How to Remove Double-Sided Foam Tape

Removing Double-Sided Tape From Glass

1. Scrape off Tape

   With a fresh razor blade in the razor blade scraper, gently scrape the large pieces of foam and adhesive from the glass. Hold the razor blade scraper at a low angle (around 15 to 30 degrees).

2. Apply Solvent

   Apply a small amount of the solvent such as water displacing fluid, lighter fluid, or acetone to the residue. Let the solvent soak in for 30 seconds to a minute.

3. Scrape Adhesive

   Use the razor blade to scrape off the remains of the foam and adhesive while it is still wet. Drop the remains on a piece of aluminum foil. Use a clean cotton rag to remove the final bits of foam and adhesive.

4. Clean Glass

   Clean the solvent from the glass with a cotton or microfiber towel and isopropyl alcohol.

Removing Double-Sided Tape From Wood or Walls

1. Apply Heat

   Direct a hairdryer at the double-sided tape on high for about one minute. Or, you can press a clothes iron against the tape on high setting (dry, not steam) with a thin towel between the iron and the material.

   Warning

   Avoid prying off any of the tape in advance. For this method, you'll need as much of the tape intact as possible.

2. Pry Tape off

   Remove the heat source. Immediately begin to peel off the tape at one corner. Work slowly and carefully to keep the tape intact. If the tape cools down and it becomes more difficult to pry off, reapply heat to the remaining section.

3. Clean or Sand Surface

   Some adhesive may remain. For coated wood or drywall, clean the surface with a small amount of solvent pre-applied to a rag. For bare wood, do not use solvents. Instead, let the residue dry, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper.

Removing Double-Sided Tape From Plastic

1. Apply Heat to Plastic

   Leave as much of the double-sided tape intact as possible. Turn on a hairdryer on high setting, but keep it far away from the plastic until you can determine the effect of heat on the plastic. Gradually move the hairdryer closer.

2. Pry off Tape

   While directing the hairdryer at the tape, use your other hand to pry up one corner of the tape. Do not force the tape to come off. Instead, let the tape naturally pull away as the adhesive softens.

   If removing the tape with heat does not work, use a solvent.

3. Test Solvent on Surface

   Depending on the type of plastic, it may be damaged by solvents. So, first test a small, inconspicuous section with the solvent. Most types of plastic can be cleaned with water-displacing spray. Lighter fluid and acetone will damage most types of plastic.

4. Clean Tape With Solvent

   Apply solvent to a clean rag. Hold the rag against the plastic surface for about 30 seconds to soften the foam and adhesive. Then, carefully rub off the remainder.

5. Clean Plastic

   Isopropyl alcohol will whiten and discolor many types of plastic. So, clean the solvent from the plastic with a warm soap and water solution. Rinse off the soap solution with cool, clean water.