Remove 3M Double-Sided Tape and Pesky Labels

Motorcycle emblems and decorations many times come affixed with 3M double-sided foam tape and they’re a pain in the ass to remove.

I’ve used baby-oil in the past to remove pesky product labels and it has worked pretty reliably. However, I’ve never had luck with baby oil removing the double sided foam tape – I’ve spent quite a bit of time scraping it off layer by layer and ultimately chucking it in the trash and Ordering a new part.

To the rescue: Goo Gone!

(Buy on Amazon: here)

Please perform a test spot somewhere on your item that is inconspicuous to verify that the Goo Gone won’t discolor/remove paint or (worse) dissolve it before starting.

3M Double-Sided Tape

1. After your test spot has been performed and you’re confident everything will go well, place your item in a disposable plastic container* and lay tape side up.
2. Generously spray the tape with the Goo Gone so the tape is covered and there is lots of extra liquid for the tape to absorb.
3. Now…go do something else on your to-do list. In fact do whatever you need to do to allow this project to sit for 24 hours.

Tic…toc…tic…toc…. you get the idea.

The next day, you will be so glad you waited! The 3M tape should effortlessly lift off of the emblem/item and leave the surface clean of any sticky residue. (If there is residue, it only takes a couple of fingernail scratches to remove it.)

Labels, Stickers, Glue, and even Wax Toilet Rings

1. After your test spot has been performed and you’re fairly confident everything will go well, place your item in a disposable plastic container*, bucket, or sink and lay tape side up.
2. Generously spray the tape with the Goo Gone so the tape is covered.
3. Gently scrape label or sticker off using the tool of your choice for your item. (Labels, etc. usually scrape off with just my fingernail. However, if I’m cleaning off a toilet wax ring, I use a wood shim or paint stick that I can throw away once I’m done because YUCK! it’s full of nasty germs!)

Clean your item off with dish soap or Windex to remove the oily residue left from the Goo Gone and you are ready to use your item.

* Discard the disposable plastic container! Do not reuse this for food items or other chemicals/cleaners!