REFLECTOR: Removing old masking tape.

[Scott Derrick]

Getting very close to first coat of primer on my repaint job.  Hopefully 
this weekend.

Yesterday I started the onerous job of removing blue masking tape around 
the edge of all my windows to replace it with fine line tape.   I had 
tried to remove it a couple of months ago and found it was very 
difficult. Coming off in little 1/16 inch pieces leaving sticky goo 
behind.  A very slow scraping job with a soft edge, it looked like it 
was going to take a couple of days! :-(

I had heard heat would help. Also heard of lots of different liquids to 
dissolve or help removal like alcohol,. goo-be-gone, peanut butter, etc..

I borrowed my wife's hair dryer, with a solemn promise to return it in 
good condition.  Not covered with epoxy or grease!

It took a long time to heat things up with it but it definitely 
improved  the process.  I made a quick trip to Checkers to get a real 
heat gun, they just happened to be on sale today!  Man what a 
difference.  The tape came off soooooo easy!  Heat a 6 inch section for 
10-15 seconds and slide the plastic scraper right under it, repeat as 
needed.  Of course you have to be careful not to heat things up too much!

In about an hour I had all the windows clear of tape,  I used denatured 
alcohol to wipe off the tapes glue residue.  No rubbing, just wipe it off.

Scott

-- 

-
    What county can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time that its people preserve the spirit of resistance.

    Thomas Jefferson