Double-sided foam tape or foam mounting tape is an excellent tool for simple tasks such as hanging calendars or picture frames on the wall without going through the hassle of using traditional hardware. Moreover, it performs exceptionally well for sticking lightweight objects on surfaces like drywall, wood, glass, or plastic. But it comes with a significant downside: its tendency to leave a residue when peeled off. Thankfully, there are several methods to prevent this from occurring, depending on the type of material you are working with. In most situations, you can remove both the foam tape and all traces of the adhesive material in many kinds of hard surfaces. Read on to learn how to achieve this feat best.
A few safety considerations to keep in mind
Before going any further, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety when using highly flammable and petroleum-based solvents like acetone, lighter fluid, or water-displacing spray, such as WD-40. Take care to only use solvents in well-ventilated spaces and follow community-approved methods when disposing of solvents, soaked rags, and any other solvent-soaked remains.
What you will need
Materials
- Solvent product (acetone, lighter fluid, or water-displacing spray)
- Aluminium foil
- Isopropyl alcohol
Tools and equipment
- Razorblade and scraper
- Latex gloves
- Sandpaper, preferably fine-grit
- Cotton and microfiber rags
- Clothes iron or hairdryer
Instructions when working with:
Glass
The first step is to gently scrape off larger sections of adhesive and foam from the glass using a razor blade scraper equipped with a fresh blade. Do so at a low angle, between 15 to 30 degrees, for maximum efficiency.
Next, apply a small amount of your chosen solvent onto the residue and allow it to soak in for 30 to 60 seconds. While the remains are still wet, scrape them off again with the razor blade. Be careful to drop the solvent-soaked remnants on a piece of aluminium foil. Remove whatever is left with a clean cotton rag. For the remaining solvent, clean it up with a cotton or microfiber towel and some alcohol.
Wood or walls
First, apply heat onto the double-sided tape with a hairdryer for one minute. Alternatively, use a clothes iron set to high dry with a thin towel in between. Take care to avoid prying off any of the tapes preemptively since this method requires as much of it to remain intact as possible.
Once it is time to remove the heat source, be quick in peeling off the tape starting in one corner and work slowly to keep it intact. If the tape cools down and is no longer easy to pry off, repeat the first step on the remaining section.
After all the tape comes off, some adhesive residue may remain. Cleaning it off will depend on the surface you are working with. For bare wood, sand the material with fine-grit sandpaper after drying the residue instead of using solvents. For drywall or coated wood, use a rag that comes pre-applied with a small amount of solvent.
Plastic
Similar to the previous set of instructions, the first step involves applying heat onto the tape to keep it as intact as possible. Slowly move the hairdryer closer until you can determine its effect on the plastic. However, it is vital to do so from a distance this time around, so a hairdryer will be necessary.
Next, try to peel off a corner of the tape with your free hand. If it resists, do not force it to come off. Wait until the adhesive softens and let it pull away naturally. In the event that heat does not affect the adhesive, use a solvent instead. You can do this by applying a tiny amount of solvent onto an inconspicuous section of the plastic material. When using this latter option, test it on the plastic surface first and see if it will cause damage. Be forewarned that lighter fluid and acetone damage most plastics, while water-displacing spray does not.
If the solvent leaves the plastic material unharmed, apply it onto a clean rag and hold it against the plastic surface for around 30 seconds. This will allow the foam and adhesive to soften up and make it easier to rub off the remains. For the last step, use warm soap and a water solution to clean off the solvent from the plastic surface. Avoid using isopropyl alcohol since it tends to discolour or whiten most types of plastic. Finally, use cool and clean water to rinse out the soapy solution.
Conclusion
Foam mounting tape provides a handy way to accomplish no-fuss and straightforward tasks in all scenarios, from electronics manufacturing to carpet installation. Although they offer a good and solid bond, it is also their biggest shortcoming when removing them, leaving adhesive residue if peeled incorrectly. Hopefully, with the help of the tips listed above, that no longer becomes a problem for you now and in the future. If you need some excellent double-sided tapes for construction appliances or other projects, Heleflo Products has you covered.
We are an adhesive tape company with clients all over Singapore and across the globe. Our vast portfolio of high-quality tape products, from polyester tapes to kraft paper tape in Singapore, are relied on by various companies and organisations across multiple industries. Contact us today at marketing@heleflo.com.sg to learn more about procuring our eco-friendly tapes.