooler).<br><br>I one time had to remove mastic (usual component in old carpet glues) from my pop's basement floor.<br><br>I used a product called Sentinel 747 Plus Mastic Remover.&nbsp; It came in a big old plastic gallon, and it worked quite well.&nbsp; It also cost over $25 at HD back then.&nbsp; I still had to scrape the concrete like crazy, and the project took two whole days of back breaking work.<br><br>My van floor space is much smaller and has less carpet glue.<br><br>I want to use Methly Ethyl Ketone (Butanone) now.<br><br>HD sells a large enough 1 quart size of Klean-Strip MEK Substitute for only $10.<br><br>I will be using chemical gloves, and a fan to blow the air out the back when I do it.&nbsp; I will use a good orange cleaner/strong general purpose cleaner to remove whatever might be left when I am done.<br><br><strong>MY QUESTION:</strong><br><br>I have read on some auto and boat forums that this MEK will strip most auto paint.&nbsp; I do not want this to happen at all, as I the paint underneath the rug and glue looks rust free and quality.<br><br>As usual, there is little true information, and tons of opinions on chemicals and finishing tricks.&nbsp; I heard that MEK will NOT strip 2-part paints.&nbsp; Now, is most auto paint 2-part paint, or is it all a factory/corp. proprietary process?<br><br><strong>If I gently apply the MEK to selective areas that require the use of such a powerful chemical, and let it sit just long enough to loosen the adhesion of the glue, will this work?</strong><br><br>The glue removers are just so expensive, and I only need one batch.&nbsp; I can afford MEK, and I can afford the time and care it takes to work with it.&nbsp; I would use Sentinel 747, but it costs too much.<br><br>Any advice on this Mehty Ethyl Ketone beast?

 

[Terry]

just don't pour it out and watch it evaporate. It shouldn't bother the paint used as&nbsp; cleaner by a reasonably intelligent person. Flames would be the biggest hazard in my guess. I have used carburetor cleaner to clean vinyl signs with and if given a chance, it will melt the vinyl and coroplast sign material. just use it quickly and safely.

 

[highdesertranger]

just out of curiosity have you tried wd 40.&nbsp; it dissolves most adhesives and won't hurt paint.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[wrcsixeight]

That MEK stuff is hideous.&nbsp;<br><br>Not sure why removing the carpet adhesive is desirable. <br><br>&nbsp;Are you not going to cover the floor with anything?<br><br>I left mine and put some snap together laminate flooring over it.

 

[creationode]

I have not tried WD40, and I don't even have any.&nbsp; I stopped using it years ago, because it just never held up like specific lubricants do.&nbsp; Although it is a good 'rust preventative coater' somewhat.&nbsp; I just find other products much better.&nbsp; I will try it, though 'ranger.&nbsp; I will get a little bitty bottle to see what happens.<br><br>I want to remove the glue because...it is a project for me.&nbsp; I plan to have this van for at least...well, I suppose the rest of my life!&nbsp; I just cannot stand to lay a flooring over something nasty underneath.&nbsp; I realize there is no 'technical' reason to remove the glue.&nbsp; But I love projects, and learning, so I will remove the glue.&nbsp; I plan to eventually repaint the van over time.&nbsp; Really repaint it, like, sanding it all the way down, and doing it MY way.<br><br>I do not require an expensive automotive finish, and I know I can do it my way, well enough, especially for the inside floor.&nbsp; So removing the glue makes sense in that respect.<br><br>I indeed plan to lay a new floor.&nbsp; I have not figured out exactly how I want it, but I know the top most layer wil be an attractive flooring type.&nbsp; Have not spent the time to scope out all of the colors, types, and prices yet.<br><br>I do not want to glue ANYTHING down to the floor.&nbsp; This van will eventually be an off-roader, and I really, really want the option to spray out the floor with water.&nbsp; I have huge dreams for this van.<br><br>So whatever goes on the floor, will be held on by gravity and fasteners/brackets of some sort.&nbsp; The top most material will be glued, yes, but it will be glued to a 'jigsaw' removable floor.&nbsp; So if I want to get underneath the flooring for whatever reason (and there will be reasons), I can just...pop out the entire floor of the van, and Voila, there is the van floor.<br><br>I will either eventually repaint the floor in white, or put some bed liner or marine paint on it.&nbsp; Have not got that far into my research yet, though.<br><br><br><br>