Does a chemical exist which will dissolve masking tape but not paint?

[sona1111]

Hello, I'm having an issue with a painting project I started a while ago before winter. Near the bowspirt there are some trim pieces which I completely cleaned and sanded. There was to be two-tone paint on two different parts of the decoration. First, the while piece was primered and covered with one shade, when after a few days one of the sections was masked off completely and the remaining exposed part was painted the other color. When I did this, I used up a small amount of older masking tape I had along with a new roll. The problem I'm having is that, while the newer masking tape came off without issue, the older one is sticking very badly and immediately tears. I've been at it for hours and It's impossible to get it off. I've tried using denatured alcohol as well as "goo-gone" type sprays to no help. As the whole process took some time I'd like to avoid completely starting from scratch if possible.

Does anyone know any type of chemical that can be bought that would possibly work to dissolve old masking tape without completely stripping the (water based) paint?

Thanks for reading.

[Bycrick]

One type of blue tape finally gave up when I used gasoline after everything else failed.

[garyfdl]

Any chemical that would 'dissolve' the tape 'fabric' would probably also damage the finish underneath.

I have two suggestions:

• Try a heat gun at low heat and see if that will soften up the adhesive enough to remove the tape.

• If that doesn't work, I'd try rags soaked in very hot water applied to/over the tape and let sit. Then try removing the tape while it is still warm. Masking tape isn't waterproof. The hot water should penetrate and loosen the adhesive.

You will probably still have to use an adhesive remover once you get the tape off.

[Chenega]

3-m Adhesive Remover will work and not do damage to paint or varnish. Used all the time in marine industry

[glenn.225]

A bit old-school but I've used both gasoline and naphtha to remove adhesives before. Try separately, slightly dampen a cloth and rub lightly. You may have to increase the amount of fluid you use. There is also xylene and mineral spirits.



Of course with all flammable liquids, be careful and dispose properly.

[garyfdl]

Gas has too much of a WOOF! factor for my comfort.

Diesel is safer.

[MicHughV]

try this...

Methyl ethyl ketone ...also known as MEK.....

wear gloves....most hardware stores carry it....

[tkeithlu]

Avoid becoming a krispy kritter. If gasoline works, it is likely that WD-40 will also.

[rardoin]

As mentioned above, 3-M Adhesive remover and a plastic pot scraper will work. Be patient, saturate a rag with the solvent and rub toward the edge of the tape and intermittently try to lift up the loosened tape/adhesive with the scraper. It will work and won't mar the finish.

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by sona1111

Hello, I'm having an issue with a painting project I started a while ago before winter. Near the bowspirt there are some trim pieces which I completely cleaned and sanded. There was to be two-tone paint on two different parts of the decoration. First, the while piece was primered and covered with one shade, when after a few days one of the sections was masked off completely and the remaining exposed part was painted the other color. When I did this, I used up a small amount of older masking tape I had along with a new roll. The problem I'm having is that, while the newer masking tape came off without issue, the older one is sticking very badly and immediately tears. I've been at it for hours and It's impossible to get it off. I've tried using denatured alcohol as well as "goo-gone" type sprays to no help. As the whole process took some time I'd like to avoid completely starting from scratch if possible.

Does anyone know any type of chemical that can be bought that would possibly work to dissolve old masking tape without completely stripping the (water based) paint?

Thanks for reading.

This is an excellent tape residue remover, citrus based.
I use it a lot, even stuff stuck on for years.
Kinda pricy but works very well.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b5005047175/
We are a professional new and used boat sales company.
Boatyarddog

[Gypsyjon]

GooGon will work, any hardware of big box store has it.

[Scubaseas]

3M Adhesive Remover is what we used in auto body for years. Mineral spirits would also work but not as quickly as the 3M stuff. Either the citrus or the regular. "Goof off" will also work but again not as well as the 3M.

[adjo]

It depends on the type of paint obviously but WD40 is effective.
Eucalyptus oil is another safe option.

[zstine]

WD40 works great to dissolve most tape glue.

[Sailon1]

ABN rubber eraser wheel. I use this to remove decals on hull. Works like a giant eraser. Available on Amazon. Good luck!