Whether at work or at home, would velcro tape make your life a whole lot easier? Otherwise known as adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners, because Velcro is actually a company rather than a more generic product description, we all know what it does – and are very familiar with that somehow satisfying tearing sound of the two sides being pulled apart. On the ‘hard’ side, of course, are the hundreds of tiny hooks, while on the ‘soft’ side are the hundreds of thin loops that cling surprisingly durably for a truly easy and affordable closure system.
In the form of an adhesive tape, velcro tape can suddenly do a lot more than just replace those shoelaces for the toddlers! In fact, velcro tape creates a strong enough bond to even be used outdoors to secure astonishingly heavy equipment, as well as tick off otherwise much more complex tasks such as:
* Hanging and organising tools & photo frames
* Organising a wardrobe or pantry
* Tying up electrical cables
* Holding rugs, mats & other floor coverings in place
* Keeping a gate closed
* Securing an easily-lost item.
In honesty, though, the potential uses for velcro tape are as vast as your imagination. Perhaps the best part about strong hook-and-loop adhesive fasteners in this category is that once they’ve permanently finished their vital function, it can simply be ripped off and put in the bin with no nail or screw holes or significant damage in sight.
But wait! Don’t we all know that strong commercial adhesives can either leave stubborn sticky residue behind? And don’t we also know that tearing the adhesive off can peel paint and even damage the surface material it was clinging to?
The answer is yes – but it’s also possible to remove velcro tape without leaving a trace of the product or its impact behind:
1. Always test
You’re about to hear some seriously helpful tips – but always test them somewhere less critical first! This is definitely the case for more sensitive surfaces like wood and painted or gloss surfaces.
2. Like a bandaid!
Remember what your mum taught you about removing a bandaid? Make it quick!
It can be tempting to think a slow peel is gentler, but actually the flow and separation tends to empower the adhesive bond. Just be aware that if the velcro adhesive has been in place for a long time, a rapid pull can result in damage – but that also would have been the case for a more slow and painful tear.
3. Scrape
Once the tape itself is off, with a bit of luck the most you’ll have left behind is some adhesive residue left behond. Something like a putty knife or straight blade used gently might be the easiest way to get it off, although something gentler like a toothbrush can also be effective.
4. Warm water
Some similar guides might advise you to whip up some sort of natural chemical concoction, but for most bonds warm, soapy water will suffice. If it needs a little more, try rubbing alcohol for its non-solvent characteristics – and also consider acetone if the surface will take it. If all else fails, use commercial ‘goo dissolver’-type products, or spray on a bit of WD-40 – bearing in mind that the oil in the latter can harm certain surfaces.
5. Heat
We advised warm water for a reason – because the heat will soften the tape and start to melt the adhesive. Go the next level by directing a hairdryer at the area for no more than a minute or so, remembering to remove the product immediately when it’s hot – because letting it cool could only strengthen the bond!
Are you ready to start working with velcro and other hook & loop-style adhesive tapes? Generally, making your choice is no more difficult than selecting the appropriate size and the desired adhesive strength – remembering that as you head into the truly powerful industrial strength end of the spectrum, removal will be a more difficult task. If you need a little guidance, don’t be shy to get in touch with our technical product experts or visit RS to see our selections of quality velcro tape..
