Removing Duct Tape Residue

Lumatic · 01-08-2008, 11:47 PM

What are your recommendations for removing old duct tape residue from exterior skin? I tried Goo Gone with not too much success.

mweels · 01-09-2008, 12:08 AM

Bug & Tar remover worked great on painted bumpers. I am not sure how it would work on a trailer.

Royce · 01-09-2008, 07:24 AM

I have used WD-40 and Goof-Off, both with success. Caution regarding the Goof-Off, it can remove things you don't want removed. Goof-Off is much different than Goo-Gone.

Try a search of the forums, you will find the topic discussed in detail.

**CanoeStream** · 01-09-2008, 07:29 AM

Be careful if you've got any clearcoat on there. I used mineral spirits and a soft cloth on my Argosy. It was tough! I swore off doing that again but it's still in my toolbox. I'd sure never use duct tape on my Safari.

Lumatic · 01-09-2008, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Be careful if you've got any clearcoat on there. I used mineral spirits and a soft cloth on my Argosy. It was tough! I swore off doing that again but it's still in my toolbox. I'd sure never use duct tape on my Safari.

The clearcoat has been previously stripped.

My recent experience was a desperate act of the last resort, when both of my wing windows blew out on the 2nd day of a month long road trip. Otherwise I would rather sleep in a trailer full of cats in heat. I anticipated the problems I would have getting it off, and as usual I am right again

FYI
I saw a TV news piece comparing duct tape to other products for sealing ducts. Duct tape turned out to perform worst.

jkcru · 01-09-2008, 09:38 AM

Try a rag soaked in WD40 and masking it over the residue till it soaks in then try to wipe the surface clean.

**moosetags** · 01-09-2008, 09:48 AM

I have had a lot of success disolving different glues with plain old liquid lighter fluid, and I have been using regularly for the last 40 years. I have never found it to harm any surface that I have used it on. Try some and leave it sit on the surface for a couple of minutes.

Lighter fluid is the same as Naphtha, and you can buy in a one quart can in the paint department at Home Depot for a much better price.

You also might try a hair dryer on a small spot to see if the heat will soften the glue up any.

Brian

dwightdi · 01-09-2008, 11:32 AM

Lighter fluid cigarette/charcoal is naptha. It is a good choice. You can also buy it by the naptha name at ACE but it is likely to cost you more per pint.

nine9three · 01-09-2008, 01:57 PM

3M adhesive remover. Best product out there. Look for a red and white can

62overlander · 01-09-2008, 07:38 PM

MEK excuse the spelling for MEK is what it says on the can. Methy etheyl ketone. It will remove anything from anything. it will remove your memory if you inhale it so wear a mask. and it will sink into your skin faster than it will evaporate so wear gloves. It will take it off quick. Happy removal and hallucinations.

thecatsandi · 01-09-2008, 09:01 PM

De-Natured alcohol. Milder version of Acetone and MEK.

tetstream · 01-09-2008, 11:19 PM

Xylene is also a choice, but a bit "hotter" than Naptha. In my experience it is better to use a stronger solvent and less elbow grease. Assuming that the solvent does not react with the finish, this is the best way I know. Elbow grease = abrasion.

But, be warned. I removed a bit of sticker adhesive from the interior of my bambi with a very soft rag and small amount of xylene and ended up with some light swirls.

Try to remember in the future to use a hair dryer or heat gun to help remove stickers and tape. Seems to leave little or no adhesive.

safari57 · 01-10-2008, 10:52 AM

Lumatic,

You realize you have to tell us what you ended up using and what worked.

There are some of us out here with the same problem and are watching with keen interest as to what you find out, given our own need to remove the glue is a little less urgent.

Thanks,
Barry

Lumatic · 01-10-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safari57

Lumatic,

You realize you have to tell us what you ended up using and what worked.

There are some of us out here with the same problem and are watching with keen interest as to what you find out, given our own need to remove the glue is a little less urgent.

Thanks,
Barry

The above post about the 3M Product triggered a flashback. "I think I have that stuff" popped up in my mind. I just ran into my garage and sure enough I have a quart of 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner. The label says it contains xylene, naptha, trimethylpentane, toluene, ethylbenzene, and benzene. A pretty toxic soup. I ran out to my trailer and it seems to cut through the poop purdy good. The can says it "will not dissolve or mar automotive paint that has been properly aged". I don't know what that statement means as far as clear coat is concerned as I stripped my clearcoat and polished the aluminum.