Removing really stubborn masking tape

[owas]

I needed some narrow masking tape when masking the car and stupidly bought some of the cheap stuff as it was the only type they had left.

I can't get it off, the residue is easy enough with some white spirit but the parts that are still on won't come off, way too close to the paint to use metal blades so I bought some composite ones, doesn't do anything

Is there anything that will get rid of it without spending days trying to be careful with a razor blade?

 

[Tangledfeet]

WD40 or, believe it or not, margarine can help remove sticky residue. No, I didn't believe margarine either!

 

[awemawson]

Cigarette Lighter fuel in the little cans with a pivoting spout. Good for removing most sticky labels.

 

[rtcosic]

IPA

Iso Propyl Alcohol, not India Pale Ale.

If that doesn't work and the paint has fully cured, the bodyshops use a 'Toffee Wheel' to remove decals, stubborn badge tape etc.

 

[owas]

IPA

Iso Propyl Alcohol, not India Pale Ale.

If that doesn't work and the paint has fully cured, the bodyshops use a 'Toffee Wheel' to remove decals, stubborn badge tape etc.

I actually have one of those toffee things, completely forgot about it
I'll give that a go first

 

[Keith 66]

A few years ago the owner of the boat next to mine did a full repaint with two pack, he masked all the new windows he had previously fitted. As they were packing up I remarked "are you going to take the masking tape off?" he replied "Nah that will be ok we are coming back in three weeks". I said "best take it off now or it will be stuck good", "No we havent got time" was the reply. Three weeks later i was working on the boat when they turned up. I did not have to say a word but every time i looked out of the window they were there trying to get the stuff off, it took them 3 days of extra work. It was priceless!

 

[Craig-SM]

Warm it with the wife’s hairdryer.

 

[steveo3002]

for the first time ever i just helped someone paint the side of a car , buy all this stuff says me , i get there and we have one roll of tape and half a news paper because the tape was expensive !!

ended up taping scraps of rubbish on with duct tape and cellotape

hope he enjoys cleaning 2k primer and paint off the rest of the car and enjoys that fiver he saved

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

for the first time ever i just helped someone paint the side of a car , buy all this stuff says me , i get there and we have one roll of tape and half a news paper because the tape was expensive !!

ended up taping scraps of rubbish on with duct tape and cellotape

hope he enjoys cleaning 2k primer and paint off the rest of the car and enjoys that fiver he saved

Never understood that mentality.
I spend a fortune on tools and materials to make my jobs easier.
Saves me money long term.

 

[armalites]

Label remover will soak through the tape and allow it to come off. the stuff I've used was citrus based.

Cheap masking tape is the worst but even good 3M stuff can be a problem if left to long.

I've not used it but this gets good reviews on Screwfix and Toolstation

https://www.toolstation.com/zep-commercial-sticky-stuff-remover/p64339

Even cheaper if you buy 6 from Zoro
https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/lubricants-and-chemicals/cleaners-and-degreasers/product/p/ZT1029259P

 

[steveo3002]

id soak a small section of tape residue in panel wipe /white spirit ...really wet it then scrape with filler card /plastic razor

really is a bad move leaving tape on for any amount of time

 

[awemawson]

If left on too long the glue reacts with the UV in sunlight and that's why it's a problem to remove after a while.

 

[owas]

It's been on for just over a week now but I did try and take it off imediately after paint, got frustrated with it and left it till now

 

[owas]

Toffee wheel is getting rid of it quickly

 

[jsf55]

Have u got any panel wipe, that will take the residue off

 

[bigegg]

i used to use "contractors solvent" to remove labels from books.
screwfix no-nonsense.
it works on most things, i've found.

but...
i've had cheap masking tape actually react with, and bond to, underlying paint to the point where theres no option but repaint.

good luck!

 

[owas]

i used to use "contractors solvent" to remove labels from books.
screwfix no-nonsense.
it works on most things, i've found.

but...
i've had cheap masking tape actually react with, and bond to, underlying paint to the point where theres no option but repaint.

good luck!

Thankfully Ive only used the cheap one on the window trim that has a small gutter between the roof and it, so there's no danger of it being stuck to paint.

It has pulled the paint off the trim though, but I need to repaint those anyway.

 

[Migmac]

I might be talking total bs here but I’m sure crunchy peanut butter is meant to take stuck labels off. I won’t try it, I like eating it to much to waste any

 

[mr haynes]

I might be talking total bs here but I’m sure crunchy peanut butter is meant to take stuck labels off. I won’t try it, I like eating it to much to waste any

Depends how much you use, squirrels in different parts of the country have different rates.....

 

[Migmac]

Depends how much you use, squirrels in different parts of the country have different rates.....

Still only pay them peanuts though
How do they apply it? liberally spread on a squirrels back then use like a scouring pad perhaps