'The Tackifier' Blog by FindTape

'The Tackifier' Blog by FindTape

Adhesive tape news, issues and commentary

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How to Remove Adhesive Tape / Adhesive Tape Residue From a Surface

3M 08987 Adhesive Cleaner
We often receive emails from people who have removed tape or are trying to remove tape which has been on a surface for a long period of time. If the tape has been removed often times they are now trying to get rid of some adhesive residue which was left behind on the surface. The first point to make is that removing adhesive from a surface should be done very carefully. Here are some steps can try:

 

  1. One quick test, if only adhesive residue remains behind, would be to try using the adhesive side from another piece of tape like duct tape to pull it off.
  2. If that doesn't work you can try using solvents; however they should always be tested on an inconspicuous part of the surface first to see if they damage it.
    1. Goo Gone or WD-40 would be of the weaker variety.
    2. Try acetone or alcohol or you can try looking for an adhesive remover / citrus cleaner such as Polyken 41 or 3M 08987 which we sell on the site.
    3. MEK and Toluene are the strongest two and can be found at hardware stores (since they are the strongest greater care needs to be taken when using them).

I hope this helps. Thank you.