Need to remove tape adhesive from paint job

penguinpc · Post by **penguinpc** » Thu May 15, 2014 9:09 am

I used some of 3M's painting tape (the blue stuff, supposed to be their lowest tack) over a gloss white spray painted surface (Testors). Apparently it is not as low tack as I thought as it left behind quite a bit of residue when I pulled it off. The paint still looks good under it. Is there any way to safely remove this residue without damaging the paint under it?

Thank you.

TREKKRIFFIC · Post by **TREKKRIFFIC** » Thu May 15, 2014 12:36 pm

Alcohol would remove it but might soften the paint, especially if it's enamel. You could try using warm water on a soft cloth. It should rub off. If the adhesive residue is not too extensive I've even used a little saliva on my figertip to rub it off.

USSARCADIA · Post by **USSARCADIA** » Fri May 16, 2014 12:11 am

Try some WD40 and a soft cloth. It's worked for me in the past with too much paint on a canopy. Clean WD off with glass cleaner or alcohol.

admiralcag · Post by **admiralcag** » Fri May 16, 2014 6:21 am

I have had good luck with Scotch Magic Tape. The higher tack will lift off the residue. Dab it.

Vern

Post by **TER-OR** » Fri May 16, 2014 3:25 pm

Goo Gone might work too. If the acrylic paint is well enough cured, it should be safe.

irishtrek · Post by **irishtrek** » Fri May 16, 2014 9:19 pm

Lighter fluid usually works to remove tacky residue from masking tape.
Or you could use the same type of tape to remove the residue by putting the tape over the residue and lift it up a few times until all of the residue is gone. And you may need to use more than 1 piece of tape.