I'm currently in the process of replacing the old inop front TV with a new flat screen and will report on that when I am finished. After the old TV box was removed, there is some black paint on the ceiling carpet and a few other places where there is carpet, compliments of Foretravel who sprayed black paint inside the box after it was installed. I removed the black paint from the overhead left side cabinet with a cabinet scraper. I was able to remove some paint but not all from the carpet with mineral spirits and blotting with paper towels.
Anyone have any ideas about how to get rid of the paint without destroying or replacing the carpet?
Anyone know where to obtain a small piece of that carpet other than Foretravel? I'm not against buying from FT, or even sure that it is still available anywhere including FT.
Thanks in advance.
Jerry,
Not too long ago someone reported here that they did get a piece of ceiling carpet from the factory and they commented that the price was very reasonable. As a long time homeowner who has done a lot of paint removal -- you are facing an uphill battle and the end result is not going to make you happy. I truly believe you are better off replacing the carpet and trying to find a way to hide the seam.
Good luck and keep us posted. I feel your frustration in having to deal with a problem that never should have happened.
Jerry,
It won't hurt to try this...I did when I upgraded my front TV...I too had that black paint on the ceiling & the oak panels next to the TV cabinet I had shortened. Take a regular type razor shaver and try to "shave" the painted carpet fibers off. It's an easy fix.
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=114 (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=114)
When we were at FOT in January, we saw one of the remodeling crew making a shelf for a component of the entertainment system. He was covering it with some stuff that looked just like the ceiling "carpet" in our 1997 U295. I expect the stuff may be available.
You might give "Goof Off" a try. I took footprints of roofing tar off a field of snow white ultra expensive carpet with it. Of course I had the strength of desperation working for me as I contemplated the cost of replacing a huge amount of carpet.
Chuck
Jerry, I had the same experience when I removed the old TV box. I used some super carpet cleaner that the previous owner had purchased from Foretravel. It worked great and there is no evidence of the paint and no damage to the ceiling carpet. Unfortunately, I do not remember the brand name and I am not going to be back to the motor home for a week or two.
I seem to remember the carpet cleaner mentioned on the old forum a long time ago, but cannot find that reference. It comes in a pressurized can and is the product recommended by the factory.
Hope this helps
Might it be "Chem-Dry"? I thought I saw some at FOT last month.
A Google search for Chem Dry Foretravel turns up this little gem ;D
Cleaning dirt line in drop ceiling between lights (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/cleaning%20dirt_line_in_drop_ceiling_between_lights.html)
Michelle
I read in some of our paperwork that came with our coach to use Stain Extinguisher from Chem Dry. We bought some and used it on the ceiling. It worked great. Home depot sells it.
The Home Depot - Error (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100491657/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053)
Regards, Mark
Jerry,
I purchased some of the carpet for my 2000 last year and it matched perfectly in color. I had black paint and after I cut the cabinet back the carpet was indented, that is why I used the carpet. If memory serves me, it was less than $10 a yard...maybe cheaper.
Good Luck,
We purchased Chem Dry from Encore in NAC. It works pretty good but I would try Peters suggestions first. If it can be shaved off there will be no chance that you will spread the black paint. If not try the Chem Dry but don't saturate the carpet or the adhesive will fail. If all else fails, put some Xylene/Xylol from the paint store on a white terrycloth rag and gently rub the surface until the paint is gone. Again, don't saturate the carpet and take off a little bit at a time. When your through, you can wash away some of the solvent odor with Dawn Dish washing detergent and water on a white terry cloth rag. Again, don't saturate the carpet.
Surprisingly, I predict it won't be as hard to remove as one would think.
When cleaning carpet, always use the least aggressive methods first.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I tried the Chem-Dry in an inconspicuous spot and blotted it with a white towel as directed. The towel is still white, didn't do anything. I think I will try shaving it next. If that doesn't work, it does look like a section could be cut out and replaced. After examining what is on the shelves, it really isn't carpet. The TV replacement is going rather slow, due to other chores.
I was in Lowes today looking for something else and found this http://www.liftoffinc.com/product-graffiti-remover.php (http://www.liftoffinc.com/product-graffiti-remover.php) which removed 95% of the black paint overspray. I was somewhat reluctant to use it on fabric as it does not include fabric in the directions. So far it does not seem to have harmed the ceiling liner. I started off by spraying it on a white terry cloth towel and rubbing it on. Later after nothing bad seemed to be happening, I sprayed it on directly and rubbed the area with a clean spot on the towel. I think I worked about 30 minutes with some fairly vigorous rubbing with heavy pressure. Used a wet sponge and paper towels afterward. May repeat the process if the liner still looks okay after it is dry. It has an odor which is not too unpleasant, but I could smell the towel in the car on the way home.
Jerry,
You may have just found a solution for a lot of coach owners. This is really a great find.
Here are before and after photos of the results of using the graffiti remover I found at Lowes. A little bit of black paint is still there, but most people will not notice it unless I tell them.
Jerry,
Job well done!
Jerry,
Looks good. And, like you said if you don't point it out no one will ever know. BTW, I used two coats of Deft satin finish on the additional piece of oak that covers the opening a bit more...can't tell the difference.