13 replies to this topic

[PCH Parts Express]

We use Naptha to clean commercial wood tracks.  But it's hard to purchase in our area. Besides Coleman fuel, what cleaner is good for this use? 

 

Can mineral spirits be used? 

 

 

[Bill Seitz]

My experience with mineral spirits is that it leaves a sort of oily, slippery residue. I think you'd have to wipe the track down with something else to remove the residue. I have this same problem using Goo Gone which does remove the glue and rubber build-up fine, but again has a slippery residue. I use a damp towel water rinse with Goo Gone, but I'm not sure water will work with mineral spirits. You'd probably have to use alcohol. Alcohol, either metholated/denatured or isopropyl, will not remove traction glue and rubber buildup. You could try toluene or xylene/xylol (common glue/paint/lacquer removers), but I think they can attack/dissolve the finish on the track. I'd be very careful and spot test those solvents. If you have access to industrial solvents, halogenic solvents will also likely work and not harm the track finish, but getting them in California might be difficult (environmental and health impacts).

[Tim Neja]

Toluene and xylene are VERY toxic!! I would stay far away from them.  Coleman fuel should be easy to find at sporting goods or trailer supply stores.

[Dan Ebert]

We use the Generic Coleman fuel sold at Wal-mart for Track Cleaning.  We use it on the Drag Strip for lane prep with no issues.   Coleman Fuel and Lighter Fluid are generally 99 percent Naphtha with 1% or less rust inhibitors.  So rather than using pure Naphtha at 20 bucks a gallon.  We use the Wal Mart brand Coleman at 8 bucks.   The myth is that Coleman Fuel leaves an oily residue.  But we haven't experienced that. 

[FastRichard]

We have have had success using Greenworks on our routed track

[parocket]

I use this to remove my medium spray glue. I just spray on rag and wipe. If its really bad a very light spray will remove the glue and rubber. It does not effect the clear coat I have on my track.No residue on track after cleaning. Nice citrus smell. Recommended by my paint supplier.

Attached Images

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[FastRichard]

https://www.homedepo...00450/202255942

[Ramcatlarry]

The 'citrus based' cleaners work good and are much less toxic, They also work to get that last bit of rubber off the track to make it look 'just painted' without dissolving the lane strips.  Msny brand names for them including 'Orange-u-glad' and others.

[Rob Voska]

I would not use anything water based.  It will get to the MFD through chips & start things expanding.  

[gotboostedvr6]

The alternatives posted in this thread are water based and will ruin the wood.

[Half Fast]

Coleman fuel its what Port Jeff uses.

 

Cheers

[Wizard Of Iz]

I remember back in the '90s/'00s when the citrus-based Daddy-Os was the new track cleaning kid on the block.  

 

Until long strips of braid started coming up.  

[parocket]

So far so good 7+ years using this and no issues with braid. Plus it has no water in it  to ruin track. As stated before the paint store were I bought my paint recommended it to try. Just a little on the rag does work.I used Naphtha until I switched to this do to the smell. The low voc Naphtha is no longer.

[swodem]

We use the same lighter fuel to remove it that we apply it with
Methylated spirits cleans better, but removed the segments we have marked in Vivid pen


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