Removing duct tape residue

[Erica]

I’m finally repairing the Colden Dragonfly, previously taped up with extra-strength duct tape. I’m having trouble getting all the tape residue removed.

I have already washed with soap and water. I have used fresh tape which lifted off a lot of the residue. Rubbing alcohol did not work. I’m afraid to use anything stronger for fear of stripping the paint.

Web searches have suggested acetone, peanut butter, mayonnaise, WD40, baby oil, tiki torch fuel and gasoline. The mayonnaise is supposed to be left on for 12 hours, but I do not want to attract animals. Also heating it up with a hair dryer or heat gun and I don’t have either.

Suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[Gamma1214]

I'd try acetone. If for no other reason than it dries residue free.

If you don't want anything that harsh / flammable, I've heard that Goo-be-gone works also.

 

[Ripple]

Citrus solvent, or goo-be-gone. Stuff works good.

 

[Penns Woods]

goo-be-gone It works

 

[Will Derness]

I’ve had success using WD-40

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Is it really paint? Or is it just gelcoat? If gelcoat, just use acetone. If paint, Goo Gone. But you'll have to follow GG up with alcohol wash if you want anything to stick to it.

 

[Erica]

Is it really paint? Or is it just gelcoat? If gelcoat, just use acetone. If paint, Goo Gone. But you'll have to follow GG up with alcohol wash if you want anything to stick to it.

I'm pretty sure it is gelcoat. I just don't know the right words for everything.

Thank you, all.
I'm going into the city today to try to find this stuff.

 

[clemency]

I'd try WD-40 first. Widely available even at convenience stores and such.

 

[Bothwell Voyageur]

I've found white gas the best for glue residue. Saved the day when trying to remove glue gunk from bike rims that I was trying to set up tubeless

 

[recped]

Not so common these days but years ago lighter fluid was something that I used for this type of issue. That said I think I used acetone to remove Gorilla tape residue from a carbon paddle shaft a few years ago.

 

[snapper]

The first thing that came to mind was acetone. Since others are recommending it, I figure I can't be too far off the mark. I'd never heard of "Goo-be-Gone" before so that's a new one on me. Whatever you end up using, I'd be interested in your results so good luck going forward.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

 

[Ripple]

Citrus solvent, is a "so called" environmental safe product. Can be bought at Lowes or the dept. I get mine from bike shops, riders like it to clean chains. I've used it for years and like it. As a bonus it smells like an orange. All of the products mentioned above will get the job done. Only difference will probly be elbow grease.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Goo Gone is a citrus solvent, according to the label. Also available at hardware stores. I use it to clean wax off my skis. Acetone is better than liquid fuels because it has no additives and evaporates quicker.

 

[gumpus]

Yes GooGone will likely work but acetone works great on exterior grlcoat.

 

[scoutergriz]

my go to solvent is acetone, fairly safe on just about everything except acrylics, polycarbonates, and some paints and plastics, it's extremely fast flash off time helps as there's little time to penetrate below the surface, it can also soften very fresh epoxies and resins (like an hour or 2 old) but they generally reharden overnight (but may turn milky). Acetone is also fairly skin-safe with infrequent use- it's the main ingredient in nail polish remover.
for plastics and paints that are easily damaged I simply use vegetable oil, but it'll require soaking, scrubbing, and a degreaser.

 

[Erica]

I bought some acetone and the goo gone stuff. I was going to try the acetone first, but I set it down somewhere and 10 minutes later could not find it. The goo gone stuff worked very well, but you do have to wash it off with hot, soapy water, per the instructions.

Thank you again, folks, for all the help.

 

[ppine]

Razor blade scraper first, then Wd-40, then acetone. If that doesn't work lacquer thinner.

 

[Gamma1214]

Woo-hoo, let's get patchin"