Last Updated on March 29, 2023
Is adhesive glue wreaking havoc in your home? Trying to remove double-sided tape can be a real drag, but removing hardy adhesives like drywall, that’s an even tougher task.
If ordinary methods like heat and solvents don’t do the trick, you may need to break out tougher tools such as scrapers or adhesive removers. When faced with an especially stubborn case of double-sided tape on walls, consider using commercial products for a guaranteed way to zap away that pesky residue.
Let us help you eliminate double-sided tape with an array of effective methods. Think of quick solutions for a fast result.
How to Remove Double Sided Tape from Drywall: Easy Methods
Removing double-sided tape from drywall can be a tricky task. Though it is commonly used in construction, it can still be a tedious process to get rid of the adhesive. Fortunately, several methods can successfully remove the tape without damaging the wall itself.
Method 01: Using Heat
By far, the quickest and most effective way to remove the double-sided tape from drywall is by using heat. This can either be done with a hairdryer or heat gun set on low or with a steam cleaner or iron. When using these approaches, caution should be exercised. But too much heat could damage the wall and cause permanent damage.
To help prevent this, start off by using low heat levels and then increase them as needed until the adhesive is softened enough to scrape off easily with a tool or cloth.
If you’re not confident in your ability to properly gauge the right amount of heat needed, it may be best to avoid this method altogether and look at other options instead.
Method 02: Solvents and Chemicals
Another popular choice is solvents such as acetone or paints thinner. Simply apply a small amount of solvent directly onto the adhesive and allow it time to penetrate before trying to scrape away any excess residue left behind.
As with heating methods, exercise caution when working with these chemicals and always wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection when working with them. Because their fumes can be extremely irritating (and potentially dangerous) if inhaled for prolonged periods of time.
Method 03: Scraping Tools
You can also use scraping tools such as putty knives or razor blades for standard pressure-sensitive tapes and steel wool for tougher adhesives. When using these tools, make sure you’re careful not to gouge or scratch the wall surface in any way.
And you should always work from the top down towards the bottom so that any excess material scraped off doesn’t cling back onto other parts of the wall you’ve already cleaned up.
To prevent gouging or tearing of either material, use proper safety equipment, such as gloves and glasses, to protect your eyes from chips flying into them.
Method 04: Adhesive Removers
Special chemical solutions are available to safely and effectively weaken adhesives while avoiding any damage during application or removal. This allows for an easy, stress-free removal of stubborn substances without worry.
To make light work of ink and adhesive stains, brands offer removers in spray or liquid form to help break molecular bonds. All it takes is following instructions provided by the manufacturer before use, and you can get rid of unwanted messes with minimal effort.
Method 05: Soap and Water
In some cases, soap and water can be the surprise powerhouse when removing stubborn double-sided tape from drywall surfaces. Not only is this gentle on both materials involved compared to other harsher removal methods, but its effectiveness should not be underestimated.
To begin, mix some mild detergent with warm water to create a soapy solution. With this and a soft cloth in hand, gently scrub away the area where the tape was previously stuck.
Once finished, rinse the surface before allowing it time to dry. It is an essential step before continuing on any painting project.
Some Other Methods
An inventive solution to removing double-sided tape from drywall is using hot water, which works similarly to warm air. You must be careful not to overheat, as too much heat could erode any paint along the edges. Afterward, it caused further damage and required repairs.
Heating and then applying hot water to areas with adhesive could potentially result in faster removal than trying each technique alone. But, the success of this method will depend on the type, brand, and quality of the glue used.
How Do You Get Duct Tape off Drywall Without Peeling Paint?
The best way to remove duct tape from your drywall without peeling paint is to use a blow dryer and heat up the duct tape. Once the adhesive is softened, you can slowly start peeling it away from the wall.
If any of the adhesives remain on the wall or if there is any residue left behind, dampen a cloth with warm soapy water and gently rub it in circular motions to help remove it. If necessary, use a putty knife or razor blade to scrape away the stubborn adhesive carefully.
Here are a few solutions you can use to remove the tape from drywall without damaging it:
Adhesive Remover Spray Gel
This powerful spray gel is an excellent solution for removing stubborn adhesive residue, allowing you to easily and quickly remove stickers, decals, tape, glue, and other sticky substances from surfaces.
It’s formulated with natural citrus ingredients that make it safe to use on most surfaces without damaging them. Its thick gel formula clings to the surface for maximum effectiveness and has no harsh fumes or strong odors.
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper
This heavy-duty plastic scraper is the perfect tool for removing labels, decals, adhesives, and stickers from any surface with ease.
Its durable construction ensures a long-lasting life of use, while its razor blade design can effectively scrape away even the toughest materials without scratching or damaging surfaces. It has a comfortable handle and offers an ergonomic grip for precision and control when scraping away unwanted residues.
Surface Safe Adhesive Remover
This surface-safe adhesive remover is a specially formulated solution that easily removes stubborn adhesives from various surfaces without causing any damage to them.
It quickly breaks down the bond between the adhesive material and the surface for effective removal with no extra effort needed. Its gentle yet powerful formula makes it safe on most surfaces, including wood, glass, plastic, and painted walls, without fear of damage or discoloration from its use.
Can Permanent Double-Sided Tape Be Removed From Drywall?
Yes, permanent double-sided tape can be removed from drywall, but it usually requires applying more heat than regular duct tape removal. Start by heating up the area with a blow dryer, and once the adhesive is softened enough, you can use an old credit card or other flat-edge objects to peel it away slowly.
For any remaining residue that won’t come off easily, dampen a cloth with warm soapy water and gently rub in circular motions until it lifts away from the wall surface.
How Do You Remove 3M Double-Sided Tape without Damaging the Drywall Paint?
Removing 3M double-sided tapes without damaging the drywall paint requires patience and careful technique.
First, use a blow dryer to thoroughly heat up the area for about five minutes before starting to peel away at one corner of the tape with an old credit card or another flat-edge object, such as a putty knife or razor blade.
When removing large sections of tape, make sure to move slowly and steadily while removing so as not to accidentally rip away pieces of paint that may have been stuck underneath it. Rub the area gently with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue from the wall.
Is Gorilla Glue Double-Sided Tape Removable From Drywall?
Yes, Gorilla Glue double-sided tape can be removed from drywall without damaging paint by following similar steps as for other types of double-sided tapes:
First, heat up the area with a blow dryer for several minutes before using an old credit card or another flat-edge object to peel away at one corner of the tape. Work slowly around larger sections of tape so as not to accidentally tear pieces of paint stuck underneath them.
For stubborn residue left on your walls, don’t fret. Simply soak a cloth in warm, sudsy water and work it over the area with circular motions. This will easily remove any remaining tape glue leaving you with smooth surfaces ready for fresh decor.
Does Vinegar Remove Double-Sided Tape Residue from Drywall?
Yes, vinegar can effectively remove double-sided tape residue from your drywall without damaging paint surfaces underneath it.
To do this, create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar, dish soap, and warm water in a small bowl, then dip your cloth into this solution before rubbing onto any remaining sticky spots on your walls in slow circular motions until they are all gone.
Vinegar also works well on most areas where glue has been applied directly onto painted surfaces, although the finish may appear slightly dulled afterward due to its acidic properties. It helps loosen strong adhesives like those found in double-sided tapes.
Say Goodbye to Double-Sided Tape Adhesion
Don’t let double-sided tape put a damper on your interior design dreams. With careful planning and the right removal strategies, such as heating or using solvents/chemical removers to loosen it up, any annoying adhesive residue left behind can easily be wiped away from drywall.
You may even want to try some unconventional methods, like using soap and water or vinegar in certain cases, depending on what kind of residue you’re dealing with. With the best double sided tape removing knowledge and technique at hand, you should be able to get your walls clean without having too much trouble.
And say goodbye to those stubborn, gummy areas left behind by double-sided tape adhesion. Don’t let sticky surfaces be the last word. Take action today for smooth results tomorrow.
