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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Painting, Decorating & Tiling Questions >> Masking tape residue solvent wtd https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1201000947 Message started by CWatters on Jan 22^nd, 2008, 11:22am

Title: Masking tape residue solvent wtd
Post by CWatters on Jan 22^nd, 2008, 11:22am

Just finished painting some built in cupboards/book cases fitted with adjustable brass shelf support strips. I used "14 Day" masking tape made by Duck to protect the brass and now 10 days later it's proving a £$%^&* to get it off. It's leaving a sticky glue residue on the brass.

Anyone know what solvent will remove this without effecting the new water based paint? It will be next to impossible to avoid it going on the paint as the brass strip is recessed.

I've got 60 meters of the stuff to clean off !

Title: Re: Masking tape residue solvent wtd
Post by londonman on Jan 22^nd, 2008, 6:02pm

I'd try meths first as being the least volatile. Be very liberal with it and use loads of kitchen towels as the residue will gradually transfer to the towel. You may have to do it a couple of times to get the last traces off.

If meths doesn't work then maybe isopropyl alcohol from the chemist then cellulose thinners.

But I do seem to remember seeing a product called something like 'label remover' IIRC. Will try and locate a reference.

Title: Re: Masking tape residue solvent wtd
Post by jasonB on Jan 22^nd, 2008, 7:42pm

I usually use meths but Axminsters do a lable goo remover, may be worth a try

Jason

Title: Re: Masking tape residue solvent wtd
Post by CWatters on Jan 22^nd, 2008, 8:46pm

The good news is I've managed to get the brass strips out. Still no luck with a solvent though. So far I've tried..

White spirit
Meths
lamp oil
Vinegar
Oven cleaner
Gin

Meths just about shifts it but it's taking far too long given I have so much of it to remove.

I'm running out of things to try and will have to make a trip to the shops. Might try petrol if there is any in the lawnmower :-)

Title: Re: Masking tape residue solvent wtd
Post by londonman on Jan 22^nd, 2008, 10:24pm

I think you just have to persevere with the meths. Basically what's happening is that by adding the meths you're making it a bit more volatile and 'moveable' so that it can be rubbed off on to something else....which eventually gets clogged up and so you need a new bit of 'something else' plus more meths. Time consuming and laborious I know but you do get there in the end.

Title: Re: Masking tape residue solvent wtd
Post by CWatters on Jan 23^rd, 2008, 4:41pm

Found the Duck website and it suggsts trying WD40 or their own adhesive remover. WD40 doesn't seem to work at all. Nor does petrol.

Currently taking me about 15-20 mins per meter using meths and hard rubbing. Calculated it will take 15 hours work (all my spare time for a week) to remove it all. Now considering buying new brass strips unless I can find a better solvent.

B. glad I didn't use this tape on the walls as well!

Title: Re: Masking tape residue solvent wtd
Post by CWatters on Jan 25^th, 2008, 9:12am

The good news is I finally found a partial solvent... Auto Glym Intensive Tar Remover.

As of today the list if things I tried (with marks out of 10) included...

White Spirit
Meths (2/10)
lamp oil
White vinegar
Glass cleaner
Oven cleaner
Gin
WD40
Petrol
Eucalyptus oil
Cellulose thinners (3/10)
Nail varnish remover (with Acetone) (3/10)
Auto Glym Intensive Tar Remover (7/10)

No mark = no noticable effect, at least not on this tape!

Note I only tried these on the brass. NOT the paintwork.