Double-sided tape is very practical, but it is not easy to remove the tape.
Have you used double-sided tape for a job and do you want to remove this tape? How you approach this often depends on the surface the adhesive tape is on.
In this article, I’ll give you 5 methods to remove self-adhesive tape quickly and effectively.
In this post we'll cover:
5 ways to remove double-sided tape
There are several ways to remove double-sided tape.
Before you choose a way, test it. Try a small piece first and see if it has any unwanted effects.
You want to be extra careful especially with surfaces with lacquer, paint, high gloss or wood.
Try some hot soapy water
Double-sided tape that is on smooth surfaces such as glass or mirrors can often simply be removed with hot water and some soap.
Fill a basin with hot water and apply it to the tape with a cloth. Put on some gloves so you don’t burn your fingers.
Let the tape warm up for a while and then try to pull it off.
You can also scrub away any glue residue left behind.
Also read: with these 3 household items you can easily remove paint from glass, stone & tiles
Use a hair dryer
Do you have a hair dryer at home? Then you can use this device to remove your double-sided tape.
Even tape that is very well attached can be removed with a hair dryer. A hair dryer is the safest option, especially with adhesive tape on wallpaper.
You do it by simply turning the hair dryer on the warmest setting and then pointing it at the double-sided tape for half a minute. Now try to pull the tape off.
Does this not work? Then you heat the double-sided tape a little longer. Do this until you can pull the tape off.
Extra tip: you can also heat residual glue with a hair dryer. This makes removing the glue residue a lot easier.
Be careful with plastic surfaces. You can ruin this with too hot air.
Soak the tape with alcohol
Alcohol, like benzene, has a dissolving effect. This makes the product suitable for all kinds of cleaning jobs.
You can also use alcohol to remove double-sided tape.
You do this by applying the alcohol to the tape with a cloth or cotton ball. Let the alcohol work for a while and the glue will slowly dissolve. After this you can remove the double-sided tape.
Is the adhesive of the tape very stubborn? Then wet a piece of kitchen paper with alcohol and place this kitchen paper on the tape.
Leave it for 5 minutes and then check whether you can now pull the tape off.
Use WD-40 spray
You can also go to the hardware store to buy so-called WD-40 spray. This is a spray that you can use for all kinds of jobs, including removing double-sided tape.
Before using the spray on your double-sided tape, peel off the edges of the tape as much as possible. Then spray some WD-40 on these edges.
Leave the spray for a few minutes and you can easily remove the tape. Is this not quite working yet? Then spray some WD-40 on the edges of the tape.
Do this until you have successfully removed all the tape.
Go for a ready-to-use sticker remover
Of course I like DIY, but sometimes a specific product is very useful.
A popular one is HG sticker remover, which removes even the most stubborn glue, sticker and tape residue.
Apply the product undiluted with a brush to the adhesive tape. Try to scratch a corner first, so that the liquid can get between the tape and the surface.
Let it work for a while and then peel off the tape. Remove any remaining adhesive residue with a little extra liquid and a clean cloth.
Good luck removing double sided tape!
Also read: Removing a kit is easy with these 7 steps
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
