Removing carpet tape - how on earth?

[martinalex]

After lifting the old front room carpet and removing the underlay and wooden battens, I've found that the battens/and underlay were also stuck to the floor using strips of double-sided carpet tape. This stuff is about 3 inches wide and has been laid the whole way around the room - and is very, very sticky. I've tried scraping it up but it is very gluey and has the consistency of old chewits. I've also tried evostik adhesive remover, and although this might work over days or weeks, it actually turns the adhesive into an even gloopier mess - so not really what I'm looking for.
Anyone done this with a better method?

[dickymint]

Any particular reason why you want to remove it?

[Agent L]

I've had the same problem in the kitchen, bathroom and downstairs loo in my place.

No good news to give you I'm afraid as every time it has defeated me. In the loo I put underlay and laminate over the top. Bathroom one had totally dried out but still wouldn't scrape or sand off so it will soon have hardboard and vinyl over the top. Kitchen was still sticky as you say. To stop the temporary vinyl I put down sticking to it I put a barrier in between. I actually used grease proof paper (for cooking) and it worked perfectly at stopping the goo coming through. Added benefit is that it sticks down so can't drift out of position!!

[rudecherub]

martinalex said:

After lifting the old front room carpet and removing the underlay and wooden battens, I've found that the battens/and underlay were also stuck to the floor using strips of double-sided carpet tape. This stuff is about 3 inches wide and has been laid the whole way around the room - and is very, very sticky. I've tried scraping it up but it is very gluey and has the consistency of old chewits. I've also tried evostik adhesive remover, and although this might work over days or weeks, it actually turns the adhesive into an even gloopier mess - so not really what I'm looking for.
Anyone done this with a better method?

Provided the floor is reasonably particle free, ie no big bits of grit, I'd just get hold of a roll of paper - some floorer's use it underneath underlay anyway, and lay that on top.

The main thing is have as smooth and clean a surface as possible.

[martinalex]

I've since been told that the best way to remove the tape (if you want bare boards) is to use WD40, apply and scrape, apply and scrape. I've given it a go - works well.

[Simpo Two]

Freezing spray and crack it off?


But I like the paper idea if it's not going to leave a ridge.

[ExChrispy Porker]

martinalex said:

I've since been told that the best way to remove the tape (if you want bare boards) is to use WD40, apply and scrape, apply and scrape. I've given it a go - works well.

Yes, pretty much what I did prior to sanding boards. It was a PITA of a job though.

[dickymint]

dickymint said:

Any particular reason why you want to remove it?