We’ve all had the experience of having to remove old masking tape. This is an incredibly drawn out and tiring affair and often requires one to clean the surface on which the masking tape was placed. But since we specialize in the supply of masking tape to both national industries as well as small home-grown offices, we thought we’d share with you some of the ways you can remove old masking tape.
- The reason why masking tape sticks to surfaces so well, and sometimes bonds with the surface on which it has been placed, is because the adhesive is made from urethane. When urethane bonds with a surface, the best way of quickly getting rid of the tape is to sand it off. However, this is never a good idea as it leaves abrasions on whatever surface was sanded.
Using a hair dryer to heat up the adhesive, make sure that the tape has been thoroughly warmed up. Once warmed, use a very thin and very sharp craft blade to slide beneath the tape, lifting it off the surface. This is the best method for removing masking tape from finished surfaces as well as glass surfaces. - If you’re removing the masking tape off a surface that can take a little bit of a beating, yet you don’t want to go so far as having to sand the surface, then make sure to use a lacquer or spirits, and thoroughly scrub the soaked masking tape.
- If you’re attempting to remove the tape from a treasured surface of either hardwood furniture, or expensive appliances, then you may have your work cut out for you. Using baby oil or olive oil in very limited amounts gently dab the masking tape until saturated. Then, using a plastic device (a plastic spoon works well), scrape the oiled masking tape off the surface. This should take off all the residue, but it is rather time-consuming.
A craft blade is a great way of taking off old masking tape.
For all of your packaging supplies in Gauteng, make sure that you contact Design Packaging & Tapes as soon as possible!
