How can I get duct tape residue off a wall without peeling the paint off?

Question

I have a regular white wall and I used duct tape to tape a poster up. Now I have residue on the wall, but the scrubbing required to remove it will remove the paint as well. Are there any special tips to remove the residue?

Thanks everyone. You know what I've found works - masking tape. It picks up the residue - but so far hasn't affected the paint.

Answer 1

I wouldn’t suggest using paint thinner. Some homes still have furnaces, water heaters, and stoves with open flames. Open flames means there is a pilot light where a flame of fire is constantly burning.
WD-40, Paint thinner are both volatile and can explode from the FUMES.

The hair dryer, Goo Gone, HOT steamy water in an old rag sometimes works. WD-40 does work very well, but watch the fumes. Open a window and DO NOT use it by a flame.

I’ve used in the past a NON Abrasive SOS type of pad with soap. There are some NON Metal scouring pads for pots etc.. Works good.. Again, get the water really hot then run the pad under it. Have a towel so ya don’t drip all over the carpets or floor. Clean up with clean water.

Answer 2

I am a part time painter. Go to your local paint store & select some 2 inch masking tape ( usually blue ). The tape comes in various release times. Some painters don't bother to read the print on the inside surface of the roll. For example 3 day release. This is the only tape I would use. The paint store should have some 8 foot or taller lightweight plastic made for covering whole wallls when you spray ceilings. Make it one stop shopping.

Answer 3

Wall Tape

Answer 4

paint thinner, goo gone, wd40 all work. But how about the paint? Try the solvent in an inconspicuous place before using it on the gluey residue. If you end up with a 'light streak' try washing the rest of the wall with soap & water.

Answer 5

Try a really hot water and clean towel. Wipe the residue only to one direction applying a reasonable pressure. And wipe the wall with olive oil to remove any residue left. That what worked for me.

Answer 6

Use a hair drier on it, the warm air will make the soften the glue when you remove the tape! before using some solution to remove the excess glue left behind, try on a hidden part of the wall to make sure it does not discolour or remove the paint!

Answer 7

You can get residue of any sticky stuff off with Shellite without leaving any marks on the wall.

Answer 8

w d 40

Answer 9

Goo Gone will work or try the Mr. Clean sponges. Can't remember their names but they work wonders. Get them damp and then scrub; these things get out just about everything!! Good luck

Answer 10

Use a product called GOO GONE. It takes all types of tape, sticky substance of all sorts of items.