3M double-sided tape is popular mainly because of its wide variety of applications and its strength. It forms a strong bond on all the surfaces you can use it on. But what are you going to do once you want to remove it? You may want to replace the moldings that you attached to your automotive or other places.
How to Remove 3M Double-Sided Tape
Due to its strength, removing a 3M double-sided tape from any surface is a challenge. And you don’t want to leave behind any markings after removing it. But do not worry, cause however challenging it may appear, with the correct technique, you can cleanly remove a 3M double-sided tape from any surfaces. Here is how you can remove 3M double-sided tape from various surfaces such as automotive, walls, metals, plastics, etc.
Using Heat
The 3M double-sided tape uses a strong adhesive to stick to any surface. And when you apply heat to it, the adhesive loses its strength and becomes easier to remove. You can use a heat gun for this process. If you do not have a heat gun, you can use a hairdryer as well.
The process is relatively straightforward. Use the heat gun or the hairdryer on the tape, especially on the edges. Once the adhesive becomes soft, use a butter knife or any panel-removal tool. The objective is to get under the trim so that you can pull on it.
If you cannot pull the molding off the surface, use the heat gun to soften the adhesive and repeat the step mentioned above. Although this will take some time, you will be able to remove the 3M double-sided tape cleanly.
If there is any tape leftover on the surface, use a solvent adhesive remover to remove the rest of the tape. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions while using it. You can use this process to remove the 3M double-faced tape from automotive and walls.
Using Heat and Moisture
Another way to remove 3M double-sided tape from any surfaces is using moisture and heat. You can even say that it is more efficient to use moist heat than heat. You can use this method to remove the 3M double-sided tape from various sorts of surfaces such as automotive, metals, walls, plastics, etc. However, do note that you have to exercise caution when removing the double-coated tape from plastic surfaces or any surfaces that moisture can damage.
For this method, you will need an iron and a wet towel. Place the thin, wet towel over the tape that you want to remove. Let the iron heat up, and once it has heated up, iron the surface over the wet towel.
After ironing the tape through the towel, the adhesive will lose its strength. Then you can try to scrape the tape off with the towel so that it peels off. If that does not help, you can peel it off with the help of a panel-removal tool.
Using Rubbing Alcohol
You can safely remove 3M double-sided tape from various surfaces such as walls, plastic, etc. However, do note that there is a chance that if you use this method on painted surfaces, the paint may come off or fade.
For any smooth surfaces such as metal or automotive, you will want to use a cotton ball. Take the cotton ball and soak it with alcohol. Take the alcohol-soaked cotton ball and apply it to the tape. You can use a toothbrush to work the alcohol under the tape and then slowly peel it off. Take care to rub it gently; otherwise, the paint may come off.
If the surface is relatively rougher, use a towel or cloth instead of a cotton ball. If you use a cotton ball, there will be fuzz stuck onto the rough surface. Repeat as before, and the tape should come off. If the tape has been there for a long time and is not coming off with these methods, you can pour some alcohol on it, leave it for some time, and then try these above steps.
Using Adhesive Removers
This method is most suitable for delicate surfaces such as your chassis. You don’t want to damage the body of your adored car, do you? That is why, if you are looking to remove the 3M double-sided tape from your car, this is the most suitable method for you.
You can find commercial adhesive removers online. Take a small bottle of the liquid and spray it over the tape. Leave it for five to ten minutes, and then use a butter knife to peel it off the surface. If there are any residues left, you can use a dishwasher liquid to remove them.
Final Words
Now that you have reached the end of this article, we hope you know how to remove 3M double-sided tape. Make sure always to take precautions. Otherwise, you may not only damage your accessories but also hurt yourself.
