Need help removing masking tape!

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Jerry B.
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Need help removing masking tape!

Post by Jerry B. »

I have a black painted Edison horn that has petrified masking tape on it. Any suggestions for removing the old tape residue? I tried WD-40 with minimal results.

Thanks, Jerry Blais

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gramophone-georg
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Re: Need help removing masking tape!

Post by gramophone-georg »

Try a steam iron using a towel. You can also try a soaking in olive oil, or get some "Goof- Off" or even gasoline or lighter fluid. Test any solvents on an unobtrusive area first, though, as these old paints have no hardeners in them. If you need to scrape, use a "Bondo" plastic spatula available at a parts store.
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Curt A
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Re: Need help removing masking tape!

Post by Curt A »

I would try Goo-Gone since it won't remove paint like Goof-Off does... Goop might work, also.
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JerryVan
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Re: Need help removing masking tape!

Post by JerryVan »

You can also try acetone, (a.k.a. nail polish remover). Of course, test a small spot first!!

BTW, if you have an item with the old fashioned japanned enamel, such as an old phonograph horn, that someone has "restored" with spray paint, you can usually strip the spray paint off with acetone, which does not harm the japan enamel underneath, (after double checking with a small spot test!).

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AudioFeline
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Re: Need help removing masking tape!

Post by AudioFeline »

I've found that citrus cleaner works well for new and old adhesive (the old needs a bit of soaking and help). I've found that it doesn't mark or remove the surrounding areas on a variety of materials to the same degree as solvents, but I would strongly advise aggressively testing it on an unobtrusive area first. It's called "De-Solv-It" in Australia, I don't know what brand it will be where you are.

Jerry B.
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Re: Need help removing masking tape!

Post by Jerry B. »

Thanks for all the suggestions. Jerry

gramophoneshane
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Re: Need help removing masking tape!

Post by gramophoneshane »

Eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil also remove certain adhesive tape residues too. Neither would harm the paint but which one works best depends on what ingredients where used to make the tape sticky

colmike1
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Re: Need help removing masking tape!

Post by colmike1 »

When setting up our estate sales, we use Suave hand lotion with cocoa butter and shea butter. It is easy on the wood and easy on your hands all at the same time :-)
Mike

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