Removing Tub Appliques
Whatever method you use, first test the
cleaning/removal material in an inconspicuous part of the
surface the label is stuck on the be sure it will not
damage that surface.
The appliques were made to put on the bottom inside
of bathtubs and showers to make them less slippery and
help prevent falls. They are made in three layers...the
top layer that you see, a middle layer of Mylar film and
a bottom layer of adhesive.
1. Carefully lift a corner of edge of each applique. Use
your fingernail, a chisel-pointed cuticle stick or any
rigid, sharp edged plastic or wood scraper to get it
started.
2. Slowly pull up and peel back the applique making
certain the two layers (top surface and Mylar film)
remain together. Should the layers separate and the film
tear as you progress, start and lift other corners around
the applique, working toward the center until all
portions are free. Cleaners and solvents will not eat
through Mylar film.
3. After the appliques have been removed, there may be
some bits of adhesive remaining on the tub surface. To
this adhesive you may apply "Shout," "Spray-N-Wash," or
"Magic Spray." Allow the adhesive to soak in one of these
solutions for about half an hour. This will soften the
adhesive to a rubbery consistency.
You can now wipe up the softened adhesive with a
coarse, dry cloth. Or, you may thumb-roll the adhesive
into small balls (much like rubber cement). For removing
the adhesive, you may repeat the soak procedure several
times.
If you have difficulty trying to pull up and peel back
the appliques, you may prefer to try the following
procedure.
1. Lift several corners on each applique. Then apply a
generous portion of "Shout," "Spray-N-Wash," or "Magic
Spray" over the entire bottom of the tub. Since nothing
will eat through the Mylar film, these solutions must get
under the applique in order to work on the adhesive.
2. This time, allow the appliques to soak for about two
hours. One of these solutions should soften the adhesive
to a point where the appliques can be lifted easily from
the tub surface and any remaining adhesive can be wiped
up.
After following one of these above procedures...after
removing the appliques and any remaining adhesive, you
should then scour the tub thoroughly with a mild powdered
cleanser (such as Bon Ami). Then rinse thoroughly and
air-dry before installing new appliques.
If one of these solutions remains on the tub surface,
your next set of appliques may not adhere well...thus,
the scouring powder treatment.
Some tub manufacturers (such as fiberglass) recommend
that powdered cleansers not be used on their tubs.
Instead use liquid detergents, or baking soda and water,
or all-purpose household cleaners.