I guess there are a lot of solvents of different forms that will solve the problem, but the key thing is to be quick about it, and get all of the solvent off after it has done its job. This will minimize the damage to the original finish.

Again: In my experience mineral spirits is #1 at the task over all. It will slowly and safely do the trick, and generally leave the old finish unharmed.

I worked for many years in a retail music store where we refurbished and resold used organs, pianos, and other wooden cabinet instruments, and this was always the standard drill for all the trade-ins we received that we had to make presentable to new owners. Mineral spirits always worked well in cleaning up woodwork of the residues of Scotch tape, decals and other abuses of the finish. And the finish was always left unharmed.

I guess I have to somehow peel off the plastic part of the tape so the solvent can get to the adhesive.

John

That is the problem with "Scotch Tape", you have to get through the base in order to soften the adhesive. I also use lighter fluid. One benefit is that lighter fluid comes in a very handy container. Just yesterday, I used it to remove some gum labels that were attached to some plastic parts cabinet drawers. It turned the adhesive to a sticky mess and then easily removed the residue.

Now I have found that the white adhesive tape residue from medical tape will come off with alcohol, not lighter fluid. Acetone works well but it will destroy most paint finishes and plastic. It is good to remove tar from an overheated transformer when it leaves "smoke marks" under the chassis on its way out....

This is straying off topic, but since you mentioned alcohol... I had my car parked under pine trees and it got covered with pitch. I tried everything, WD-40, commercial bug/tar remover... Then I tried 200 proof ethanol. It worked great!

John

If you're careful with it, a hair drier can soften the adhesive on that Scotch tape enough to get it loose. Works good on record covers.

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL set.:thmbsp: Really nice looking wood! Congratulations on your acquisition.

adhesive tape removal
 

After asking for advice, and receiving plenty of good advice, I attempted to remove the scotch tape. It peeled right off as though it had been applied yesterday. I was astounded! The veneer was in a sealed envelope dated 1980 and was yellowed enough to lend credence to that. I can't believe the tape lasted that long.

Anyway, no residue. I just need to flatten the veneer and reapply it. :D

John