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A ringlet of duct magnetic tape can be find in almost every tool cabinet in the world , thanks to its versatility , availableness , and the fact that it quite literally sticks like glue . That ’s because duct tapeline is explicate with born safety compounds to allow for reliable , long - terminal figure adherence . But that boon is also a curse when the time come to take the tape and all traces of it . Cleanup is no easy project .
6Ways to Remove Duct Tape Residue
The six pickle here are effective for removing duct tape residue from wood , glass , vinyl group , and other materials without damaging the surface itself .
1. Scrape the tape residue off.
In pillow slip where duct mag tape residual is minimal and not too obstinate , a simple scraping session with aputty knife(or a butter knife , in a pinch ) can banish the goo . set off from one end of the stirred surface area , moving slowly to the other with small , insistent scrapes , holding the brand nearly parallel to the control surface so as not to gouge . Be specially patient and careful when work with wood and vinyl , which are well damaged . A credit card can also work well if you do n’t have a putty knife .
2. Loosen the tape with warm water.
lovesome water can often efficaciously remove duct tape balance from glass , vinyl group , lino , and other open that have a high - semblance coating . The hotness relent the structure of the glue , while the viscosity helps push it forth . enforce unmingled water with a sponge or microfiber material , scrub up with ready , back - and - forth strokes .
If that fail , add a drop or two of hand max ordishwashing liquidto further break down the bond . For in particular stubborn goo , and only on water - resistant surfaces , inebriate the token in warm soapy water , or cover it with a warm , soaked , soapy sponge or rag , for 10 to 20 minutes . Then wipe dry , relegate the gunk as you go .
3. Use vinegar.
A acetum - and - urine commixture is an well-heeled way to remove tape adhesive . immix equal partswhite vinegarand weewee in a atomizer bottle , then spray directly onto the sticky residue . rent this sit for 5 to 10 minutes to loosen the adhesive . Then , wipe it away with a clean cloth , or gently genuflect with a plastic scraper .
Keep in judgement , though , that this method acting may not be ideal for surfaces like bare wood , innate stone , or delicate materials . This is because acetum is acidic and can cause legal injury . You should always test the solution on a small country that ’s out of the way to check that it does n’t harm the open .
4. Dissolve it with rubbing alcohol.
scratch alcoholcan dissolve canal tape adhesive from a nonporous surface . This solvent is undesirable for most painted materials , and should always be bandage test first , even on metallic element and field glass .
Dab a rag soaked in isopropyl alcohol ( the form you probably have in your music cabinet ) and test a small , inconspicuous arena of remainder first . If the test patch proves successful , go on by covering the muck with alcohol , work on in diminished section , and let the liquidity evaporate to the peak where you could easily wipe away whatever matter is leave behind .
If you do n’t have any rubbing alcohol at hand , you could always use hand sanitizer ; it has a eminent alcohol content and can also break down tapeline adhesive .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Duct Tape Residue Removal Tips
Whichever removal method you pick out , follow these normal of thumb for getting tape residue off :
5. Lubricate it with WD-40 or cooking oil.
Oil and other water supply - give notice lube can assist with tape residuum remotion . If you ’re removing tape measure from field glass , linoleum , vinyl , or cease Sir Henry Wood , reach forWD-40 . ( If you have n’t got a can handy , alternate room - temperature veggie rock oil flat from your kitchen locker . )
Wear baseball mitt to protect your skin and spray the Earth’s surface totally , then wait a few seconds before using your gloved finger to smooth away duct tape residue . Then moisten away the stay on fossil oil with soap and water . Never use oil or other lubricants on unfinished Sir Henry Wood ; it will go under into the stomate for good — and that ’s bad !
6. Heat it up.
red-hot air can break the adhesion of duct mag tape residue , make it easier to remove from such surfaces as unfinished and flat - painted wood , on which you would n’t apply oil or water . This method acting may require some extra feat but it ’s probably your safe bet , as it does n’t necessitate any liquids that could penetrate porous surfaces and get stain or damage .
Crank ahair dryeron its highest setting several inches from the break cloth for a min at a time between each attack to genuflect it off . Work in little section , administering as many hot air blast as necessary to transfer everything . Be cautious when using estrus on delicate or heat - sensible surfaces , as it may cause warping , stain , or other impairment .
How to Avoid Leaving Duct Tape Residue
Using the correct form of tape for the task at mitt can help forbid sticky messes later on . Not all tapes are the same : Some are designed for rough , outside surfaces , while others work better on fluid , indoor material . take a tape that ’s specifically suited to your project will not only ensure good adhesion but also make remotion easier . Make certain the surface is uncontaminating and dry before applying channel tape . rubble , lubricating oil , or wet can weaken the bond and lead to a frustrating experience when the tape does n’t cling properly . It ’s also worth take down that even thebest epithelial duct tapeisn’t ideal for all surface . avert using it on delicate materials like paint walls , wallpaper , or unfinished wood , as it can peel off finishes or leave stubborn residue . likewise , duct tape measure may not stick well to poriferous surface like brick or concrete . interpret these limitations will save you prison term , sweat , and the hassle of cleaning up residue later on .
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Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
