Masking Tape Blues
 

I was using the Great Planes 1/4" masking tape to tape off the windows on my TF Piper Arrow and it left some of the glue on the plastic window. I've try using window cleaner but I didn't have much luck. Is there anything that I can use without damaging the plastic? I sure hate to have to paint the top white and then paint the windows black. I'm hoping to leave them clear so that down the road I can put a cockpit kit in the Arrow.
Thanks for your advise.
chopper man

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Try isopropyl alcohol.

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Try some Isopropyl alchohol (rubbing alcohol) on a q-tip. You may have to repeat the process to get them clean, or go to your local automotive parts store, and get a can of adhesive remover. This is the stuff thay you use to get the glue off a car when you have removed the tape graphics/pinstripes. Use a little, because it goes a long way. The little woman's fingernail polish remover may work as well, but be careful, this stuff may ruin the paint job if you are sloppy.

Bill, AMA 4720

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Lighter fluid will remove all of the gummy adhesive left from tapes. Then use alcohol to remove the lighter fluid residue.

Ken

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Thanks. Will any of this stuff dull the clear look? I still haven't painted the top so I don't have to worry about the paint.
chopper man

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Don't use fingernail remover. It contains acetone which will cause crazing of some plastics. The rest of the suggestions are good.

Don

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Gee Chopper Man, you are further along than I am! Got any pics of your progress?

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Goo Gone is some fantastic stuff. It has never failed to get sticky stuff off any surface. It does not harm any surface on which I have tried it except paper.

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

As soon as I can get my camera to download on the computer I'll post them. When did you start yours? How has it been going. I would like to see some pictures of yours if you have them.
chopper man

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Perhaps surprisingly, WD-40 is one of the best adhesive removers around.

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Newc is right, WD-40 is the best adhesive remover made.

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Here is a second vote for Goo Gone! It is usually found at hardware stores but I have seen it in grocery stores and places like Walmart. Our local hobby shop even keeps a stock of it.

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

You can get fingernail polish remover that does not have acetone that will do the job.

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Using a fresh piece of tape rub the new tape over the old and rip it off quickly, do this a few times with new pieces of tape and the adhesive will come off. This is the only thing safe to use on foam to remove dried on tape residue and also worked for my canopy in a old Byron Kit. I never used wd-40 on fresh tape goo but will have to give it a try.

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Third vote for Goo Gone--there may be others, but this stuff works on every surface I've tried it on.
BobM

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Ordinary paint thinner works; NOT paint remover or laquer thinner. I'd stayaway from nailpolish stuff.

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Any product used should be tested on a piece of scrap first, if available.

RE: Masking Tape Blues
 

Next time, use the blue painters tape. More expensive, but the results are well worth it!