How to carefully and effectively remove tape from plastic windows without damaging the coating?
When painting operations are carried out, window glass (standard products or plastic) is sealed with tape so as not to be stained with paint.
The tape can be narrow or wide, on a paper or fabric basis (if it is paintable). This is a tape with a single-sided or double-sided adhesive coating.
The density and quality of the glue determine the degree of fixation of the tape: weak or strong. Also, the product can stick instantly or gradually set to the surface.
This material protects windows well from dirt, but leaves noticeable marks on them. And it is most problematic to remove them from plastic surfaces.
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How to remove from window plastic?
How remove traces of tape from plastic windows? The following are detailed instructions for the most popular methods for removing tape from the plastic part of windows.
Using the new ribbon
If the adhesive tape has recently been removed from a plastic window, and the remaining adhesive is still soft, new adhesive tape is glued to the stained areas. It is thoroughly pressed down and comes off abruptly.
To remove traces completely, repeat this procedure 3-4 more times.. Thanks to this method, the plastic surface will remain undamaged.
This method has an alternative - a regular office eraser.You can simply use it to carefully wipe off the remaining tape from the window.
Baking soda
This is also one of the safest means for cleaning this surface. Soda is diluted in water, suitable proportions: 2 tablespoons. spoons per one-sixth glass of water.
If cleansing does not produce the desired effect the first time, then the operation is repeated until the desired result is achieved - this is 2-3 times at least.
You can act a little differently. The stained areas on the plastic are slightly moistened with water and sprinkled with a pinch of soda. Then use a dishwashing sponge to vigorously wipe these areas.
Neutral product with alcohol
It helps optimally when the tape has been removed a long time ago, and the traces from it are very stable, and the glue has become thoroughly ingrained into the surface.
A neutral composition with alcohol can be:
- vodka,
- alcohol solution,
- clear lotion.
A sponge or fabric that does not have lint is impregnated with any of these products., and carefully wipe the contaminated areas.
Medical alcohol is particularly effective. A cloth is generously soaked in it and passed over the required areas. The liquid should act on them for 10-15 minutes. After this, use the hard side of the sponge to thoroughly wipe the sticky areas until the dirt is completely removed.
Before the procedure, try the composition on a small area isolated from the eyes.. The reason is that some types of plastic are too susceptible to alcohol. They may change color or become deformed. If this happens to the test area, this method will have to be abandoned.
Non-aggressive household compounds
Here it is better to give preference to formulations that have the following formats: powder, gel or solution. Since versions with large components often leave scratches on the surface.
Also moisten a sponge with the composition and wipe the frame with it. Areas with adhesive residue need to be pressed harder.
The desired result can be achieved using kitchen gel (for cleaning dishes) and window cleaning spray. The gel is applied to problem areas and gently wiped first with the hard side of the sponge, then with the soft one, until the sticky areas disappear.
The spray is sprayed onto the adhesive stains and left for 5-10 minutes.. Then follows the procedure of wiping with a dry cloth. After this, the glass is washed with clean water.
Soap solution
It is only effective on fairly recent marks. Approximately 5 grams of soap or 8-10 drops of its liquid analogue are placed in a glass of warm water.
After 5-10 minutes the procedure is repeated. If necessary, again. Until the pollution is completely eliminated.
Melamine sponge
This is an innovative solution in the field of cleaning and cleaning surfaces made of various materials. Melamine visually resembles foam rubber, but is a symbiosis of ammonia and cyanuric chloride. As a result, a sponge with crystals is formed.
It is effective in removing any stains, including from adhesive tape.Before use, it must be moistened with warm water and wrung out.
Excessive twisting and squeezing should not be done. As a result, its structure collapses and efficiency decreases.
The problem area just needs to be rubbed gently. The product acts on the principle of an abrasive and produces its own cleaning foam, which is easily washed off.
Melamine waste is determined by surface parameters and the level of contamination. It is better to cut off part of the sponge and use it for its intended purpose than to spoil it entirely. In total, one such sponge is enough to clean 10 sq.m..
Special products for removing stickers
They can be purchased at any specialized construction and household outlets. They are sold in aerosol format. Therefore, they are very convenient to apply.
After spraying the product onto contaminated areas, a reaction occurs that destroys the layers of glue., and the tape comes off without any problems. The remaining glue dissolves quickly, and to remove it the surface is wiped with a regular cloth.
The following are examples of the most popular products with their average price tags:
- Scotch Remover. It contains safe solvents, citrus oils and fatty acids.
The product efficiently and gently eliminates traces of stickers and tapes without causing damage to the surface. Also sprayed on difficult area. Cost – 400 rub.
- Anti-Scotch "AstroChem". Sold in cylinders. Before use, shake the container for 3-4 seconds.
Next, the product is sprayed onto the problem area. After a couple of minutes, the remaining glue is carefully removed with a rubber spatula. Cost – 200 rub.
- Mellerud. The format of the product is spray.Effectively eliminates the remains of any stickers and double-sided tapes. Application: soak a cloth generously with it, then moisten the surface.
After 7-10 minutes it is rubbed off until completely clean. Finally, the area is washed with warm water and wiped dry. Price tag – 470 rubles.
- Cleaner Scotch-Weld. This is an aerosol. Effectively fights all types of adhesives. Spray it onto the sticky spot. After 5 minutes, wipe with a damp sponge. If the contamination is complex, repeat the operation 2-3 times. Price – 500 rub.
- Liqui Moly. This composition is based on bronopol. It is characterized as a very powerful tool for removing sticker residues.
Pure gasoline and white spirit
They effectively destroy the adhesive base and clean the plastic window, but can cause damage to its surface.
Hair dryer or home steamer
It is only suitable for heat-resistant plastic. The problem area is heated slightly, then washed with a sponge.
The entire window does not need heating. After all, during the procedure the tip of the tape immediately comes off. And by pulling it, you can remove most of the product.
Ordinary liquid oil
Oil can be:
- sunflower,
- linen,
- olive
Lubricate the surface with adhesive tape with any suitable oil.
After 10-15 minutes, the tape is removed, traces of it are eliminated with a damp cloth. Warm soapy water is used to remove oil residues.
Some owners use aromatic oils. Thus, a pleasant smell reigns in the room for a long time. This method is suitable for processing any plastic.
Sponge + scraper + laundry soap
For the procedure you will need a sponge with a hard zone, a rubber scraper and laundry soap. The specified part of the sponge is covered with soap, and the surface is wiped with it.
Having removed the tape, remove traces of glue. To do this, they are wiped with the hard part of a sponge covered with soap. If they are not eliminated immediately, repeat the action until they are completely eliminated.
Usually 2-3 procedures are enough for this. In severe cases up to 5-6.
Toothpaste
This product is applied to the problem surface for 10 minutes.. After that, the dried paste is removed with a dry cloth, and the area is washed with soapy water.
This is an effective procedure that completely removes all adhesive traces and does not damage the material. Today it is quite popular among owners of plastic windows.
This video will show you how to remove tape from windows and remove glue from plastic:
How to clean glass?
To remove remaining tape from glass, you can use the following methods:
- Acetic acid solution (proportions with water – 1:1). The surface is treated with it. The product remains for 30 minutes. Then it is removed with a sponge. If the traces are fresh, you can do without staining in the water.
- Vegetable or olive oil. It covers the remaining tape with a thin layer. After 8-9 hours, wash off with warm water.
To create a special atmosphere in the room, you can use fruit-scented oil.
- Ammonia. It wets the contaminated area. After 15-20 minutes, it is washed off with a damp cloth.
- Acetone. The principle of operation is identical to paragraph 3
- Special product Sticker Remover HG. Apply to the surface.After 2-3 minutes, wash off with a clean napkin.
- Nail polish remover. Apply to the dirty area. After 15-20 minutes it is removed with warm water.
How and with what to remove double-sided tape?
This product has a foam base. Under thermal influence, it spreads over the surface and absorbs dust.
For removing double-sided tape and its traces, the following methods are effective:
- Orange essential oil. You can buy it at a cosmetic store or pharmacy. Before use, completely and very carefully remove the tape with a blade or spatula.
Drip 8-10 drops of this oil onto its remains. After 20-30 minutes, the glue will completely dissolve and can be removed with the hard part of a sponge coated with dishwashing gel.
- Special citrus cleaner TM 3M. Available in aerosol format. Spray onto the stained area. After 3-5 minutes, wash off with warm water and wipe with a dry, clean cloth. Price for 500 ml is about 1500 rubles.
- Brake fluid. It allows you to effortlessly remove adhesive residues. To do this, difficult areas are slightly moistened with it. After 20 minutes, wash off.
- WD-40. This product is very popular among car enthusiasts. It also works great on stains of any origin. They should cover the sticky area with a thin layer and wash it off with a rag after half an hour.
Prohibited methods and substances
For successful eliminating tape and its residues from plastic surfaces do not use elements that lead to color changes or deformations.
These include:
- cleaning powders with hard and massive fractions. They leave scratches on the surface;
- chemicals containing acids or aggressive components. Plastic interacts with such substances and loses its color and shape and eventually collapses.
The following methods are considered quite dangerous:
- Mechanical. Contamination can be removed using blades and spatulas. But you need to act extremely carefully. In most cases, the surface receives visible damage.
- Working with a construction or household hair dryer. Apply heat to the plastic at the required distance (minimum 30 cm) and no more than 2-3 minutes. Otherwise the glass unit will burst.
General tips and recommendations for work
To remove tape and its traces from a plastic window, use only methods that do not harm its surface.
Conclusion
When working with alcohols, test them in modest, inconspicuous areas first.. And experts recommend using proven professional products. They act quickly and efficiently.