Tape Glue Mess!

Hi all,

Anyone have a good solution for removing tape glue from an
aircraft finish after the tape had been on for awhile -
Crystal Clear Wrapping tape? I use it to seal hinge lines
and wanted to change to a narrower type tape and now I have
to deal with a tape glue mess!

Some craft shops carry 'Sticky Stuff remover' for removing tape residue - parrafin or lighter fluid works too and doesn't seem to affect most other materials!

K-Mart carries a product for removing labels (Like on the front of your new Microwave), but WE-40 also works well for this application. Stinks, though. And you would need to clean off the WE-40 before putting your new layer of tape on.

Try some WD40. It usually will not damage a finish and if you let it soak for a moment it will lift the gunk. Some of the other stuff is too hot and can cause a lot of grief with the finish.

I have used denatured alcohol for years to remove sticky stuff. Never any problems for me, but test first. Also try some Goo Gone from the hardware store. It's a citrus oil product that model railroaders swear by. Does a great job of cleaning dirty HO track.

Good old mineral spirits will readily remove the left over goo from masking tape. I've never had it hurt a finish either.

KD,

You're right. We model railroders sometimes use Goo Gone to clean track and wheels. It is absolutely essential, however, to remove all traces of the stuff after cleaning, because any residue will attract dirt to the cleaned surfaces. Our local club has gone back to using alcohol to clean track and wheels because of the fact that it cleans well and, because of its evaporative qualities, leaves no residue.

Report on results of effort:

I used the WD-40 to loosen up the gooey mess and then used good old rubbing alcohol to take that off with some paper towels.
Thanks guys, your the best!

Now on to retaping the hingeline.

Automobile bug and tar remover. Currell

Hints from Heloise says to use Mayonaise. Maybe it was P-nut butter. Windy says Sikkens 660, but I think Pizza grease would also work. Your choice! Steve

LAST EDITED ON Apr-30-01 AT 10:48 AM (EST)

I have had good results removing leftover goo from hinge line tape with degreasers, especially Ditzler DX-330, but the best stuff I have ever used is Sig's Foam Bond Thinner. I haven't seen it in their catalog for a while but you might be able to get some from a local dealer. When painting, I usually remove the goo with the Foam Bond Thinner and then wipe again with degreaser right before I spray again. I also use it to clean up sanding t-bars etc. when replacing old sand paper.

Dave R.

I am amazed that no one has mentioned a product specifically designed for the purpose. "3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner" comes in a red and white can. I have seen it at the local lumber yard, automotive parts houses and of course paint supply houses. This stuff is great and hasen't hurt any finish I have used it on..

Hey, Bob, sounds like you WORK for 3M! (Just kidding, of course!)