Removing old scotch tape on a finished wooden door

January 8, 2024 11:52 AM

I am moving office and need to clean off my office door. It is a finished wooden door, and there are several (think 30) items taped to it. I need to remove the tape in the fastest and least harmful-to-the-door means possible.

I've been in my current office for 17 years. Over the years, I have taped things to my door, students have taped things to my door, and at this point, I need to remove them.

Some of that tape has been on that door for 17 years. I need an approach that will allow me to take as much of that tape off without harming the door.

I have read that alcohol removes scotch tape but I have never tried it. I am afraid that if I start with a razor scraper, I might peel some of the finish and wood off.

Thank you in advance for any advice you may have!

posted by oflinkey to Grab Bag (9 answers total)

A hair dryer is great for getting off tape. Also could use a product like GooGone. Remove tape slowly and at an angle.
posted by Windopaene at 11:55 AM on January 8 [3 favorites]

I've found GooGone to be very effective. It might take the shine off of glossy paint but I would expect it to leave the finish of a typical door unharmed. You might also want to get a metal putty knife or paint scraper to get the goo off without risking scratches. A plastic one or even a table knife could also work but a metal tool will have a thinner edge.
posted by metahawk at 12:04 PM on January 8

If you're thinking about a scraper, consider that there are scraping products specifically designed for this type of task.
posted by aramaic at 12:52 PM on January 8

I would legitimately ask your janitorial staff for their advice.
posted by samthemander at 1:07 PM on January 8 [5 favorites]

Goo Gone. Get the kind in a sprayer that's a little thick so it will stay on the door rather than running off. Put something protective on the floor underneath to catch drips. Ideally, make a kind of poultice - maybe with a paper towel under a layer of tape - to hold more of the Goo Gone in place.

Don't use Goof Off - use Goo Gone.

Try to peel plastic tape off beforehand.

If the door looks scratched up or has dry patches afterward, you might be able to apply water-based matte or semi-gloss low/no VOC polyurethane on the _outside_ of the door (being considerate to the future occupant of the office, especially if it's you).
posted by amtho at 1:14 PM on January 8

Goo gone...
posted by Czjewel at 1:47 PM on January 8

There is a plastic version of a single-sided razor blade that will do a nice job without destroying the door surface.
posted by tmdonahue at 5:55 AM on January 9

The nice thing about starting with a hair dryer is that it won't damage anything or make a mess, and it is likely to work and quickly. Use a medium heat, low air flow setting, and gently warm the tape and paper. Then slowly peel the tape back while continuing to blow on it. If there are pieces of tape with no paper, use a small tweezer to get under the edge while applying the heat.

If gentle heat doesn't work on some of the tape, you'll be in no worse position than you were to start, with fewer things to apply solvent to.
posted by seanmpuckett at 9:17 AM on January 9

Adding to the chorus with a twist: hair dryer as described in the previous comment, then Goo Gone for any remaining residue. Sometimes the adhesive that was on the tape is left behind and hardens, but Goo Gone is also your first choice there.
posted by verbminx at 5:05 PM on January 9