{"product_id":"general-purpose-adhesive-remover-12-oz-3m-38983","title":"3M 38983 General Purpose Adhesive Remover 12 oz Aerosol | Removes Adhesive Residue, Wax, Grease, Oil, Sap \u0026 Bug Residue | Safe on Cured Paint, Vinyl \u0026 Glass | Clear | Marine Decal \u0026 Tape Residue Removal","description":"\u003ch2\u003e3M 38983 General Purpose Adhesive Remover 12 oz Aerosol — Removes Adhesive Residue, Wax, Grease, Oil, Sap \u0026amp; Bug Residue | Safe on Cured Automotive \u0026amp; Marine Paint, Vinyl \u0026amp; Glass | Clear Formula | Marine Decal Removal, Hull Graphics, Tape Residue \u0026amp; Surface Prep\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover (38983) is a 12 oz aerosol cleaner that quickly dissolves and removes adhesive residue, wax, grease, oil, sap, and bug residue from painted, vinyl, and glass surfaces. Clear formula. Will not harm most cured automotive and marine paints. Suitable for vinyl and glass surfaces. Aerosol spray application for controlled, targeted delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePart Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3M-38983\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Line:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 oz aerosol spray\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRemoves:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adhesive residue, wax, grease, oil, sap, bug residue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible Surfaces:\u003c\/strong\u003e Most cured automotive and marine paints, vinyl, glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aerosol spray — direct application to surface or cloth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMarine Applications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough general purpose in formulation, the 38983 addresses several common residue and contamination challenges specific to boat maintenance and surface preparation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHull decal and registration number removal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vinyl decals, hull registration numbers, and boat name graphics leave adhesive residue on the gel coat or hull paint after removal. The 38983 dissolves this residue without abrading the gel coat surface underneath, allowing the area to be cleaned and reapplied or refinished without adhesive contamination.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMasking tape residue after paint or gel coat work:\u003c\/strong\u003e Masking tape left on a surface during compounding, painting, or gel coat repair can leave adhesive residue when removed, particularly in warm conditions. Spray the 38983 on the residue, allow brief dwell time, and wipe clean before polishing or waxing the area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWax and compound residue removal from trim and fittings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wax and compound products can transfer onto and into rubber, plastic, and vinyl trim, rubrails, and fittings during detailing. The 38983 removes this residue from vinyl and glass surfaces without damaging the underlying material.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBug residue on windshields and bow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bug strikes on the bow, windshield, and forward-facing surfaces of the hull leave organic residue that bonds to gel coat and glass. The 38983 softens and lifts this residue for easy wipe-off without scratching.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrease and oil residue on engine compartment surfaces:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spray on cured painted engine compartment surfaces to lift grease, oil mist, and fuel residue before inspection or repair work. Do not use on uncured paint or on bare aluminum engine components — verify compatibility on a small test area first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePre-wax and pre-adhesive surface prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Removing old wax and residue from a surface before applying a fresh wax coat, new decal, or adhesive-backed fitting ensures proper bonding and a clean finished appearance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSafe on Cured Paint, Vinyl \u0026amp; Glass — Surface Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCured automotive and marine paint:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 38983 is formulated to be safe on most fully cured automotive and marine topside paints and gel coat. “Cured” means the paint or gel coat has fully hardened — typically 30 days or more after application for a fresh paint job. Do not use on freshly applied, uncured, or recently painted surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVinyl:\u003c\/strong\u003e Safe for use on vinyl surfaces including hull graphics, vinyl upholstery, and vinyl rubrail material. Test on an inconspicuous area first, particularly on vinyl with printed graphics or finishes that may be solvent-sensitive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGlass:\u003c\/strong\u003e Safe for use on marine windshields, portlights, and hatches. Removes adhesive residue, stickers, and bug residue from glass without streaking when wiped clean with a lint-free cloth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSurfaces to avoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not use on uncured or recently applied paints, bare plastics, rubber seals, or surfaces with unknown finish types without testing on a small inconspicuous area first. Not specified for bare metal, bare fiberglass, or uncoated surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eApplication Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShake aerosol can before use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpray directly onto the residue or contaminated area, or spray onto a clean lint-free cloth and wipe onto the surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow brief dwell time (10–30 seconds) for the product to penetrate and soften the adhesive or residue before wiping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWipe clean with a lint-free cloth in a single direction — do not scrub aggressively on painted or gel coat surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor heavy adhesive residue, repeat application may be required — allow the product to dwell and wipe again rather than applying mechanical pressure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter removal, clean the surface with a panel wipe or isopropyl alcohol before applying wax, new graphics, or adhesives to ensure no solvent residue remains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVentilation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use in a well-ventilated area — aerosol solvent product. Avoid prolonged inhalation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlammability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aerosol — keep away from open flame and high heat sources during use and storage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWear gloves and eye protection during use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and direct sunlight; do not store above 120°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVendor:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3M\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3M-38983\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boat \u0026amp; Engine Maintenance \/ Adhesives \u0026amp; Sealants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 oz aerosol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHS Code:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3814.00 (organic composite solvents and thinners; paint or varnish removers — verify for your import classification)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Will the 38983 damage gel coat or marine topside paint?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: The 38983 is formulated to be safe on most fully cured automotive and marine paints and gel coat. It should not be used on uncured, freshly applied, or recently painted surfaces. When in doubt, test on a small inconspicuous area first before applying to a visible surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can I use the 38983 to remove old vinyl decals from the hull?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: Yes — after peeling or heating the decal itself, spray the 38983 on the adhesive residue left behind, allow it to dwell briefly, and wipe clean. Repeat if needed for heavy adhesive deposits. Follow with an isopropyl alcohol wipe before applying new graphics or wax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is the 38983 safe on vinyl boat seats and upholstery?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: The 38983 is listed as suitable for vinyl surfaces. Test on a small inconspicuous area before applying to vinyl with printed patterns or specialty finishes, as some vinyl prints and coatings may be solvent-sensitive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How do I use the 38983 to remove masking tape residue after gel coat repair?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: Spray directly on the tape residue, allow 15–30 seconds of dwell time, then wipe with a lint-free cloth. For stubborn residue, repeat and allow longer dwell time rather than scrubbing. Follow with a panel wipe or isopropyl alcohol before polishing or waxing the repaired area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is the 38983 flammable?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: It is an aerosol solvent product — keep away from open flame, sparks, and high heat sources during use and storage. Use in a well-ventilated area. Do not use near the fuel system or in enclosed engine compartments without adequate ventilation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"3M","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":38043099824323,"sku":"3M-38983","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2712\/8720\/files\/general-purpose-adhesive-remover-12-oz_-3m-38983.jpg?v=1754579013","url":"https:\/\/www.macombmarineparts.com\/products\/general-purpose-adhesive-remover-12-oz-3m-38983","provider":"MacombMarineParts.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}