Using VHB Tape on International Interior Wall

[CAK]

Have checked the threads on this and didn't see this particular issue. I'd prefer not to drill holes on my interior wall and to use 3M VHB tape to hang a stainless steel magnetic knife bar on the aluminum wall behind and above the range in my coach (Have a 2013 International Signature 25' front cabin). Tried taping it on once and the knife bar fell in a day or so (we weren't moving - and it stayed on the rack but separated from the wall) so knew I did something wrong. In looking online, 3M recommends cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and abrading the surface. (I did neither the first time - like a dummy...) but now I hate the idea of abrading a portion of that pretty wall. Will alcohol alone and abrading just the knife rack by itself be enough, in your opinion? If not, can you recommend any other answer for me using the tape? Thanks VERY much to all....

[JamuJoe]

I've used VHB tape for many items attached to the aluminum. Various hooks and hangers, oak book shelves, oak spice rack.... I use the alcohol as recommended and have not abraded the Airstream skin. Success thus far. Nice to be able to remove items using goo be gone and not leaving holes.

[CAK]

Originally Posted by JamuJoe

I've used VHB tape for many items attached to the aluminum. Various hooks and hangers, oak book shelves, oak spice rack.... I use the alcohol as recommended and have not abraded the Airstream skin. Success thus far. Nice to be able to remove items using goo be gone and not leaving holes.

Thanks very much, JamuJoe....nice to know that you have used the tape in a number of areas. REALLY don't want those holes either! Happy travels....

[RandyNH]

The VHB tapes vary, depending on surface material, check the different numbers on the 3M website to see which would work best.

Are you in a curved portion? Maybe double layer, I've never had VHB let go of anything.

[kaylorsan]

I've had lots of successes with 3M tapes. I typically use the UHB (I believe 'V' is very high bond, 'U' is ultra high bond). They make them thin and thick (with a foam core to enable some surface compliance). I've always cleaned the surfaces with alcohol, but have never roughed them up. Never had a failure yet either. My solar panels are even attached with UHB to my roof. 3+ years of high speeds, high winds, ice, snow, heat, etc has not weakened the bond.

FWIW, I usually get my tape in eBay. There are often listings for specific lengths of it.

[CAK]

Appreciate all the input - thanks to all.

Chris

[dmbecke]

I also tried taping on a magnetic knife bar with 3M 20lb strength tape and it fell off
Let us know if you have success. I may use screws in the wood wall to the left of stove top

[jdalrymple]

Holes are no big deal.

If one ever removes whatever was installed, pop a couple rivets in the holes and no one will ever notice the difference.


Regards,


JD

[PatLee]

What a great tip - thanks!

[4riveteers]

We used VHB tape to install dispensers in our bathroom and shower. With all the potholes we endure in California, the weight of the dispensers and the steam in the shower, they haven't fallen off yet.
Maybe try 3M's picture hanging Velcro. We've used it successfully for items other than pictures that weigh between 1-5 lbs e.g. trickle charger inside propane storage wall or anchoring a fire extinguisher inside a bedroom roof locker.

[glcmranger]

4Riveteers: I love your soap dispensers. Where did you get them?

[dznf0g]

I'll answer....tgw dispensers are Simple Human brand. Think I got mine from BB&B.

[4riveteers]

Originally Posted by glcmranger

4Riveteers: I love your soap dispensers. Where did you get them?

Thanks! We love them too. Modern and clean lines. They go well with the AS interior. We bought the single one at The Container Store. The triple one we found by chance at tj Maxx.

Happy travels!

[4riveteers]

I have had very good results with VHB tapes, (when applied according to directions) and I have never abraded any surface.

When it comes to additions/improvements etc. especially in our AS, if your like me, you just want to peel the tape backing and stick it on the wall, hope you got it straight and level and enjoy your new improvements and show your other half and all your friends "hey look what I just did"!

When using this tape, as with most tapes now a days, there are a couple of other important things to remember (that I have not seen mentioned on this thread yet so I would like to mention them here),"Pressure and Time".

3M says (See link attached) this tape requires "Pressure" at application to gain strength. It also has a "Cure time" that increases as it cures but does not reach full strength for about 72 hours.

I have also removed unwanted taped on items with a guitar string pulled back and forth under the item needing removal. Old Guitar strings make a great fine saw blade that if pulled carefully, should not mark up the subsurface you want to protect the most.


http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...Resources/two/