Removing Hardened Application Tape

If application tape is allowed to remain on a substrate, over time the adhesion increases. Eventually the adhesive hardens, making it nearly impossible to remove. In most cases, when the adhesive becomes hard as a rock, you are all out of luck. Usually, no solvent will l remove hardened adhesive. 

To protect my work tables I cover them with application tape. I know better than to leave the tape on too long. Even I can make a mistake. After a year on the varnished wood surface shown below, the tape seemingly bonded permanently to one of my work tables. I was afraid that I would have to replace the tabletop.

As luck would have it, I acidently spilled a mixture of Tung Oil and turpentine on the tape covered tables. Using a plastic razor blade, I started to peel the paper facestock from the surface as shown in the picture below. The plastic razor scraper did not damage the surface.The turpentine had apparently weakened the bond between the paper and the adhesive.  

After removing the paper facestock, all of the adhesive remained on the surface of the table. See the photo below.

To clean up the residue, you need to saturate the adhesive with an adhesive remover until the glue turns to a jelly-like consistency. What I used was Rapid Remover. Using the plastic razor scraper, I scraped the softened adhesive from the tabletop. See the picture below. The key is to allow the adhesive remover to do its job. While the adhesive is in this jelly-like state, mop up the mess with paper toweling. 

In this case, I got lucky, all of the adhesive removed cleanly and the tabletop looks as good as new. I may now be so lucky the next time.  The best practice when using application paper as a masking is to remove it when you are finished with a project.

Vinyl Application Videos

Squeegee Technique. Nothing is more basic in vinyl application than the squeegee. But some squeegees work better than others. And there are right ways and wrong ways to use this simple tool. This video clip reviews squeegee selection, squeegee care and squeegee technique. Click to Link

Wet Applications. Dry applications are typically recommended for most vinyl applications. For those exceptions to the rule, this instructional video explains the right way to perform a wet application. Click to Link

Application of Window Graphics. Installing vinyl graphics on glass can be challenging, because the adhesive aggressively grabs onto this high energy surface. Repositioning graphics on window is generally difficult, if not impossible. This instructional video explains how to dry apply window graphics right the first time. It also describes the necessary steps required for surface preparation. Click to Link

Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films.  Because frosted window films are highly textured, transferring cut vinyl graphics can be problematic. This video provides direction in selection of the right application tape and how to apply these films quickly, easily and without problems. Click to Link

3-Step Surface Prep. This instructional video describes how to properly clean the surface of a vehicle before applying pressure sensitive vinyl graphics to a trailer or doing a full wrap of a car or van. This three step surface prep involves detergent washing, solvent cleaning and a final wipe down with IPA. Click to Link

Vinyl Application Over Rivets. Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. This video demonstrates some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free.  Click to Link

Vinyl Application to Corrugations. Learn how to apply vinyl graphics to corrugations in a relaxed state. Forcing films into the valleys of corrugations puts too much mechanical stress on the film. Sooner or later, the vinyl will lift or tent in valleys. Click to Link

Applying Air Egress Vinyls. Vinyl films with air egress release liners have almost eliminated bubbles and wrinkles from applied graphics. Air egress release liners with their highly textured surface structure are problematic. Not much will stick to these liners other than the vinyl film. At RTape our best premask solution for air egress liners is a special Conform® tape called 4761RLA. Click to Link

About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.  Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon. 

© 2016 Jim Hingst