Removing tape

ReiTheJelly · Post by **ReiTheJelly** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:56 am

Does anyone have methods for removing *really* sticky tape from cels? Tape that has been there for almost 20 years and shows no sign of quitting...

Post by **Kaona** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 12:23 pm

The tape is on the unpainted side of the cel, correct? And it is an anime cel, not a cartoon cel? And it looks and feels like an ordinary cel from 20 years ago, not an unstable or unusual substrate?

Let me know those answers and I might just have a solution!

Sugarflower · Post by **Sugarflower** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 12:31 pm

I gently use my fingernails to help start pulling the tape away from the cel and then pull the tape off slowly with my fingers. It can take a little time as old tape like that will sometimes break apart into tiny pieces/slivers when being pulled. Then afterwards I get some fresh tape thats very sticky and gently tap it against areas where sticky residue may have been left behind (almost how you would tap your clothing with tape to get lint or hair off). This works 99% of the time for me and I've never damaged any parts of the cel paint.

Post by **Kaona** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 1:09 pm

I answered the first question myself...sorry...don't know what I was or wasn't thinking...of course it is on the front.

I need some serious sleep.

klet · Post by **klet** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 1:23 pm

I've always used alcohol for removing tape on cels. Since it's on the front, though, and over the trace lines, I don't know if I'd recommend that method. Alcohol will destroy trace lines, and it's so hard to tell if they are on the front or the back (I've had cels come both ways

).

ReiTheJelly · Post by **ReiTheJelly** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:53 pm

Okay...peeling it with my fingernails does not do much. This tape is *really* stuck good. I'm not going to try any type of liquid (alcohol or water) because the tape is on the edge right next to paint...I don't want anything sneaking under and destroying the paint.

It doesn't appear to be doing any damage, per se, so maybe I'll just leave it?

Post by **Kaona** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:40 pm

Take a long thin wooden handled cotton tipped Q-tip, like they use at the doctor's office to apply medicine (about 6" long) and lightly saturate the tip with De-solv-it (not Goo-Be-Gone or any other brand).

Starting at the tape edge, work the saturated tip into the adhesive in small areas at a time. Using your fingernail or Q-tip (the wood side does not scratch acetate if used lightly) to loosen the tape adhesive. After removing most of the goo, go back over it with a slightly damp (water) microfiber type towel- the kind you use to clean oils off on a cell phone face or a pair of glasses. This should take off the remaining residue and remove the De-solv-it. If it dries and there is a bit of a haze, a dry microfiber cloth should take off the rest.

De-solv-it will remove trace lines and soften cel paint, so don't let it get onto those areas. It doesn't affect regular anime cel acetate. If you need some of those long handled Q-tips, send me a PM and I'll drop some in the mail.