If the tape is still intact on the surface, use a hair dryer to loosen the adhesive, and remove all the backing from the adhesive.
Remove as much adhesive as possible by either rubbing the adhesive off with your finger, or by applying a fresh piece of tape over the adhesive to pull it up from the surface.
If residue remains, use a chemical-based cleaner, according to its instructions. For
Scotch® Masking Tapes try one or more of the following:
3M™ Industrial Cleaners and Adhesive Removers
Citrus-based cleaners
Hydrocarbon solvent such as turpentine or a toluene-based cleaner
For
ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tapes, try one or more of the following:
Wallpaper and paste remover
Citrus-based cleaners
Ammonia-based cleaner
NOTE: Different tapes have different types of adhesive, so choose the cleaner carefully and test in an inconspicuous place before use. Follow the cleaner instructions found on the individual packaging to ensure proper use.
When using cleaners, wipe with a cheesecloth or loose-nap fabric rags to allow the adhesive residue to imbed into the fabric.
After using cleaners, rinse surface with a generous amount of clean water.
If the adhesive residue has been on the surface for a long time or is highly cured, scraping may be required to break up the adhesive in order to remove it.
If ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape is used on or with a lacquer coating, the surface may react with the adhesive on the tape, making it difficult to remove. In this case, buffing or sanding may be required to remove the adhesive from the surface.
NOTE: Removing adhesive residue can put the surface it is adhered to at risk. If mechanical means (like scraping or abrading) are required to remove adhesive residue, most painted surfaces are at risk and have the potential to be damaged, regardless of the type of finish or level of cure time.