vhb tape

[Cynosure]

Wondering if anyone has a trick to removing vhb tape/adhesive. I have to change out some acrylic inserts that are taped to an aluminum face. Is it just scrape and replace or is there a cleaner that might help?

 

[Mainframe]

Rapid tac makes a product call rapid remover, great for all kinds glue cleaning.

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[Moze]

Fishing line, thin putty knife,....Just depends on what kind of room you have to work with.

Rapid Remover works well, you just need to be mindful that it doesn't drip on panels below (if there are any) and affect that tape as well.

 

[Cynosure]

No, replacing all panels so drip away! I just thought with its supernatural stregth it would just laught at just regular rapid remover.

 

[BIG EASY DOES IT]

Yes from what I understood from the 3M tech. VHB bonds with aluminum to create basically a weld, and is supposed to be as strong as welding. VHB tape can be used instead of rivets when bracing a large traffic sign. I would think that rapid remover isn't going to do much. I would try the fishing line method. Once removed from the sign use a scraper to remove the tape. Good luck. I would like to know how it turns out. The 3M tech kept telling us we wouldn't be able to separate two pieces of aluminum. But I wonder about acrylic to aluminum.

 

[Cynosure]

3M told me the same thing about aluminum to aluminum, suggested, instead of fishing line, piano wire.

 

[J Hill Designs]

3M told me the same thing about aluminum to aluminum, suggested, instead of fishing line, piano wire.

guitar string

 

[BIG EASY DOES IT]

3M told me the same thing about aluminum to aluminum, suggested, instead of fishing line, piano wire.

That's a good idea. I was going to say that even fishing line might break. I would get a high test line. Or piano wire is an excellent alternative. Please let us know how it went.

 

[Mosh]

I have removed panels held on with vhb by heating it up real hot with a heat gun, then the fishing line trick, than 3M adhesive remover and a plastic razor blade to remove the rest. The heat is the trick that helps the best, even to remove the left over tape.

BTW I use 40 lbs test line, never had it break. Piano wire will stretch and might scratch. AND NO there is NO WAY you could catch a shark with piano wire like they do on JAWS.
Piano wire is designed for side stretch NOT length stretch.