ScottEnglish Report post Posted December 22, 2021 Hello. How do Solaway sole remover and similar products work? Here is a link to Solaway: Solaway Sole Remover | Shoe Repair Supplies UK | TR Lawman Thanks. Scott Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrmCa Report post Posted December 22, 2021 Find an MSDS. If it says toluene or xylene, methyl-ethyl-ketone, methanol etc. then it is a regular solvent. There is no magic, and it is unlikely they use something extraordinary. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottEnglish Report post Posted December 22, 2021 DrmCa: Okay, if I understand you correctly you're saying that a regular solvent should perform the same function. But how is the solvent applied to the glue bond? Is it necessary to detach the sole a little first? Thanks. Scott Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samalan Report post Posted December 22, 2021 The big thing is make sure you wear a good pair of solvent proof gloves don't get that crap on your hands. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrmCa Report post Posted December 22, 2021 2 hours ago, ScottEnglish said: Okay, if I understand you correctly you're saying that a regular solvent should perform the same function. Nope, I am not saying that. I am just guessing that it is a regular solvent. Find their MSDS. In the first aid section they have to disclose any of harmful chemicals, and all of the solvents are luckily harmful. So you will know what the damn brew consists of. If you ask them, they have to give you an MSDS. If they refuse, shop elsewhere. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuck123wapati Report post Posted December 22, 2021 You can find the msds sheets online as well . you can probably find the instructions on the soleaway site too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottEnglish Report post Posted December 23, 2021 Samalan: Yes, that sounds sensible. DrmCa: Thanks for the warning. chuck123wapati: There's very little information available about Solaway online. I think in view of what I've been reminded of, that these products may harm our health, that I'll focus upon alternative means of removing a sole. Thank you all for your comments. Scott Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RockyAussie Report post Posted December 23, 2021 16 hours ago, ScottEnglish said: DrmCa: Okay, if I understand you correctly you're saying that a regular solvent should perform the same function. But how is the solvent applied to the glue bond? Is it necessary to detach the sole a little first? Thanks. Scott It all depends on the type of upper and the type of sole you want to remove. In most cases a contact glue solvent (thinners) is all you need and in most cases you just use a suitable brush to activate the glue. Open the sole back a bit with your large nail pullers gently and just work along slowly wiping as you go with the brush. The brush will need to be regularly rewetted. Sometimes a paint stripper gun can be used to gradually apply enough heat to activate the glue and peel back the sole with some suitable nippers. If you could post a picture of the project you want to do this on I could probably give you a better answer. All of this is done using a shoe last stand normally which helps to give you something firm to pull against. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottEnglish Report post Posted December 23, 2021 Thanks RockyAussie. Your reply is exactly what I was after. Scott Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites