How to remove masking tape from an acrylic painting?

Question

I just bought a small (cheap) painting circa 1950; I'm pretty sure it's painted in acrylics (it's not watercolor and not oil).

There's an old piece of masking tape in the corner - used to have a price from a tag sale or something. I can't easily get it off just by pulling/scraping without damaging the painting.

What's the best way to get it off?

Answer 1

Try warming it slightly with a hair dryer. Be sure to keep it moving and don't get it too hot. This should loosen the glue enough for you to be able to pull it off.

Answer 2

this is a tough one, since you are pretty sure its acrylic, you could take the chance of trying to wet the tape. unfortunately it may have damaged the paint surface underneath. most adhesives are slightly acidic and will eat away whatever it is attatched to over time. you're best bet would to be either leave it be or take it to a conservator. it all depends on how much you care about preserving the painting (conservation can be expensive)

one trick i learned in a text book store was zippo lighter fluid. it is not as harsh as products like goo gone so it wont strip the paint of its pigment. just be sure to wipe it clean thoroughly afterwards. i can't guarentee that you wont do more harm than good by doing this though :-/
good luck

Answer 3

I would try to get the face of the tape off and put a product called goo gone on it it will take off the old adhesive and not damage your painting even though its acrylic it will be fine

Answer 4

Test a little WD40 silicon spray on an area that won't be seen ( ex: under the frame lip) to ensure it won't damange the paint. If no adverse reaction then t it should do a great job of removing the goo. :-)

Answer 5

rubber cemment thinner will eat away the glue...IT GETS UNDER THE TAPES AND IT LIFTS RIGHT OFF....you can also use it to trmove price tags from cans in stores..that's where I LEARNED IT FROM