Removing double-sided tape

Get help and framing advice from the framing community
Post Reply
User avatar
Rainbow
Posts: 891
Joined: Tue 23 Jun, 2015 8:51 am
Location: See my name, I'm somewhere over it
Organisation: Picture sales and framing
Interests: varied

Removing double-sided tape

Post by Rainbow »

I got a print to re-mount and frame. The existing mount has been stuck to the print with double sided tape. I've managed to remove the mount but it's left a sticky residue on the print. Does anyone know if there is a safe/foolproof way of removing the residue?
User avatar
David McCormack
Posts: 1442
Joined: Tue 02 Aug, 2011 10:14 am
Location: South Lakes
Organisation: Framing
Interests: Cycling, walking, darkroom photography and laughing a lot!
Location: Cumbria
Contact:

Re: Removing double-sided tape

Post by David McCormack »

This is the stuff you want https://www.lionpic.co.uk/p/9699/Zest-I ... aner-125ml

Trying to remove anything like sticky glue from paper is never really safe or foolproof but this stuff will be your best chance.

Another option is not to remove the glue and cover it with a dusting of french chalk.
"You know, there's a right and wrong way to do everything!"
Oliver Hardy.
https://www.instagram.com/davidaustinmccormack/
User avatar
StevenG
Posts: 1147
Joined: Thu 31 Jan, 2013 8:01 am
Location: Tyrone, N.Ireland
Organisation: Featurepiece Frames
Interests: Movies, always trying to get things better, Wasting money on things I don't need, reading stuff on here, eating sandwiches & being thankful for the small things
Contact:

Re: Removing double-sided tape

Post by StevenG »

Lighter fluid can work most times, if it's possible though I'd try a little on a test area first
vintage frames
Posts: 1349
Joined: Tue 12 Jun, 2012 6:05 pm
Location: West Wales
Organisation: https://www.dermotmcardle.co.uk/
Interests: Making picture frames
Contact:

Re: Removing double-sided tape

Post by vintage frames »

Be careful. Yes there will be a solvent that will dissolve the glue but remember that applying the solvent could easily spread out the glue and have it re-dry into the paper. If the print is valuable, then it's really a job for a paper conservator. Or you could just attach some acid free tissue to cover the stains or do as the previous post says, sprinkle with some talc.
Affordable Gilding Course for Professional Framers-https://www.dermotmcardle.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/dermotmcardle/
User avatar
prospero
Posts: 11492
Joined: Tue 05 Jun, 2007 4:16 pm
Location: Lincolnshire

Re: Removing double-sided tape

Post by prospero »

What you have to ask yourself is: Are you a framer or are you a restorer?

Best to take what you are given and frame it rather than try to 'improve' it. You can come seriously unstuck. :lol:
Watch Out. There's A Humphrey About
caro
Posts: 127
Joined: Wed 13 Feb, 2013 6:18 pm
Location: Willington near Bedford
Organisation: Manor Farm Studios
Interests: making stuff with wood, glass, metal, textiles, paint. Big friendly dogs.

Re: Removing double-sided tape

Post by caro »

I did not get on well with zest. Lighter fluid I've used many times, for masking tape, sellotape, self adhesive stickers on the back of photos, stuck down pictures, etc. for items which are not of high value. Obviously it's not the job of a framer to interfere with the artwork so I first suggest to the customer that they go to a conservator, if they say they don't want to, I offer to remove the tape with lighter fluid explaining that it is not the proper way to do it, so they have the option.
It's adviseable to work in an area with excellent ventilation but if you have any breathing isssues you probably shouldn''t do it.
Test a small area first.
User avatar
Rainbow
Posts: 891
Joined: Tue 23 Jun, 2015 8:51 am
Location: See my name, I'm somewhere over it
Organisation: Picture sales and framing
Interests: varied

Re: Removing double-sided tape

Post by Rainbow »

Many thanks for all these suggestions. I tried lighter fluid which I had to hand, and that's done the trick :)
Post Reply