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demijac · 02-09-2021, 01:47 PM

Does anyone know of a solvent/remover that can facilitate the removal of duct tape residue from the aluminum skin without harming the aluminum?

As background, we broke a side window awhile back and had to live with a temporary cardboard & insulation patch that we duct taped to the side of the trailer. It took us two months before we could get a replacement window installed. When we peeled off the duct tape, quite a bit of sticky duct tape residue remained on the aluminum skin.

We bought something called 'Goof Off' which worked great to remove the residue but left a permanent smudge in the small area we tested so that is no longer an option. Also tried WD-40 but it wasn't effective at removing the residue.

Any ideas anyone? Our main goal is to remove the residue without doing any harm to the aluminum.

Thank you.

ROBERT CROSS · 02-09-2021, 01:56 PM

Brakleen has worked removing tape & caulk residue on the roof.

Bob
🇺🇸

**azflycaster** · 02-09-2021, 02:15 PM

This stuff works very well for us.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/De-Solv-i...ll&athena=true

RivetED · 02-09-2021, 02:38 PM

Keep in mind it's not the Aluminum you are trying to clean, it's the plastic coating on the Aluminum.

WD-40 has worked for me and doesn't seem to cause any problems, perhaps letting it sit for about 24 hours may help.

It may be worth a call to A/S tech support, they have been a great resource for me over the years.

panamerican · 02-09-2021, 02:42 PM

Many moons ago, I wanted to remove the pin-striping Airstream puts on the trailers. I called the factory and they suggested mineral spirits. Worked like a charm with no ill effects to the coating on the alum.

Silverbee · 02-09-2021, 02:44 PM

Found this on the internet. I would test in an inconspicuous place first.

Is acetone safe to use on aluminum?

Acetone is fine. Lacquer thinner is a step back from acetone; not quite as aggressive but works well for cleaning most anything gooey. Both evaporate completely, leaving no residue. Neither will penetrate, stain or otherwise damage aluminum.

skyguyscott · 02-09-2021, 05:58 PM

If the duct tape residue has not yet hardened into a crust, you can easily remove most of it quickly and easily by using a fresh piece of duct tape! It sounds counter intuitive, but it is the easiest and least damaging way.

Take a piece of fresh tape and dab the sticky side onto the residue. If the residue is still a bit tacky, the residue will adhere to the tape more than it will to the surface. This works best when the residue is fresh, just after initial removal of the original tape. This handy tip works for all kinds of tape/bumper stickers/etc. - use the same kind of tape to remove the majority of the residue.

If the residue has already hardened into a whiteish crust, you will need to move onto some oil-based solvents.

BayouBiker · 02-09-2021, 06:03 PM

I start with WD-40 or butter, if that does not do the job I try de-solve it but I know for duct tape that won't work very well. Then I go to Goof-Off which you have discovered does the job and sometimes unfortunately does a little more. Other than butter which also does not work very well with duct tape, these ideas have been suggested so I'm out.

Tater · 02-09-2021, 06:59 PM

Turtle Wax makes a label and sticker? remover. I've used it and then I go right back with distilled water and wax or whatever product you use. Wal Mart had the Turtle Wax product here.

BayouBiker · 02-09-2021, 07:06 PM

You know, now that you mention wax and polishes, I do use polishing compound to remove stains, bugs and tar and crud and adhesive remnants.

Hittenstiehl · 02-09-2021, 09:41 PM

Peanut Butter for a non chemical effort. Creamy not chunky.

MickeyC · 02-10-2021, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demijac

Does anyone know of a solvent/remover that can facilitate the removal of duct tape residue from the aluminum skin without harming the aluminum?

As background, we broke a side window awhile back and had to live with a temporary cardboard & insulation patch that we duct taped to the side of the trailer. It took us two months before we could get a replacement window installed. When we peeled off the duct tape, quite a bit of sticky duct tape residue remained on the aluminum skin.

We bought something called 'Goof Off' which worked great to remove the residue but left a permanent smudge in the small area we tested so that is no longer an option. Also tried WD-40 but it wasn't effective at removing the residue.

Any ideas anyone? Our main goal is to remove the residue without doing any harm to the aluminum.

Thank you.

Gasoline on a rag. I've used it many times. It has never damaged the paint or clear coat on the surface I'm using it on. I use a pair of rubber gloves and just dampen the end of the cloth. Then I immediately wash the area with soap and water to remove any gasoline residue. I've used it to remove road tar, paint, and many other types of chemicals over the years.

emelaich01 · 02-10-2021, 09:15 AM

Had this on SOB trailer we had before the AS, where PO had used duct tape or similar to hold up an awning piece whose hardware had come off.

We smeared on some Goop, which will creep downward with a vertical surface, but repeat applications to keep it coated let us wipe all the residue off after a few hours.

I've been a little leery of solvents like acetone, lacquer thinner and such with the plastic coating, but Goop (or GoJo, et al) are pretty benign.

mykytiukr · 02-10-2021, 09:17 AM

Gasoline! Pour some of your lawn mower supply on a rag then go for it. Will NOT do anything to the finish...polished, clear coat or otherwise. A little soap and water to finish up after that.

Fungus · 02-10-2021, 09:23 AM

Goo Gone is more gentle than Goof Off and less likely to harm an underlying finish. New Goof Off is acetone based. It will remove paint and damage some other finishes. Goo Gone is citrus based.

I used Goo Gone to remove from our 2017 International what looked to be very old glue from a sticker. The glue had dried into a hard enamel-like patch. After allowing the Goo Gone to sit for 20 minutes or so, I gently scrubbed the area with a Dobie (non-abrasive) sponge. I took three applications to remove all the glue but there was no damage to the aluminum finish. Then I cleaned it with a mild soap to remove the oily residue.

MaineStreamer · 02-10-2021, 09:30 AM

Hand sanitizer or Goo Gone.

Bob Peahl · 02-10-2021, 09:35 AM

Lacquer thinner.

I used it to remove yellow road stripe paint (don't ask). Worked great and gentle on the skin. I also use it for tar removal.

InsideOut · 02-10-2021, 10:07 AM

I've always found Bestine to remove sticker & tape adhesives really well. I used it on Duct tape stick-um after having the same 'broken window' situation several years ago. It got the residue off after having been stuck on there a couple of weeks.

Shari