Advice Needed: Removing Tape Residue from Acrylic

Discussion in 'The Bucket' started by slocal, Feb 17, 2010.

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  1. slocal

    slocal Doot!

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    Well to start off, I bought a TruVu 80g acrylic tank off of craigslist for $150. Sweet deal since it included a sump and a ASM G1 skimmer. I have buffed out the minor scratches on the inside and outside of the tank and now it's time to deal with the tape residue. The previous owner had applied a two inch wide band of black electrical tape surrounding the tank on the top and bottom ends. This was to hide the water line and what he deemed, unsightly bacteria in the sand. The tape had been on for two years. When I pulled the tape off, just the vinyl came off, leaving a very hard adhesive residue. Anyone have any tips on how to remove this safely from an acrylic surface?
     
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  3. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    I have never taken on so much but in China all acrylic tanks come with brand logos
    and manufacturers marks etc
    the same deal - you peel them and the gum is left on the surface

    I have found that repeated soaking with scalding hot water will soften this gum and it will then rub off with a paper towel

    Steve
     
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  4. Dingo

    Dingo Giant Squid

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    a very carful razor blade...

    WD40 will most likely do it (plus its made out of fish oil so you dont have too much to worry about as far as chemicals)

    and theres some stuff called "googone" that might work
     
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  5. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    goo be gone, works good on sticky stuff.. but caution on use with acrylic.. read the label first!

    you can buy it at automotive stores, walmart, home-stupid, lowes etc..
     
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  6. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    WD-40 and a razor blade will do the trick every time.



    luna
     
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  7. s10lowrider1994

    s10lowrider1994 Feather Duster

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    Wd40 will remove it. If you are worried about scrathing the surface with a standard blade most auto parts stores sell plastic razor blades. We use them to remove pin stripes, decals, etc and they do an excellent job without compromising the surface.
     
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  9. patrick824

    patrick824 Montipora Digitata

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    i did mine on acrylic with goo-gone aka goof-off
     
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  10. fish-aholic 94

    fish-aholic 94 Gigas Clam

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    Try getting a rag, and wet it with alcohol, then rub the residue.
     
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  11. slocal

    slocal Doot!

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    Thanks for all the responses. Used some WD40 and a credit card. K+ to all
     
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