Removing Permanent Double-Stick Tape

Wooden Surfaces

• When permanent double-stick tape is removed from wooden surfaces it can leave scratches, gouges and sticky debris. To remove the tape, it is best to use a commercial solvent that is safe for use on wood. Peel apart the two pieces that are joined by the tape and apply solvent to the exposed tape. If you can't dislodge the tape from one of the two surfaces it is adhered to, pry them as far apart as possible and apply the solvent to any area of the tape that is accessible. Wait for it to dissolve the tape enough to pull the two pieces further apart. Continue this process until you can get full access to the tape and finish off the job. Scrape the adhesive residue from the wooden surface with a plastic scraper to minimize scratching of the surface.

Painted Surfaces

• Painted surfaces are a bit trickier than simple wood surfaces. The same technique can be used as with wood, but it is very likely that you'll end up pulling some paint off the wall. The trick to not removing the paint is to use penetrating lubricant to cover the gummy residue of the tape. Let it sit on the residue for two hours and then scrape it off with a plastic scraper.

Glass and Plastic

• For standard glass or plastic, a single-edge razor blade can be used to remove the tape. Hold the razor blade at a 30- to 45-degree angle to the surface of the glass and slide it under the edge of the tape. Wiggle the razor back and forth until there is enough tape that you can grab it with your fingers. Lift the tape and pull up at a 90 degree angle to the surface and continue sliding the razor blade beneath the tape.

  Double-sided permanent tape is often found on the back side of a mirror. The back surface is not technically glass but a painted or bonded surface. Scratching that back surface can cause a major defect in the mirror. Some commercial solvents will eat through the silver backing compound, so it is best to try to use a penetrating oil to dissolve the tape. Scraping the residue with a plastic scraper may remove the glue, but it could also scrape off the backing. If you start to lift the backing of the mirror, stop immediately and take it to a professional, or else it will need to be re-silvered.

Metal

• Metal surfaces often react to the commercial solvent that is used to dissolve the adhesive in double-sided permanent tape. Check the solvent label to make sure your metal will not be damaged by using it. If the solvent can not be used, the only option is penetrating grease or oil. Once the tape has lost most of its adhesion, remove it with a plastic scraper. Don't use a razor blade, or you may damage the finish on the metal surface.

Fabric

• It is almost impossible to remove permanent double-stick tape from fabric. The adhesive often binds to the fabric in such a way that trying to remove it will rip the fabric apart. A high-heat steam treatment might be able to saturate and break down the adhesive, but it also runs the risk of damaging the fabric.