Paper tape on glass? Here’s how to remove it without leaving any traces
How to remove the paper tape from glass? When buying adhesive tape, as is the case when buying double-sided adhesive tape, our main concern – and often the only one – is that it has sufficient adhesive capacity to ensure effective fastening. Few people think of what the next step is, sometimes just a few minutes later, in the following days, or maybe in months or years: the removal of the tape itself. Sometimes this is fast and easy, especially in the case of removable adhesive tape, and when the removal takes place shortly after the application of the tape. Other times, however, removing tape quickly and without leaving traces is a little more difficult. In this article, for example, we will outline how to remove paper tape from glass, a need that isn’t rare at all. Consider, for example, those who wish to repaint their windows and decide to use masking paper tape to protect the glass from colouring. Or, those who want to silicate the windows themselves, or maybe wants to silicate the glass of their shower box. Often, it must be said, paper tape is also used improperly, perhaps to hang a kid’s drawing on a window inside your house. So, it can be very useful to understand how to remove paper tape from glass without leaving any traces behind.
What is paper tape?
Before considering how to effectively remove paper tape from glass, let’s quickly review the structure of this particular type of adhesive tape. The term tape paper generally refers to as a tape comprising a paper support, which sets it apart from other types of adhesives, made with PVC, PPL, fabric, and other types of supports. The classic use case for paper tape is masking, as much in DIY as in the industrial sector, covering parts of a surface that should not be painted, covered in silicone, or treated in any way. Thus, typical masking tape applications require temporary placing of the adhesive tape itself, attached before painting and then removed immediately after (not to mention that removing masking tape when the paint is still fresh does not ruin the result). In our e-commerce website for professional adhesive tapes there are many different types of masking tape available for purchase: some are designed for construction, others for bodywork, others for industrial painting at high or very high temperatures, others for external use. In principle, however, all are designed for quick and easy removal, without leaving any glue residue on the surface they were placed on. But, beware: in some – rare – cases removing the paper tape could be more complicated. For instance, masking tape which has remained on a surface for a long time, perhaps under the effect of the sun’s rays. In that case, removal may take a few additional steps.
How to remove paper tape from glass? A user guide
In most cases, to remove the paper tape from glass, simply grab a flap or a corner and pull, and the entire piece of masking tape will come off the smooth surface without leaving any residue behind. Other times, it may be more difficult. In that case, the advice is to help the process with something that can help mechanically detach the tape from the glass, such as a plastic scraper. A good example would be the scraper that usually employed to remove ice from the windshield of cars in winter, specially designed not to scratch the glass. You should avoid scrapers or metal spatulas, which would risk leaving scratches on the glass surface. If a plastic scraper isn’t available, you can use an old plastic credit card, which can work very well.
To further facilitate this process, it is possible to “soften” the tape itself, aiming to make the adhesive below less powerful. You can use, for instance, the hot air from a hair dryer, or create liquid mixes with what you have at home. The cheapest and most affordable method is to use water and vinegar: just dab the adhesive tape with this solution, leave it on for a few seconds, and then remove the paper tape with ease. Other options are water and lemon juice, or hot water and soap, as well as, for the most stubborn adhesive tapes, alcohol or acetone. Speaking of glass, it is probably best not to use another very popular option when it comes to removing adhesives: oil. Cleaning it up would be a long process, afterwards!
How to clean glue residue from glass
What if all the paper tape comes off, leaving behind glue residue on the glass? No problem: just rub the surface a little with a cloth dampened with alcohol, and then finish cleaning with old newspaper pages.