One of the top reasons why contractors love adhesive tape on the job site is its versatility. In almost all conditions, it sticks.
In the same way, we hate it when it will not come off. Adhesives used in construction can leave a sticky, gooey residue on surfaces that can be exceptionally difficult to remove.
Have you ever wondered how to remove double-sided tape without damaging the paint? For a clean removal, let’s examine some easy and paint-friendly methods.
The Best Way To Remove A Double-Sided Tape From A Surface
With a razor blade that is almost flat, I carefully work my way under one edge of the tape.
Getting rid of that kind of tape requires some tedious, painstaking work, but in my experience, it’s the only way. In my work, I never use any liquids or solvents.
In some cases, they can irreparably damage the item’s surface. If there is still adhesive after using a razor blade, I use a piece of tape to remove it.
In the end, a pristine surface is the result of this whole process, which, granted, can take a while.
Simple Solutions To Remove Double Sided Tape Residue
The double-sided tape is a very useful product for the home; however, it can be difficult to remove from its original position.
You will have to experiment with the best method for removing double sided tape depending on what type of surface it’s stuck to.
The following suggestions will help you remove double-sided tape effectively.
You should always test first! If you are unsure whether your residue remover will damage the surface, test it on an unnoticeable area first.
It is especially important to avoid the use of some removers on wood, painted surfaces, or surfaces with a high gloss finish since some agents can dull the surfaces or discolor them.
1. Apply Heat
Heat softens tape just as warm water softens tape, and it can also melt stubborn adhesives without damaging your floors or walls.
It will only take a minute with a hairdryer, heat gun, or even a blow torch. When you apply heat to the surface of your floor or wall, gently scrape off the adhesive.
During the winter, cold surfaces tend to harden construction adhesive, making it harder to remove without damaging your floor or walls.
2. Use Warm, Soapy Water
You will only need warm, sudsy water for surfaces such as acrylic, plaster, asphalt, copper, enamel, glass, linoleum, marble, pewter, plexiglass, and anything vinyl.
When the tape is softened with warm water, it can be removed with a sponge or cloth.
3. Scrape It
Use a putty knife to scrape off small amounts of construction adhesive from wall paneling, molding, or floors. If you want to avoid damaging the surface, be sure not to drive the knife’s edge too hard.
A straight blade can be used to remove residue from stone or mirrored surfaces that are scratch-resistant.
4. Make It Quick
You can think of tape as a band-aid. In one motion, ripping it off makes it easier to remove, as compared with removing it slowly, which leads to more stickiness (and pain!).
In some cases, this doesn’t apply to all surfaces; it’s best for tape that has been in place for a few days and still has a tacky surface.
Take some extra time to take off the tape if it has dried out so as not to damage the surfaces, as surfaces may also be damaged if the tape has been on too long, especially painted ones.
5. Alcohol With Caution
If you use a pressure-sensitive adhesive, you may want to consider using rubbing alcohol, which is not a solvent. Using rubbing alcohol will result in the adhesive residue losing its adhesion and precipitating.
This method can also be used with nail polish remover or acetone. Use alcohol or acetone with caution as these substances may damage painted surfaces.
6. Brush It Off
If the surface is made of stone, such as bluestone, brick, concrete, granite, limestone, terrazzo, or masonry tile, do not use soap. You will end up with scum that is difficult to remove.
Use a paste made from laundry detergent or baking soda mixed with water for this purpose.
Apply the solution to the gummy portion and gently spread it, removing it with a soft brush (a toothbrush is good for small areas). Rinse with warm, clear water afterward.
7. Apply Pressure
Blasting the surface with highly pressured water or by sandblasting will remove stubborn adhesives on hard materials such as rocks, bricks, concrete, and bricks.
You can use water pressure and sandblasting to clean rocks, bricks, and other hard materials, but be aware that these methods can also leave marks on the surface.
8. WD-40 To The Rescue
Using a rag with some texture – such as terry cloth rather than an old t-shirt – soak a small area with WD-40, then scrub the residue off.
Depending on how much residue there is, you can spray it and let it sit for just a minute before scrubbing. You should not use WD-40 on anything that could be damaged by its oil!
If any WD-40 residue remains, it is very important to wash it off with soapy water and dry properly before applying a new adhesive.
9. Try Commercial Products
It has been shown that Goo Gone or Goof Off can work in the event that these methods don’t work.
Removing Double Sided Tape from Walls and Doors | Step By Step
By using the right approach, double-sided tape can be easily removed from walls and doors. To make it easier, here are a few simple steps:
Materials you might need:
- Heat gun or hairdryer
- Plastic scraper or flat-edged tool
- Rub alcohol or adhesive remover
- A sponge or a soft cloth
Step 1: Use A Hairdryer To Remove Stubborn Tape
You should turn on your hairdryer to a medium or high setting after plugging it into the nearest power outlet.
Allow the hot air from the hairdryer to blow over the tape, paying attention to the corners and edges. The glue will soften as a result.
Put the hairdryer aside for a few minutes and use your fingernail to pick at one of the corners of the tape. Tape should come off most of the way, but you may need to take the hair dryer to it again.
If your fingernails are very short, or if you don’t want to ruin your manicure, use a butter knife or pallet.
After cleaning the surface, you can use a scouring pad soaked in warm, soapy water for any remaining residue. Commercial cleaners containing oil or oil-based ingredients should be avoided.
Step 2: Use Soap, Vinegar, And Water To Wash Away Any Residue
Combine 2 cups of water (275 milliliters) with 1/4 cups (60 milliliters) of vinegar and a few drops of liquid soap.
Using a sponge dipped in this solution, scrub the affected area of your wall or door in small circular motions.
Most paint should not be removed by this cleansing solution, although some fading might occur.
Step 3: Remove Any Residue With A Magic Eraser
Use water to dampen the magic eraser and buff the affected area until the residue is gone.
There is no need to worry about fading with magic erasers, as they are mildly abrasive, which makes them suitable for walls and doors, but they are not suitable for glass and highly polished surfaces.
It is possible to purchase magic erasers at a supermarket or hardware store in the detergent section.
How To Prevent Tape Residue
Firstly, it is helpful to have a better understanding of why tape sticks and how adhesion is affected by the surface. It is only then that you can choose the right tape.
Is duct tape on drywall a good idea? I wouldn’t recommend it. Gaffer’s Tape leaves much less residue than duct tape, which some people prefer.
There is no denying that this is a wonderful tape, but it is more expensive than duct tape, and it isn’t always a better option.
It goes without saying that a little research will go a long way toward preventing any sticky issues. Before applying tape, make sure the surface is clean and dry.
A variety of contaminants (including dirt, grease, lint, old paint, wet paint, plaster) can cause extra adhesion (aka leftover residue), but they can also damage the tape.
Additionally, you may want to upgrade your tape. It is best to remove old tape, clean the surface, and apply fresh tape in order to reduce adhesion buildup. Especially masking tape.
There are also specialty tapes that leave no residue (i.e. stucco tape) that are specifically designed for this purpose.
The cost of a tape that does the job right the first time may be worth considering if residue problems cause more work on site.
Depending on the project, the real cost of the tape may not be just the cost of the tape itself, but the labor it will save.
Final Tips
It is very likely to be rubber-based adhesive (rubber-based adhesives are very likely) – dab some rubbing alcohol on the strip (or unflavored vodka) and lift one corner.
Once you’ve lifted the tape, drizzle a few more drops into the area where it meets the wall where you’re lifting it.
The alcohol will loosen the adhesive, allowing you to peel back the rest of the tape while you continue to drip it with alcohol.
A small eyedropper or plastic bottle (like some soap or product bottles) with a narrow squirter keeps this neater, and having a helper hold a big rag against the wall just under it will help to soak up the alcohol.
There is no need to use a quart, only a few drops will do. However, it may take some time for that initial corner to be lifted.
When you’re worried that alcohol will mess with your paint, you can also try it on a wall, behind some furniture, or in a closet.
