Rapid Remover vs. Goo Gone: What’s The Difference?
In terms of removing stuck-on residue, I gotta hand it to Rapid Remover. This stuff ripped through sticky stuff twice as fast as Goo Gone. That extra solvent muscle punched right through, while Goo Gone took its sweet time. It was like watching an MMA fighter beat up a kindergartener. Sure Goo Gone was pleasant enough, but man it struggles to keep up! However, when it comes to surface damage I’d pick Goo Gone’s safety scissors over Rapid’s chemical sledgehammer any day.
- Rapid Remover vs. Goo Gone: Specs & Uses
- My Hands-on Test of Rapid Remover
- My Hands-on Test of Goo Gone Automotive Cleaner
Rapid Remover vs. Goo Gone: Specs & Uses
🧪Application Method
Rapid Remover: Manual application by wetting surface
Goo Gone: Aerosol spray or liquid applied manually
🆚Ingredients
Rapid Remover: Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated light; D-Limonene; Orange, sweet, extract
Goo Gone: Petroleum distillates, hydrotreated light; D-Limonene
🛠️Common Uses
Rapid Remover can be used to remove adhesive from body side moldings; suitable for older aluminum RVs; remove window sticker residue from tinted glass; and eliminate vinyl graphics from plastic car bumpers.
Goo Gone removes tree sap from various surfaces; removes tough double-sided adhesive underneath emblems; removes oil from car seats; and removes plasti dip from rims.
Technical Info
My Hands-on Test of Rapid Remover
✅Pros
I knew removing it would be a nightmare, but it had to go. At first, I tried Goo Gone which barely made a dent in the incredibly stubborn adhesive. Yeah, it’s true, though you might have read my analysis of 3m adhesive remover vs goo gone. Then I tried Rapid Remover – this stuff is truly incredible!
Even with Rapid Remover, removing the old clear bra still took a ton of elbow grease and patience. First I used plastic razor blades to scrape off the bulk of the clear film, which alone took 6 grueling hours over 2 hot days. The sun’s warmth helped soften the adhesive at least.
Real Test
Next came the real test – eliminating the remaining sticky residue with Rapid Remover. I sprayed on a layer, let it sit 60 seconds, then scraped with the blades before respraying. After several applications, the adhesive turned to jelly and released. I finished up by rubbing the solution in with paper towels and scraping. Sectioning the hood made the task manageable over 2 full days.
While not fun by any means, without Rapid Remover this job would’ve been impossible. The fumes worried me so I wore protective equipment, but had no issues. Considering saved cost of repainting, this product is 100% worth the price and effort!
Remove Old Decals from RV
I’ve also used Rapid Remover recently to remove old decals from a RV with phenomenal success. After steaming the decals off, I sprayed on the solution, let it penetrate, and the sticky residue wiped right off – so much easier than other removers I’ve tried!
And just this week I used it to eliminate 30-year-old adhesive striping glue from a used motorhome I purchased. That stuff was unbelievably stubborn, but Rapid Remover rendered it harmless in under 60 seconds just like advertised. It does run quickly so apply carefully, but truly works magic. A little goes a long way too.
❌Cons
While extremely helpful, even this heavy-duty solvent has its challenges with the toughest, most baked-on adhesive. It takes some trial and error to find what works best for different glue types and surfaces. So don’t go into a big project expecting all the gunk to vanish instantly – be prepared for an intensive process.
FAQ of Rapid Remover
Q: Is it possible to eliminate vinyl signage from glass using Rapid Remover?
A: To remove vinyl from glass without causing any scratches, you can utilize a Lil Chizler tool. Additionally, the Raapid Remover is highly effective in eliminating any remaining glue residue.
Q: Can Rapid Remover effectively eliminate water-based wood glue from wood clamps?
A: I’m afraid Rapid Remover may not be suitable for removing wood glue.
Q: Have you tried using Rapid Remover to remove the adhesive left behind after removing body-side moldings? I’m working on refurbishing a 1993 GMC 1500 pup.
A: I successfully used Rapid Remover to remove the (Nasty Diamond Shield) from the front of a 2009 class A RV. It worked wonders. I peeled off the clear 3M tape, sprayed the product on the remaining adhesive, waited for 60 minutes, and then used a “Plastic” (painter-style) scraper to remove it. It can get messy, but if you follow the instructions (how to remove 3m tape from car), it will get the job done!
Q: Does Rapid Remover come with a sprayer attachment?
A: Yes, Rapid Remover includes a spray nozzle attachment for your convenience.
Q: Can I use Rapid Remover to loosen or remove rubber lettering or player names from the back of soccer jerseys?
A: If the rubber lettering or player names are glued, it is possible to use Rapid Remover for removal. However, I would recommend conducting a test spot first, especially if you care about the jersey. I purchased it to remove decals from a motorhome.
Q: I have an older aluminum RV. Will Rapid Remover work on that surface as well? Also, should I wait for warm weather to use the product?
A: I believe Rapid Remover will work on your older aluminum RV. Warmer weather can be beneficial for its effectiveness. I’ve used Rapid Remover to remove 3M rock shield from our coach.
2 reviews
📣🔥 Share it to easily keep track of the answers!
Leave a Reply
My Hands-on Test of Goo Gone Automotive Cleaner
✅Pros of Goo Gone
I cut up small squares of the rag and soaked each one with the cleaner, placing them on top of each sap spot. Slowly but surely, the cleaner started working its magic, allowing me to lift the sap off with my fingernail.
Remove Tree Sap
I sprayed it on the sap and let it sit for a while, then used a plastic scraper to gently pull the sap away. Afterward, I buffed the area clean and washed the car. Hands down, this is a good product for removing tree sap. Plus, it has a pleasant citrus smell, so it doesn’t have that strong chemical odor.
Goof Off Vs. Goo Gone
The main difference between Goo Gone and Goof Off is that Goo Gone is a mild citrus-based solution, while Goof Off is a potent acetone-based formula.
Goo Gone is ideal for removing residue from stickers and tape, while Goof Off is better suited for heavy-duty messes like tar, dried paint, and glue.
Remove Double-Sided Tape
I had some double-sided tape stuck on the hood of my car, and this cleaner did a fantastic job of removing it. The only downside was that the sprayer didn’t work properly, so I had to either have a backup sprayer or dab the product onto a rag.
Remove Old Emblem Adhesive
Another success story was when I used this cleaner to remove old emblem adhesive and some leftover adhesive from a previous paint protection film on a C7 Corvette. It performed admirably without causing any harm to the car’s paint. I did have to apply some pressure and put in some effort, but the cleaner did the trick. Once again, a quick wipe with water and a microfiber cloth, followed by a dry one, and the job was done.
Removing Adhesive from Gorilla Tape
You might ask: “Does Gorilla Tape leave residue?” Yes. In addition to its adhesive-removing abilities, Goo Gone Automotive proved its worth when it came to removing areas of adhesive from Gorilla Tape on the roof of a Honda Odyssey. Due to a broken sunroof caused by an object from a logging truck, I had to use Gorilla Tape as a temporary solution to secure a waterproof covering. After applying Goo Gone as instructed on the bottle, I had to repeat the process twice to achieve a clean car roof.
Price
Now, let’s talk about the price. I found it to be quite reasonable, especially considering the performance of the product. While it works well on fresh sap, it may require multiple applications on older, hardened sap. I recommend washing the car with soap after working on bug and sap spots since the product can leave a sticky residue.
In my experience, this stuff is better than the regular Goo Gone. A little goes a long way, which makes it a worthwhile purchase.
❌Cons of Goo Gone
I failed to remove some old clear bra protection film from the front of the 2006 Mercedes with it.
FAQ of Goo Gone
Q: What makes you confident that Goo Gone effectively removes tree sap?
A: It has proven to be highly effective in completely removing tree sap from various surfaces.
Q: Does Goo Gone have the ability to eliminate stubborn adhesive under car emblems?
A: Absolutely! Goo Gone is specifically designed to remove tough double-sided adhesive underneath emblems. Remember to wash the surface with warm soapy water afterward.
Q: Can Goo Gone be used to get rid of oil stains on car seats?
A: Yes, it is capable of removing oil from car seats. After using the product, make sure to clean the surface with warm soapy water. Please note that it is not recommended for use on leather surfaces.
Q: Is it advisable to wash the area with warm soapy water after using the product to remove excess Goo Gone?
A: Yes, it is recommended to clean the area with a mild dish detergent and warm water to remove any residue left by Goo Gone.
Q: I have marks on my windshield from a rubber object. Can Goo Gone help remove them?
A: You can try using alcohol or glass cleaner along with a razor blade to remove the marks caused by the rubber object.
Q: How long can I use Goo Gone?
A: Goo Gone Automotive is a versatile product suitable for all automotive purposes mentioned in the directions. Give it a try and see the results for yourself.
Q: Will it safely remove plasti dip from rims without damaging the paint?
A: Yes, it will safely remove plasti dip from rims. Remember to wash the surface with warm soapy water afterward to remove any oils from Goo Gone.
Q: Can it effectively clean a sticky dashboard?
A: Absolutely! It can clean various surfaces, including car interiors, kitchen surfaces, and even residue left by tags on jars.
Q: I had drywall fall on my car, leaving dried patches. Can Goo Gone remove them?
A: While it is an oil mixture and may have some effectiveness, it might not be the best choice for removing dried patches caused by drywall. It may work better on other substances like tree sap.
Q: Is it suitable for removing paint from a rubber SUV?
A: It may work on rubber surfaces, but it’s recommended to test it in a small, inconspicuous area first.
Q: Can it remove spray paint from a dashboard?
A: Yes, it can effectively remove spray paint from a dashboard.
Q: The cup holders and buttons in my car are sticky. Will Goo Gone remove the stickiness?
A: Goo Gone can be used to remove stickiness. However, please avoid using it on rubber surfaces. After removing the stickiness, clean the area with warm soapy water.
Q: Can it remove Rain X waterless car spray?
A: While it is primarily designed for sticky residue, using soapy water should effectively remove Rain X waterless car spray. Many people use it on their windshields.
Q: Will it remove grease from boat trailer rims?
A: I’m not entirely sure, but it’s worth a try. Just be cautious not to get it on painted surfaces, as it may leave residue that can be difficult to remove.
Q: Can it remove light scuffs from a car?
A: No, it is primarily intended for removing grime and dirt, rather than light scuffs.
Q: Can it remove print marks from spark plug wires?
A: No, it is not recommended for removing print marks from spark plug wires.
Q: I have durabrite coating on my tri-axle rims. Will Goo Gone affect the finish when removing tar?
A: I’m not certain, but Goo Gone Automotive is generally not corrosive. To be safe, test it on a hidden area before applying it to the entire surface. It should effectively remove tar if you spray and let it saturate for a few minutes before wiping.
Q: Will it remove car wax?
A: Yes, it can remove car wax from unwanted surfaces, such as trim. However, if the wax has been thoroughly buffed in, it may be more challenging to remove.
Q: Can I use it on the back inside window to remove sticky residue left by old car tint without damaging the tint?
A: While I’m not a trained professional, spraying Goo Gone near or on the material holding the tint may dissolve the residue or adhesive behind the tint. It is advisable to use a window cleaner without ammonia and a soft cloth to be safe.
Q: Does it work for removing residue left by car tint?
A: Yes, it should be effective in removing residue left by car tint. Allow the spray to saturate the residue a bit longer, then apply some elbow grease to remove it.
I’m Ronald Stevens, a Mechanical Engineer obsessed with adhesives, glue, and all things sticky! My passion began in childhood when I’d always be the one playing with glue during arts and crafts. And I’d spend hours researching and experimenting. Happy reading, and remember: stick with the best, and you’ll never be stuck in a mess!
Feel free to contact me and join our discussion:
Can I apply Rapid Remover on a polycarbonate smart fortwo?
It's likely that Rapid Remover can be used on a polycarbonate smart fortwo since it is biodegradable and not a strong chemical.