How to remove tape from glass, upholstery or car body

Author: Evgeny Zhivoglyadov. Date of publication: January 24, 2022. Category: Automotive equipment.

Almost every car owner uses various gadgets to ensure a more comfortable ride. These can be DVRs, speakerphones, navigators and much more. Some of them involve mounting on the windshield using double-sided tape.

Repairing and painting individual parts of the body also require the use of tape (usually masking tape) to protect other body parts and not stain them. Regardless of what you need to use adhesive-based tape for, sooner or later a problem arises in order to remove it. In this case, it all depends on the type of glue that was applied to the glass, paintwork or plastic, as well as on the duration of its stay on the surface.

Heating

The basis of the adhesive composition used in the manufacture of double-sided tape is acrylic with a low melting point. Given this feature, it is possible to wipe off its traces from the body by heating.

Use a hairdryer - household or construction, capable of heating the tape to 100˚C. The sequence of actions involves performing several stages:

1. A stream of hot air is directed at the contaminated area.
2. The top protective strip of tape should be removed with a sharp movement.
3. The remains of the softened adhesive layer are rolled off using a narrow rubber spatula, a soft paper napkin or a plastic spatula with a rounded edge and removed.

A powerful construction hair dryer requires careful handling. The paint layer may not withstand strong heat and may be damaged.

Types of scotch tape

Today, several types of adhesive tapes are used in everyday life:

• Masking tape. Since it is a paper-based tape, it is the easiest to remove. We wet the remaining glue with hot tap water and wait until it soaks it. If the adhesive base is already old, you can soak it in oil (vegetable oil will do) or drying oil. After this, simply wipe the surface with a soft cloth.
• Aluminum-based adhesive tape (mounting or stationery). Such adhesive tapes are made on the basis of aluminum foil. It won't let water or oil through, so you don't even have to try. The simplest way in this case is to pry the corner of the tape with something sharp and try to carefully separate the strip of tape. If it has been on the surface for a long time, then you will have to resort to more aggressive measures (more on them below).
• Mounting tape with rubber adhesive. As a rule, rubber comes off quite easily from glass and plastic surfaces. But, if the adhesive tape has been in place for a long time, or after removing it there are still traces of glue, then it is enough to wipe the problem areas with a regular eraser. Next, the surface is treated with a mixture of turpentine and solvent. Or you can use a degreaser (any dishwashing detergent will do).

Healthy! The hardest part is getting rid of double-sided tape. It contains a rubberized compound between two layers of glue.

The tape can also be made with acrylic glue. In this case, just as in the situation with an old tape, heavy artillery will do.

Eraser or special attachment

A regular school eraser can be used to safely remove double-sided tape from glass or a car body. Considering the duration of the procedure, it is advisable to use it on small stains, carefully wiping off adhesive traces.

You cannot use such products with an abrasive that can leave microscopic scratches on the surfaces being processed.

If you have an electric screwdriver or drill in your home workshop, use a rubber attachment. The body is pre-washed to prevent small grains of sand from getting under the rapidly rotating rubber, which can scratch the coating.

After turning on the tool, the nozzle is applied without excessive pressure at minimum speed to the marks left by the tape. Cleaning occurs quickly, and even stubborn particles of glue can be removed. Having completed the procedure, wash off the remaining crumbs and, if necessary, degrease or polish the surfaces.

What products should not be used

To avoid damaging the appearance of the machine, do not use abrasive substances. They may leave micro-scratches. Avoid using products such as:

• Soda.
• Hard sponge.
• Mustard.
• Kitchen cleaning products in powder form.

Don't use ice. The glue should dissolve or melt when heated. If you use the method of freezing tape stains, you will have to scrape them off the surface. This may damage the coating of machine elements.

Solvents

Various solvents are considered effective means of easily removing double-sided tape residues from car bodies. Most often they resort to using purified gasoline or kerosene, as well as white spirit. You can purchase specialized chemical products aimed at removing stickers from various surfaces, for example, HG Sticker Remover.

Cleaning algorithm:

1. Carefully separate the tape along the edges.
2. Using a cotton swab, distribute the solvent over the entire surface of the tape.
3. After a few minutes, the tape is removed by prying one edge.
4. More solvent is applied to the remaining adhesive trace.
5. Use a rubber scraper or soft cloth to wipe off all stains.

Wash the cleaned area of ​​the body with car shampoo. This technique simultaneously allows you to degrease the surface.

Aggressive liquids, which include white spirit, gasoline, kerosene, can cause swelling of the paintwork. It is advisable to use them if you plan to re-glue something onto the cleaned area with double-sided tape.

WD-40

This universal composition constantly helps car owners in difficult situations. It is used as an anti-corrosion agent and also as a cleaner. WD-40 is based on white spirit, with the addition of mineral oils, carbon dioxide and additional inert components. A can of the product costs no more than 200 rubles.

To effectively remove remaining tape from a windshield or any other glass, we perform simple manipulations:

• We remove (as much as possible) the remaining tape with a soft spatula.
• We soak the surface with WD-40, wait until it saturates the adhesive tape and go over it again with a spatula.
• Apply the composition again and wait 3-5 minutes.
• Armed with a clean rag or a special rag for the body, we wipe off the remaining glue. You only need to move in one direction.

“Vedashka” perfectly corrodes glue, but does not cause damage. There are no scratches left on the glass, and residues of the composition can be easily removed with a clean soft cloth.

Important! Since WD-40 is a solvent, it cannot be applied to car paintwork. In addition, it is not recommended for use on tinted or painted glass.

We talked about simple manipulations with water and the use of specialized solutions. But sometimes you can save money and resort to traditional methods.

Acetic acid

The list of effective liquid compositions that allow you to quickly and completely remove double-sided adhesive tape from a car body includes a vinegar solution.

For the procedure you will need table vinegar, which is diluted in equal volumes with water. After wetting the stain with this composition, wait a few minutes. The tape softens quickly and is easily removed. It is torn off, and then the adhesive marks are completely wiped off.

What not to clean off tape

Acetone will be difficult to remove from glass. If you perform circular movements when treating the surface, it will smear. To restore transparency to the glass, you will have to wash it for a long time with water and degreasers.

Also, do not use baking soda on the car body or glass. In everyday life, this product is excellent for degreasing surfaces, washing dishes, countertops and much more. But, soda is an abrasive that is destructive both to the paintwork of the car and to the glass.

The same applies to sponges with abrasive surfaces, various metal scrapers and brushes. After this treatment, many microcracks will remain on the glass and body.

Industrial compounds that remove surface residues

The chemical industry offers options for products created in different forms for removing glue from different surfaces, including glass. They can be purchased at a price of 200-500 rubles. depending on the manufacturer, place of purchase and volume in most hardware stores.

Of the most common, it should be noted:

1. 
   Sticker Remover , which comes in the form of a pencil, spray, liquid: it removes different types of adhesive from tape, regardless of the type of surface.

2. Kiehl Tablefit removes the most difficult stains and is sold in the form of a liquid that is sprayed onto a cloth and applied to the adhesive stain.
3. Taygeta S-405 works as a stain remover, which is used to spray the adhesive layer on the glass, wait a minute and wipe the cleaned surface.
4. Formula X-5 in liquid form combats the problems caused by masking tape.
5. Super CMF-240 does not remove glue stains particularly quickly or efficiently, but it is hypoallergenic and therefore in demand.
6. Merida Impet is designed to remove stubborn stains and removes glue from glass in 2-3 minutes.
7. Profoam 2000 works great on any surface, so it is a universal and popular product.

You should also pay attention to the following:

• household chemicals Limpion (removal of chewing gum and adhesive tape MAXimum Scotch/Gum, 500 ml at a price of 216 rubles);
• Econobel (adhesive tape remover MULTI-PLAST-2 1l at a price of 182 rubles);
• KANGAROO Scotch Remover (cleaner for tape and stickers, 420 ml at a price of 510 rubles);
• CHIMITEK "Anti-sticker aerosol" (for removing tape and labels, 400 ml at a price of 408 rubles).

Read the instructions carefully before using any chemical product. To achieve maximum results, the drug must be applied based on the manufacturer's recommendations.

Alcohol or nail polish remover without acetone

This option is for those who do not want to wait long, but at the same time are afraid for the safety of the paintwork. Yes, alcohol and nail polish remover without acetone are more harmless than other solvents, but they can also leave some marks on the surface. Take the time to check how your paintwork will react to such exposure in a small, inconspicuous area.

Advice

There are quite a lot of ways listed here that you can use to remove tape, but no one can say exactly which one will help in your case, since the effectiveness depends on the nature of the adhesive base of the tape, and they may differ slightly. You'll have to find the perfect method through trial and error.

Mechanical means for removing masking tape

Another option for removing masking tape residue from the coating is to use an electric drill with a polyurethane attachment. This can significantly speed up the whole process, but you should not make excessive physical efforts so as not to damage the body and windows of the car. In hard-to-reach areas, remnants of adhesive tape are removed manually using an eraser.

This method is not applicable on plastic elements of the machine due to the too high speed of the operating drill.

Citrus essential oil

To remove 3M tape from moldings, you may need a special product (from the same manufacturer as the tape) that will cope with the task without problems. As an alternative, you can use any citrus-based essential oil, which will be much cheaper. The fact is that the composition of a special product and citrus-based essential oil contains the same active ingredient. The cost varies significantly, although the result is essentially the same.

"Carbcleaner" for removing 3M tape

In addition, you can remove the remaining 3M tape by using Carbcleaner. The whole process is as follows:

• spray once onto the surface;
• wait 1-2 minutes;
• pull off the wet mass with a spatula without leaving any residue and safe for the paintwork;
• rinse with water.

Rules for removing glue and what not to do

If double-sided adhesive tape was used on the glass plane, then removing it will require a combination of several methods:

• warming up with a hot stream (hairdryer);
• applying sunflower oil;
• rubbing with a rag.

When working, you need to take into account some nuances and avoid certain actions:

• To remove stains from adhesive tape, do not use abrasives; they can scratch the glass.
• The hairdryer is used with caution, as the glass may burst if overheated.
• Acetone can dissolve the glue and it will spread over the surface.
• Baking soda leaves scratches.
• Work only in ventilated areas.
• If the glass is automobile, then mechanical methods cannot be used; removal with solvent number 646.

Useful video on the topic:

How to remove traces of tape from car windows?

But cleaning the car body is not the only thing that worries motorists. After all, traces of adhesive tape often remain on the glass or in the interior. Today we will look at how to remove tape marks in these cases.

If you cannot get rid of traces of outdated, dried adhesive tape that remain on the glass of your car, we advise you to quickly get down to business, especially if the “affected” area is large, because this can affect the quality of driving and safety. Sticky areas attract dust and dirt. So, in order to clean the car glass from sticky marks, take white spirit or acetone (nail polish remover) and wipe the glass thoroughly. If in the first case (with paintwork) we advised to refrain from this method, now you can safely use these products. After all, glass is not destroyed by chemical compounds. You can also use gasoline, it can easily deal with the problem. Alcohol is also a good helper in this case; it can even handle double-sided tape. If the stain is old, do not skimp on the product, wet a swab well with it and apply it to the stain. If you need to clean tinted glass, the option with white spirit and acetone is not suitable; it can damage the surface. In this case, it is better to use alcohol or regular sunflower oil; any window cleaner will also work.

Advice: if you notice traces of tape when picking it up from a service station, ask if there is a special product for removing stains. Workers must clean the car of traces of tape, and for free. Especially when you ordered glass replacement.

Similar to similar

Usually adhesive tape and adhesive tape are removed with a bang, and you have to deal exclusively with their traces. But what to do if the strip of tape was glued so long ago that it seems to have already grown to the body? A new, fresh piece of tape can help you remove marks; you need to glue it overlapping the old one, leaving a free end for you to pull.

It's also a good idea to heat up the old strip a little with a hairdryer, as the increased temperature will make the glue a little more sticky and make it easier to remove.

Now all that remains is to pull the free edge of the fresh strip: the old strip should begin to come off along with it.

Advice

It is better to pull the tape not towards you at an angle of 90˚, but as parallel to the surface as possible at an angle close to 180˚. Thus, the paintwork will experience virtually no impact, which is especially important if the car was not repainted very well or if the paint in the area of ​​the marks is slightly cracked.

Good advice

• Before using solvents or abrasives, try removing traces of tape yourself. To do this, press the wide adhesive tape tightly around the perimeter of the stain, smooth it out and slowly pull it up and to the side.
• To remove adhesive from small textiles, soak the fabrics in a solution of hydrogen peroxide, laundry detergent or gel, and water for 10 to 20 minutes. Place the container in the microwave, set the power to low and turn on for 5-7 minutes. After finishing the program, wash in the washing machine as usual.
• As soft abrasives, you can use soda or fine “Extra” salt.
• Before using any product, test its effect on a small, inconspicuous area of ​​the base.
• To protect adjacent surfaces from sticking tape, apply a thin layer of starch or baby powder with talcum powder.
• For the best effect, combine different methods, starting with less aggressive ones.
• Remove traces of tape as quickly as possible. The longer they remain on the base, the more difficult it will be to get rid of them.

We recommend watching the video instructions:

Best methods and tools

Adhesive tape is made from different materials, such as construction tape and painting tape. Acrylic glue is usually used for it. The cleaning method is selected based on this fact. The most effective means:

• the same adhesive tape;

Cleaning with another tape

This method is used to clean minor dirt from hard surfaces. To do this you need:

1. cut off a small piece of adhesive tape;
2. stick on the contaminated area;
3. tear off sharply;
4. repeat several times.

The tape will not leave new marks, as it will only be in contact with the surface for a couple of seconds. For a more effective result, after cleaning, it is recommended to wipe the contaminated area with a solution of soap or powder.

• pencil eraser (it will take a lot of effort and patience, especially if there is a large area of ​​dirt);
• ethyl alcohol or vodka;
• purchased aerosols;
• petrol;

Vegetable and essential oils

You can use any type of these oils. Cleaning is done like this:

1. a few drops of a natural product are applied to a paper napkin;
2. it is used to treat traces of glue;
3. the oil is left for two hours;
4. the surface is wiped with powder dissolved in water.

This method is used to clean polished and painted furniture. It is not suitable for untreated wood: the oil will be absorbed and leave greasy stains.

When essential oil is used, it leaves a pleasant aroma in the room. However, it is necessary to ensure that the product does not contain dyes. Otherwise, you will have to delete new traces as well.

• soapy water;
• powder cleaner.

The choice of technique depends on the material on which marks need to be removed.

Alcohol will help you easily remove tape from glass.

Alcohol-containing liquids will help remove tape stains on glass. It can be alcohol, vodka, alcohol tincture. There is no need to dilute vodka and tincture. But alcohol in its pure form can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, so it needs to be diluted in a small volume of water.

Cotton pads will again help to clean windows from tape. It is with them, soaked in alcohol, that we blot the dirt. Just a couple of minutes and the glue will come off easily.

ALCOHOL

The most effective and safe methods have been used. Alcohol is one of these; you can also include cologne here (some cheap one, but with 70-80% alcohol content). The most important thing is to take ethyl, not methyl or isopropyl (you will inhale it, and even get poisoned). And I probably would personally scrub it with it. Because (pros):

• Evaporates quickly
• Leaves no odors (virtually)
• Very effective, that is, it will definitely remove the glue

BUT now it is difficult to find it in a pharmacy, only with a prescription, and even if they sell it, it will be 70% (the effectiveness is not so high). BUT there is one remedy that works well, is not expensive, and almost every owner has it

How to clean the interior from traces of tape?

Every car owner wants his favorite car to be perfect, not only on the outside, but also on the inside. The salon is a special place; it is its condition that creates the impression of the owner of the car. If the car is perfect on the outside, but the inside is dirty and dirty, you can immediately see the owner’s character. Therefore, many people ask the question: how to remove traces of tape in a car dealership? There are several nuances here:

• If the interior is leather, then you can safely use vegetable oil; it will definitely not worsen the condition of the skin, on the contrary. The oil can also be used to remove stains from plastic interior elements.

• But if the interior is soft, then the option of using products that contain fat is excluded. Do not use sunflower oil, kerosene or gasoline. After removing the tape mark, you will end up with a greasy stain. Not the best option, is it?

• What to choose in this case? You can clean the interior using a hairdryer by heating the adhesive substance. If you don't have this option, use alcohol. It is better not to use acetone, vinegar or white alcohol; it can leave a white, noticeable stain on the upholstery. An ordinary eraser, which we used at school, can also save the situation. If the stain is fresh, then you will get rid of it quickly this way.

• If you are afraid of ruining the interior using homemade, folk methods, you can purchase a special product in a store or at a car market. Before purchasing, we advise you to clarify what this composition is suitable for, so as not to spoil the original factory coating. Experts will tell you how to remove traces of tape from your car and what is best to choose. We do not recommend that you buy too expensive products to solve this problem, because it does not occur very often. Plus, now you know at least five ways to get rid of sticky stains from double-sided tape.

• By the way, we’ll tell you another secret: if you find frozen chewing gum in your salon that doesn’t want to come off, use tape to remove it. To get rid of chewing gum, you need to take a piece of fresh tape and apply it to the problem area, then sharply tear off the adhesive tape and do this several times until the furniture is clean. This method will also help in cleaning clothes. The only thing is that you should not leave the tape for a long time, everything needs to be done quickly and sharply, otherwise you will have to use the tips described above. Now you know how to remove tape marks without wasting a lot of your time and money. The main thing is not to overdo it so that the paint does not wear off, do everything carefully and slowly. Getting rid of traces of tape is not as difficult as many people think, try it too!