Getting Tape off the Paint Work

[MocMocaMoc]

Right, so I've had to replace a window and as a temp fix my Dad taped a sheet of plastic over the hole where the window used to be.

The trouble is, he's used the strongest gaffa tape known to man. And after pulling it off, the sticky side has stuck to the car. So now I've got a giant awful looking gaffa tape ring around my (now fixed) window.

Anyone know the best stuff to use in getting it off?

Cheers,

[Camaro]

Hair dryer to make it go tacky then just rub with your fingers till it goes into a ball.

I think there is this stuff called panel cleaner, whether that would get it off or not though, I do not know. Its meant to be safe with paint though. I would try the hair dryer method first. Will be difficult in this weather though.

[SLacKer]

Have you tried a hair dryer to get the adhesive tacky. I have also found WD40 useful to get the residue off but it sounds more like part of the tape has stayed on.

[Monty Python]

Isopropyl alcohol should be okay

[LuS1fer]

I generally keep meths, white spirit, alcohol and cellulose thinners as one usually does the job. Cellulose thinners should be used very carefully though. Petrol might shift it too.

I would start with white spirit.

[BliarOut]

Clay bar....

[Iang84]

nail varnish remover normally works well

[BliarOut]

Might be a bit strong for modern paint?

[CraigyMc]

Camaro said:

I think there is this stuff called panel cleaner, whether that would get it off or not though, I do not know. Its meant to be safe with paint though. I would try the hair dryer method first. Will be difficult in this weather though.

Wouldn't panelwipe take off any wax on top of the paint? (Like, the hard coat of wax you don't want to mess with?)

I think that's what it's for...

C

[DHE]

Tar & glue remover will do the trick, spray on, leave for a minute and wipe off. When I have done this in the past, it has required a few rubs with a clean cloth to remove. Any wax or sealant you had on the paintwork will need to be re-applied.

[8bit]

Autosmart Tardis - it's a tar spot remover, an auto detailing shop will be able to sell you some. It's also very handy for removing tar spots, funnily enough. You'd be advised to rinse your car thoroughly, give it a wash and a coat of wax afterwards as it breaks down wax and the like.

[rohrl]

Autoglym tar remover is pretty amazing stuff. A clay bar might work if you really can't shift it.

[paintman]

Don't use thinners, you risk damaging the paint.
The tar removers are much safer.
I use brake & clutch cleaner to remove the glue residue left behind when removing the decals on caravans - as do both the caravan firms I do bodywork for. Works on sealants & gaffer tape residue. They also use meths, but I've not tried it.
Thinners does remove caravan paint - guess how I know - but brake & clutch cleaner doesn't.

[rj1986]

Soak in WD40? Worked when i bought a wooden table with tape marks on it

[ch427]

wd40 or petrol is my choice, waste of time trying to heat it up etc.
just wash thoroughly afterwards and remember to stick some more polish on it if your that way inclined!

[Fas1975]

Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover. Pour onto a cloth or sponge and move over tape in circular motion until it comes off. Simples

[LuS1fer]

paintman said:

I use brake & clutch cleaner to remove the glue residue left behind when removing the decals on caravans - as do both the caravan firms I do bodywork for. Works on sealants & gaffer tape residue. They also use meths, but I've not tried it.

Just never forget the distinction between brake cleaner and brake fluid though......

[MocMocaMoc]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

[Blue Oval84]

CraigyMc said:

Wouldn't panelwipe take off any wax on top of the paint? (Like, the hard coat of wax you don't want to mess with?)

I think that's what it's for...

C

Nah, Panel Wipe just removes traces of oils, wax, silicon etc.

The "hard wax" that I think you're talking about is the clear coat lacquer which panel wipe will not remove.

Cellulose Thinners might make a dent in it though...

[windy1]

Use white spirit, applied with a cloth, let it soak in then gently wipe off. Re-apply several times if needed.
DO NOT USE CELLULOSE THINNERS IT WILL TAKE THE PAINT OFF!!!!