Residue on plastic trim from painters tape?

[charlesaferg]

Curious if many others experience this often on black BMW trim, most notably the smooth, yet matte black on the E36 through E38 body styles.



Curious if WD40 would work on the trim, as I'm not about to use a solvent on this fragile trim...



I have found that this tirm is by far the easiest to stain and damage, so I'm extra careful with it - and things of this nature are particularly noticeable on the aged trim, as the tape residue appears as "zig-zag" type markings with no sticky feel to it at all.



Example of the type of mirror, I have no photos of the residue, but you get the idea...

 

[dbesins]

I know you said no solvent but I have been using prepall on trim to remove tape residu with great success and never had any problems

 

[citizen arcane]

How about a citrus-type product?

 

[Accumulator]

I never noticed the problem being especially bad on my e36 M3, but yeah, tape residue *can* be a PIA. The normal steps I take to prep trim seem to take care of any residue along with all the other stuff they're dealing with.



I just take it off with solvent, hasn't hurt trim that I can recall (didn't hurt it on the M3 and I'd left that tape on there for...well, I'd hate to say how long but yours wasn't on there nearly as long).



But to play it safe you could use something like AIO, rubber cleaner, or some cleaner made for trim (I forget what it's called...G40/GR40/GS40 or something like that ).



Biggest help IME is to only use good tape. There's a world of difference between the 3M/Scotch stuff and generic blue tape.

 

[Alan W]

I use IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) to remove any tape or polish residue left.



However, to be on the sfe side try a little test first on some trim out of sight.

 

[imported_DetailDan]

Use 3M green tape.

 

[haper]

Curious if many others experience this often on black BMW trim, most notably the smooth, yet matte black on the E36 through E38 body styles.

i had some tape residue left on my 330ci black trim, it came off after a few washes.

 

[charlesaferg]

I never noticed the problem being especially bad on my e36 M3, but yeah, tape residue *can* be a PIA. The normal steps I take to prep trim seem to take care of any residue along with all the other stuff they're dealing with.



I just take it off with solvent, hasn't hurt trim that I can recall (didn't hurt it on the M3 and I'd left that tape on there for...well, I'd hate to say how long but yours wasn't on there nearly as long).



But to play it safe you could use something like AIO, rubber cleaner, or some cleaner made for trim (I forget what it's called...G40/GR40/GS40 or something like that ).



Biggest help IME is to only use good tape. There's a world of difference between the 3M/Scotch stuff and generic blue tape.

+1 on the 3m tape, it's all I ever buy.

Oh, and it only appears on the aged trim that nobody has cared for. You know the type, those cars with the faded, really dry looking plastic. (UV, as well as damage from those harsh touchless washes)



I'll look into those cleaners, we well as IPA like another user said...

Use 3M green tape.

I do indeed.

i had some tape residue left on my 330ci black trim, it came off after a few washes.

Yea, that's why I'm not to concerned, but it's apparent immediately afterwards - I'd rather have it completely clean for the client. Usually I can cover it with even the lightest trim dressing like a single pass over with 303. Still though, I'd rather have t clean, I don't operate that way. Although because it's temporary, It's not really "covering it up

I fee like I am, you know?





Thx guys! :woot:

 

[KnuckleBuckett]

3M has a purple and blue painters tape. Comments either way?

 

[blownvert]

3M has a purple and blue painters tape. Comments either way?

Blue is fine, but some have adhesive problems and residue. Its cheaper than the green tape that is made for automotive. I just picked up a roll of the 3m green tape at walmart. It was $2.97 for 30 something yards. Blue tape is $3.66 for 60 yards.

 

[Accumulator]

3M has a purple and blue painters tape. Comments either way?

Eh...I can't quite remember the difference between those Don't the labels say something about differing levels of adhesion?