Removing Scotch Tape from a Plastic Radio - Videokarma.org TV - Video

jonboy55 · #1 01-25-2009, 02:09 PM

I'm trying to remove some scotch tape from a plastic radio. It's brown plastic (not bakelite, etc.) and the radio is from 1952 and the tape has probably been on there for at least 25 years.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

avionic · #2 01-25-2009, 03:28 PM

Goo-gone

Fisherdude · #3 01-25-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avionic

Goo-gone

Just be sure you don't use Goof-Off. It's NOT the same stuff.

guitarslam · #4 01-25-2009, 05:14 PM

WD-40 usually works pretty good at removing scotch tape residue.
Test it first on a "hidden" part of the plastic first though (for compatibility).

HTH!
Glen

JonL · #5 01-25-2009, 05:33 PM

Believe it or not, mayonnaise. Smear it on with a finger, let it sit for a while, smear it some more, it'll start loosening the adhesive until you can finally just wipe it away. Should be safer than the alternatives, even if slower.

batterymaker · #6 01-25-2009, 05:43 PM

GOJO white hand cleaner. WITHOUT pumice. Excellent at removing petrified masking tape.

Old1625 · #7 01-25-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batterymaker

GOJO white hand cleaner. WITHOUT pumice. Excellent at removing petrified masking tape.

A lot of these non-abrasive mechanic's hand cleaners are mineral spirits based. Mineral spirits alone is good at removing the residual adhesives of "scotch" tape. And seldom in my experience will hurt bakelite or even older wooden radio cabinet finishes.

The solvent cannot readily penetrate the surface of the tape to get to the adhesive underneath to dissolve it, so the chief ingredients other than the mineral spirits are extreme patience, and one heckuva strong fingernail. One thing in your favor is that by this point that tape must be pretty aged and brittle....

The mayonnaise trick mentioned is the first I've heard of such.

Twenty20Man · #8 01-25-2009, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonL

Believe it or not, mayonnaise. Smear it on with a finger, let it sit for a while, smear it some more, it'll start loosening the adhesive until you can finally just wipe it away. Should be safer than the alternatives, even if slower.

rub it off with day old bread...

*zenithfan1* · #9 01-26-2009, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twenty20Man

rub it off with day old bread...

Or a day old sandwich, that way you get the mayo too! LOL

jonboy55 · #10 01-26-2009, 08:53 PM

Fortunately, I was just having a baloney on rye with mustard. The mustard worked great!!

Also, a little rubbing alcohol didn't hurt.

*zenithfan1* · #11 01-27-2009, 08:50 AM

Glad you got it, but be careful with rubbing alcohol. It can craze the finish on most plastics.