If you are someone like me who does a lot of DIY projects using wood, cardboards, and paper, you must have faced this problem. After using masking tape, black tape, cello tape, or other types of tapes, when we try to remove them, it becomes a tedious task. Sometimes it scrapes off the paint, or tears the paper, or even pulls off the upper layer of the cardboard.
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Another annoying thing which happens is there will be a little residue of the adhesive left on the wooden surface. In this article let’s explore the various ways to remove the tape residue without damaging our newly completed project.
After the Christmas season, when we try to remove the decorations from the window panes and doors, we face the same problem. We often face this problem when we would have hung streamers and balloons using cello tapes on the walls. Let’s take a look at some easy ways to get this removed.
How to get tape residue off glass windows and walls?
Here are the steps to do this:
- First pull the tape off with your fingers from the wall, glass, or wooden surface. Use a butter knife to remove the residual tape and adhesives. Do not scratch very hard as it might leave scratches on the plastered wall or the glass surface.
- Dab the glass window with a good amount of glass cleaner and let it sit for ten minutes. For wood and other surfaces, use any alcohol-based cleaner. You may even use nail polish remover if you do not have any cleaner available to use readily in your storage. Allow the cleaner to soak into the remains of the tape residue. Use a microfiber cloth or paper towel and wipe clean. Try this cleaner in a small area to make sure that it doesn’t create stains.
- If the residue is still stuck to your window or wooden surface, make a solution of soap and vinegar. Put about one cup of warm water in a bowl and add some liquid-soluble soap to it. Mild dish soap should do the trick. Add about one-fourth cup of distilled white vinegar to this solution and mix the solution properly. Dip a sponge or dish wash scouring pad into this solution and wipe the glass using it. In all probability, the residue adhesive will come off. Apply the solution in a circular motion for better results.
- If it is an old stain, it might take a little longer for you to remove the stain. Use olive oil on the stain and let it soak. Use a paper towel or cloth napkin and spread a bit of oil on the tape residue. Use a scouring pad and clean off the adhesive from the glass or wooden surface. Do not apply too much pressure on the glass surface as scratches might appear. Once again, start with a small area and see how it works.
How to remove duct tape residue from wooden surfaces?
Duct tape residues if left on for a long time might create annoying stains which are practically impossible to remove. Follow these steps to remove duct tape from a wooden surface.
- If the duct tape residue is stuck on a wooden surface, it will be much easier for you to remove it. Use the edge of a credit card to scrape off the residue.
- Use a washcloth and water and you can remove the duct tape residue from the wooden surface. For better results, use the washcloth in circular motions.
- If the residue still remains stuck on the wooden board, then use a fine layer of alcohol and let it sit for some time on the residue. Use the washcloth to remove the adhesive stain.
- If it is a real stubborn duct tape stain and does not come off with any of these above-mentioned methods, it is time to use your hairdryer. Put the hairdryer to the highest heat setting and hold it close to the residue. The heat will melt the bonds in the adhesive tape. Then use a washcloth and this step will definitely remove the remnants of the stubborn adhesive.
To understand the steps better, watch the following video:
How to remove tape residue from glass?
If you have recently replaced your glass pane which came with the manufacturer’s label stuck to it, removing it immediately is imperative. The sticker not only looks ugly if you leave it for a longer duration, the sunlight and air will also make the adhesive stick harder to the glass surface. Here is what you need to do-
- Goo gone sprayer is a multi-purpose solution that works very well on glass surfaces. Spray a liberal amount of the solution on the area after you removed the sticker.
- Use the scraper which is included in the bottle as its lid. It will scrape off most of the adhesive marks.
- ·Then use a washcloth and clean the window thoroughly. Use some soap water for the ultimate cleaning step. Voila, you have a squeaky clean window now.
To understand the steps better, watch this video-
How to remove tape residue from walls and floors?
Removing tape residue from glass and wooden surfaces is comparatively easy than removing it from the walls or floor. The paint on the walls might get impacted if rubbed very hard.
- You should first test the residue remover at a small lesser-noticeable area to ensure that there will be no damage to the walls.
- Remove the tape in one brisk movement. Most of the adhesive will come off along with the jolt. If you try to remove the tape slowly, it will leave a lot of residues behind. If it is a very stubborn tape, you can apply a hot iron to remove it.
- Use a putty knife to scrape off any residue from the wall or the floors.
- Use a hairdryer to heat up the adhesive and the bonds will start becoming loose. Immediately wash with soap water and alcohol to remove any remaining stains.
- You can apply a high-powered water pressure system for stubborn construction adhesives. Even through sandblasting this effect can be achieved. It might leave some marks behind.
- Use WD-40 all-purpose cleaner on the walls to remove any more remnants of the adhesive. Clean with soap water and a washcloth.
To understand the steps better, watch this video-
Conclusion
Summer months are around the corner and the schools will be closed shortly for a long duration of the summer vacations. One way to keep your children busy will be to enroll them in various supper camps or hobby classes, or you can involve them with these DIY projects along with you.
They can participate in easier jobs like sanding off the surfaces, varnishing or staining the wooden boards, etc. They can even apply paint once the furniture is ready and decorate it with cushions and rugs.
We have discussed how to use painter’s tape here.
This will help them to learn the basic skills of carpentry which will come in handy for their science projects in school. At an early age if they start handling simple tools like a pair of pliers, hammers, screws, etc. it will help them to be self-sufficient when they grow up.
If you want to learn more about carpentry, this is a great place to start.
Source
10 Simple Tips to Remove Adhesive Tape Residue
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/tape-residue-off-walls-90439.html
https://www.hunker.com/13420498/how-to-remove-tape-residue-from-walls
