Removing varnish coated tape

[Caolan]

Hello everyone. I am wanting to know the fastest way to remove tape that has varnish dried over it.

[Paul L]

A razor at the varnish edge as you pull

[MooGroc]

I used a very small scraper I got at Home Depot - the blade is about 1/2 inch wide. Works great and I use it to remove a lot of tape like in your picture. It will also take the runs off the gelcoat. Just be careful not to gouge.

[Suijin]

A few other tips:

- Put multiple layers of tape on and pull one after each or every few coats of varnish
- Don't leave blue tape on a surface for more than a couple of weeks, less if outdoors. It becomes difficult to remove.
- Don't get sloppy just because you have tape to protect the fixture. The less varnish on the tape when you go to remove it, the easier it will be.

[GeneM]

The above advice is good. After pealing off the tape, I always have some blue remaining. One of my favorite tools resembles a dental pick. It digs deep into crevices when I neglected to take care when applying tape. I got mine at Ace Hardware. It is stainless and has picks at both ends. It's also good when digging out silicone.

[mfw]

Don't get so much on the tape. You have runs going down the topsides. This will be awful to remove. A line is running out over new bright work. Try to learn from a fellow owner or a professional in your area. A few hours of watching and even helping if allowed you will have what you need

[UNCIVILIZED]

Desperation = Thermite Seriously though, the less time you let it sit, the better. Paint, or varnish. As if it's on there too long you'll need acetone & a Scotchbrite pad to get it off.

[masonc]

Heat softens varnish

[JstaRebel]

I do a lot of varnish on my boat and always carefully remove the tape before the varnish dries. I also just use a straight edge instead of masking when doing maintenance coats. It's easier.

[masonc]

Originally Posted by JstaRebel

I do a lot of varnish on my boat and always carefully remove the tape before the varnish dries. I also just use a straight edge instead of masking when doing maintenance coats. It's easier.

Any time you want a little more practice, feel free to come over. I've got lots to do.

[Caolan]

Originally Posted by mfw

Don't get so much on the tape. You have runs going down the topsides. This will be awful to remove. A line is running out over new bright work. Try to learn from a fellow owner or a professional in your area. A few hours of watching and even helping if allowed you will have what you need

Are you always a **** or am I just lucky today?

[Caolan]

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

Desperation = Thermite Seriously though, the less time you let it sit, the better. Paint, or varnish. As if it's on there too long you'll need acetone & a Scotchbrite pad to get it off.

Yeah I was talking to a fellow at a marine supply nearby and he was saying similar. A lot of scraping and acetone.

[Caolan]

Originally Posted by JstaRebel

I do a lot of varnish on my boat and always carefully remove the tape before the varnish dries. I also just use a straight edge instead of masking when doing maintenance coats. It's easier.

That's good advice about the straight edge. I had used a heat gun to strip it down to the bare wood as it was in rough condition so I had to redo it all. Multiple layers and such... The toe rails and siding I am just going to sand and reapply. I'll use the straight edge for that.

[Caolan]

Originally Posted by masonc

Any time you want a little more practice, feel free to come over. I've got lots to do.

hahaha. Gee thanks mister!

[Caolan]

Originally Posted by GeneM

The above advice is good. After pealing off the tape, I always have some blue remaining. One of my favorite tools resembles a dental pick. It digs deep into crevices when I neglected to take care when applying tape. I got mine at Ace Hardware. It is stainless and has picks at both ends. It's also good when digging out silicone.

I went to Fisheries Supply in Seattle and picked up some things to make it easier invluding a pick.