Removing adhesive tape from old frame.
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Removing adhesive tape from old frame.
Hi folks. I recently acquired a reynolds 531 Raleigh Royal touring bike which appears from the serial number to date to 1984. I didn't buy it as a restoration project, but just because it rides so beautifully and fits me like a glove. In fact it may be the most comfortable bike I ever owned, it simply glides.
However, I would like to remove one or two blemishes. In particular, some previous owner concerned more with nighttime visibility than the look of the bike has stuck strips of reflective tape over the top tube and head tube. That tape appears to have been there for a long time, and is well and truly stuck, to the point at which I cannot prise up an edge or a corner to get any solvent under it. When I try I just shave off a tiny flake, and even that is accomplished at some risk of damaging the paint underneath.
Any tips?
However, I would like to remove one or two blemishes. In particular, some previous owner concerned more with nighttime visibility than the look of the bike has stuck strips of reflective tape over the top tube and head tube. That tape appears to have been there for a long time, and is well and truly stuck, to the point at which I cannot prise up an edge or a corner to get any solvent under it. When I try I just shave off a tiny flake, and even that is accomplished at some risk of damaging the paint underneath.
Any tips?
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Hair Dryer and Fingernail - Amen!
I'd like to second the recommendation for hairdryer and thumbnail. That's the best way.
I have also CAREFULLY used a solvent like Goo-Off for the last final cleanup. This has to be done very, very carefully. Only apply with the smallest piece of folded fabric held in tweezers - done wearing magnifying glasses. The Goo-Off will remove any tiny bits of adhesive that heat alone won't soften.
Again, very carefully and with the smallest amounts. Only a fingernail and a soft cloth for removing the residue bits.
Then a good wax/finish preserver to restore the area from which the adhesive has been removed. I've done this a few times recently with acceptably good results.
I have also CAREFULLY used a solvent like Goo-Off for the last final cleanup. This has to be done very, very carefully. Only apply with the smallest piece of folded fabric held in tweezers - done wearing magnifying glasses. The Goo-Off will remove any tiny bits of adhesive that heat alone won't soften.
Again, very carefully and with the smallest amounts. Only a fingernail and a soft cloth for removing the residue bits.
Then a good wax/finish preserver to restore the area from which the adhesive has been removed. I've done this a few times recently with acceptably good results.
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I'd like to second the recommendation for hairdryer and thumbnail. That's the best way.
I have also CAREFULLY used a solvent like Goo-Off for the last final cleanup. This has to be done very, very carefully. Only apply with the smallest piece of folded fabric held in tweezers - done wearing magnifying glasses. The Goo-Off will remove any tiny bits of adhesive that heat alone won't soften.
Again, very carefully and with the smallest amounts. Only a fingernail and a soft cloth for removing the residue bits.
Then a good wax/finish preserver to restore the area from which the adhesive has been removed. I've done this a few times recently with acceptably good results.
I have also CAREFULLY used a solvent like Goo-Off for the last final cleanup. This has to be done very, very carefully. Only apply with the smallest piece of folded fabric held in tweezers - done wearing magnifying glasses. The Goo-Off will remove any tiny bits of adhesive that heat alone won't soften.
Again, very carefully and with the smallest amounts. Only a fingernail and a soft cloth for removing the residue bits.
Then a good wax/finish preserver to restore the area from which the adhesive has been removed. I've done this a few times recently with acceptably good results.