Simple Solutions to Remove Tape Residue

What is the number one reason contractors like to use tape on the job site? Because it works in almost any situation. Removing heavy construction adhesives and their sticky tape residue from surfaces can be a real challenge.

Why does this happen and what can you do about it? This article does a good job of explaining why residue occurs, but what you really want to know is ...... how to remove tape residue without damaging the underlying material, right?  

The solution to removing tape residue

Test first! Test your residue remover on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won't damage the surface. This is especially true for wood, painted surfaces and any high gloss surfaces, as the agents in some removers can dull or discolor the surface!

Make it fast. Think of the tape like a band-aid. Removing it slowly allows flow and separation, creating more stickiness (and pain!) , while tearing it off in one motion can be clean and less painful. This does not necessarily apply to all surfaces. This is an ideal technique for tapes that have been on for a few days while the tape is still sticky, but if the tape dries out, it will take a little more time to remove it to avoid damaging the surface, as the surface may also be affected if the tape is on the wall for too long, especially if it has been painted.

  Masking Tapes

Scrape it. To remove small amounts of construction adhesive from paneling, moldings and floors, use a putty knife to scrape off the adhesive. Be careful not to apply too much force to the blade of the knife on the surface as this may cause damage. (For stone or mirror scratch-resistant surfaces, consider using a straight blade to scrape off residue.)

Try warm soapy water. For surfaces such as acrylic, plaster, asphalt, copper, enamel, glass, linoleum, marble, pewter, Plexiglas and all vinyl materials, you only need warm soapy water. Warm water will soften the tape, so you can remove it with a sponge or cloth.

Heat. Just like warm water softens tape, heat can help melt stubborn adhesives without damaging the surface of the floor or wall. Using a hair dryer, heat gun or even a blowtorch will only take a minute to fix the problem. As the floor or wall surface heats up, gently scrape off the adhesive. Once the surface is cold, construction adhesives harden, making it difficult to remove them without damaging the floor or wall.

 Masking Tapes

Apply pressure. Stubborn construction adhesives on rocks, bricks, concrete and other hard materials can be removed from the surface by sandblasting with a high-powered water pressure system or by sandblasting. Water pressure and sandblasting work well, but they can also leave some marks on the surface of rocks, bricks and other hard materials, so keep that in mind.

Brush it off.  Do not use soap on stone surfaces such as bluestone, brick, concrete, granite, limestone, terrazzo, masonry, etc. It will leave a scum that is difficult to remove. Instead, mix a solution of laundry detergent or baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Using a soft brush (a toothbrush is good for small areas), gently apply the solution to the gummy part until it is removed, then rinse well with water.

Alcohol to the rescue. Consider using a small amount of topical alcohol, which is a non-solvent for pressure-sensitive adhesives. When you use topical alcohol, the residual adhesive will lose its adhesion and settle. This can also be used in conjunction with acetone or nail polish remover. Remember that alcohol or acetone can damage painted surfaces, so be careful when using these substances.