How to remove permanent mounting tape
As my girlfriend began packing in preparation for her move, I was tasked with taking down her precious paintings. When I went to yank them off the wall, I was met with a challenge. The paintings were seemingly welded on! As these are one of a kind paintings, I could not risk harming the goods using brute force. It turns out that we used permanent mounting tape to hang the paintings. Great idea, right?
Wrong. How am I supposed to get those paintings off in a way that doesn't harm them? After they're down, how can I leave the wall free of blemishes? Well, #theresahackforthat!
You can accomplish this using two common household items:
With just an old credit card (or any other plastic card), and a blow dryer, you'll be removing pesky mounting tape in no time.
Here's what you'll need to do:
Set your blow dryer to the highest settings.
Locate the object you are trying to remove.
Run the blow dryer along its edges for 5 minutes. (CAUTION: Keep the blow dryer at least 3 inches away from the object to avoid setting it on fire.)
The heat will melt the glue between the object and the mounting tape. Carefully pry the object off the wall.
The mounting tape will remain stuck to the wall. Repeat steps 1-3, running the blow dryer across the mounting tape.This will melt the glue between the mounting tape and the wall.
Take your credit card and gently scrape the tape off.
Voilà! The "permanent" mounting tape should come right off! Not so permanent anymore, huh?!
BONUS: You will notice that there may be some sticky residue on the wall. For a clean finish, apply some Goo Gone with a paper towel.
Next time you find yourself in a similar situation, try this hack! Did this work for you? Let me know in the comments section.