Tape removal
The act of removing any material tape with adhesives from an object. Tapes vary from cellophane plastic to fabric and other synthetics, and vary in uses. Removal occurs through various methods, but mainly for the purpose of exhibit, storage, or safety.
Related Terms[edit | edit source]
Synonyms in English[edit | edit source]
cellophane, adhesive
Translation[edit | edit source]
| English | tape removal |
| French | retrait de la languette |
| Spanish | retirada de la cinta |
| Portuguese | remoção de fitas |
| Italian | rimozione del nastro |
| German | klebeband entfernen |
| Russian | Удаление ленты |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 除膠帶 |
Discussion[edit | edit source]
Tape can reside on a various surfaces and for many purposes. Typically present on paper and photographs, tape and any residue can stay on wood, textiles, metals, or plastics. Tape can be used for repair, adhesive to attach (to) another material, marking a feature on an object, or aesthetic design of contemporary art.
Removal can be necessary because conflicting materials are joined and can be corrosive during exhibition and storage durations. Tape could also be a distraction from the objects cultural significance or aesthetics.
Methods of tape removal include:
- Scotch tape or hinge tape can be removed with a hot tacking tool or heated flat iron.
- Some remainder adhesives can be erased immediately after having the cellophane removed.
- Remove tape from aluminum or tintype photographs with acetone.
- Tape can also be found on textiles. It is often sewn into a garment for pattern construction. Removal can include creating an exact diagram of the area as a guide for re-stitching, carefully unraveling the thread, removing the tape with steam (and any adhesives), and re-stitching the area as directed. Depending on the age and state of both the textile and tape (including adhesives, if any), the tape can be cut in small areas and gently removed from around the fabric and thread with tweezers or another extracting tool.
- Any removal of an object's material (paper backing or mounting) can generally be repaired with Japanese tissue paper and wheat starch.
Cellophane tape is acidic in nature and can yellow and stiffen over time. Depending on the amount of time the tape has been attached to an object, the adhesive may seep into the material that can create an outline or discoloration compared to the rest of the object.
References[edit | edit source]
Framers Equipment: Conservation/ Archival Tape. Explore the use of 'Zest-It' to remove tape and adhesives; as well as view Japanese tissue and other conservation supplies. [1] (Accessed Mar. 19, 2014)
Victoria and Albert Museum. Caring for your Books and Paper: What Not to Do...Don't use pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes. [2] (Accessed Mar. 17, 2014)
West Dean Conservation. Personal Blog about Tape Removal. [3] (Accessed Mar. 17, 2014]
