How to remove dried tape from plastic and rubber trim?

[deron11]

Hi guys, anyone got suggestions on removing dried tape/gum from plastic and rubber trim? I taped my car before starting to wax yesterday and had left the car under the garage for a few hours. When I came back to remove the tape, it was stuck to the car. Manage to strip most of the tape off, but it left dried up gum. Any suggestion is much appreciated.

[Meticulous-Detail]

Re: How to remove dried tape from plastic and rubber trim?

An all purpose cleaner and a tooth brush should do the trick. Just make sure you use a proper dilution ratio for plastic trim, some APC's are very strong straight and may fade the trim.

[Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing]

Re: How to remove dried tape from plastic and rubber trim?

Best thing to use a green "frog" tape or blue painters tape, for future endeavors!! It's made for delicate surfaces so it won't leave residue behind and easy to remove.

[Detailing by M]

Wd40!

[STRIFE]

Re: How to remove dried tape from plastic and rubber trim?

I've used my wife's nail polish remover to get off sticker residue.

[tomsteve]

Re: How to remove dried tape from plastic and rubber trim?

3M adhesive remover

[Meticulous-Detail]

3M adhesive remover

3m adhesive remover will turn black plastic trim white. I have personally done this before.

[Detailing by M]

Re: How to remove dried tape from plastic and rubber trim?

don't use nail polish remover or any other harsh solvent.
You don't need a hot solvent to remove this adhesive.
TRY THE LEAST AGGRESSIVE FIRST.
This rule applies to everything in detailing.
Your going to cause major damage if you go with a hot solvent and you don't know what your doing.
WD40 is a cold VERY SAFE product to use on your car.
I've use WD40 on alot of "sticky" problems and never had any damage done by it.

[STRIFE]

Re: How to remove dried tape from plastic and rubber trim?

to clarify, I use nail polish to remove stickers/ decals off my windows not paint

[Detailing by M]

Re: How to remove dried tape from plastic and rubber trim?

to clarify, I use nail polish to remove stickers/ decals off my windows not paint

feww! I was hoping you didn't do something like that,

[hillbillypolack]

Re: How to remove dried tape from plastic and rubber trim?

Good advice here.

In general, think about the liquid you're considering to remove the 'sticky'. WD40 is an oily solvent used to lubricate moving parts. In effect, that's what it's doing on a molecular level to the leftover adhesive. It might remove it slowly, but I think you'd rather remove it slow with no surface damage instead of quickly and have some issue (with another agressive solvent).

In the medical biz, there's an adhesive remover called 'Detachol' used to clean skin of leftover medical tape adhesive. That works well on automotive tape too. Have had good results with kerosene too.

In any situation, test in an inconspicuous area if only for your peace of mind.