Tape goo stuck to paint

[RazorRacer]

On track days, we tape our numbers to our cars. Recently, during a 4 day event at the track, the goo from the tape wouldn't come off of the paint. This was clear shipping tape. Since that time the following methods have failed to remove the substance:

WD-40
That goo gone stuff from the auto parts store
Paint cleaner and elbow grease
Repeated washings

Would buffing at a detail place get if off or just smear it around in the paint? Do you have any suggestions?

[rcecale]

Not sure what else to try, but I will recommend this for your next track day. Apply a good coat of wax before putting the tape on. At least to the area where you're putting the tape.

On second thought, you may want to try some Goof-Off on it. I've had good luck with this stuff throughout different areas inside my house. It's supposed to be able to remove everything from chewing gum to tape adhesive residue. Try it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won't mess up your paint job.

Oh, one more thing. They also make a Citrus version that is supposed to be easier on paint, for whatever reason. Good luck!

Randy

[fuelie600]

3M makes a good adhesive remover for automotive finishes. You can find it at auto parts places that carry paint supplies. (I don't have the part number in front of me right now.) It is safe on any properly cure car finish.

If you need the part number let me know and I'll dig it up...

[flipper]

This may sound weird, but regular mayonaise works great on tape and sticker residue. Not the fat free kind but the fat kind. I think its the fat that helps get it off. We use to use this method at a bodyshop. I used used it last week on a motrcycle helmet that had a ton of stickers. Its a cheap try with no fear of hurting your paint. Good luck

[KTL]

Good advice flipper!

I too have used the 3M stuff with success. It looks like this:

[wholberg]

Try bug and tar remover. It is formulated to remove petroleum products without harming paint. I have had good luck with that.

[thabaer]

For future reference, try to find some gaffers tape instead of duct (quack). It's designed to tape cables down on carpet and all kinds of surfaces without leaving the adhesive behind after the gig.

[silverc4s]

That mylar shipping tape is the LAST thing I would use on my paint.

In the mayonaise category: try charcoal lighter fluid - sparingly. Again, try it on an inconspicuous(sp) spot first.

[klaucke]

Lacquer thinner will cut tape residue. I'd be careful when using it though, on some paints it works fine, others it might start taking the paint off too.

[anthony]

Is brake or carb cleaner harmful to paint? I was cleaning up my Fuchs for new tires and I was able to remove all the old wheel weight tape residue with brake cleaner. The tape residue melted instantly.

[vash]

charlie is on the money. photographers use gaffers tape all the time. it doesnt leave any residue. as a poor photography student when all i had was cheapo masking tape, you could turn it gaffers style by sticking it to your jeans first. the tiny bit of lint nullifies some of the glue. dont know if track day officials allow masking tape.....

[Rondinone]

I would not use lacquer thinner on paint, even polyurethane paint. Mineral spirits or lighter fluid would be OK.

My first bet would be 91% isopropanol from the drug store.

[no substitute]

Gasoline. Ever spilled it on your paint? The wax comes off, but the paint is fine. Wash it off with car wash soap when you're through and re-wax the area.
Lacquer thinner sounds a little risky.

[Jack Olsen]

Here's something I've been doing lately. I found that hardware-store contact paper works great, both for front-end paint protection (although I've largely given up on that, after three years of track use on my current paint), but also for making a quick 'meatball' to put on the doors before sticking on numbers.

Grab a serving plate from the kitchen that's big enough to surround your numbers, trace it on the back of the contact paper and cut out a circle. The adhesive on the contact paper comes right off with the contact paper itself (although a quick coat of spray wax before application would be okay insurance). This way, no matter what adhesive is on the numbers you're using, it's not going to get on your paint.

I've been using matte black contact paper on my gloss black paint.



Usually, I get the numbers on straighter. But I was excited last weekend, since it was my first wheel-to-wheel race.

[ZCAT3]

3M Adhesive Remover will do it - I would not mess around with anything else.

[wholberg]

Buy magnetic numbers for the next time. I found a link below.

http://www.ckrscca.org/magnetic_numbers.htm

[cstreit]

Definitely don't use carb or brake cleaner!!! Will eat your paint

[RazorRacer]

Sounds like 3M is the way to go.

BTW, I have magnetic numbers, but need to tape down the edges facing the wind or even the magnetic numbers will fly off.

Thanks again

[RazorRacer]

Is this the same stuff? It's available at Office Depot.

3M Citrus-Based Adhesive Remover, 5 Oz.

[efhughes3]

I use electric tape to tape down the lead edges of my magnetic numbers.