3M Tape DAMAGED window molding!

[MisterB853]

2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS

Washed/Clayed/Iron X
LC orange flat pad and Megs MF cutting pad with Menz FG400
LC white flat pad with Menz 3500
Powerlock

After much research I decided to take the extra step and mask off vulnerable areas of the car before compounding such as window moldings, grill, side skirts, front lip, antenna, keyholes etc.

Removing the 3M automotive masking tape has revealed seriously upsetting results. The tape has left shiny texture marks on the rubber and plastic window trim.

1) Windshield molding that runs the length of A pillar, up along roof line as rain gutter, and down rear window C pillar.

2) Same trim

3) Molding around side window

4) Outside shots

5) Notice the windshield molding runs from windshield up along roof line to bottom of rear window

6) The culprit...

This is very upsetting. Any next step advice is welcomed. The texture and shine does not come off the trim, it seems to be imbedded into the molding :dunno:

 

[TRDTACO]

At this point i would tape the areas that weren't taped before to at least give everything a uniform appearance. Looks like the tape pulled up the embedded dirt and grime from the trim leaving that shiny look.

 

[BeachZone]

Sub'd

 

[Rsurfer]

How long did you have the tape on the trim and was it ever in the sun?

 

[Jaretr1]

I think its more the tape removed something on the trim, rather than damaged it. I would probably try a good APC, clean the trim, then apply a nice trim sealant or coating to restore it.

 

[MisterB853]

I think its more the tape removed something on the trim, rather than damaged it. I would probably try a good APC, clean the trim, then apply a nice trim sealant or coating to restore it.

I have tried to clean it, scrape it, and rub it... no luck removing it.

At this point i would tape the areas that weren't taped before to at least give everything a uniform appearance. Looks like the tape pulled up the embedded dirt and grime from the trim leaving that shiny look.

I did try this briefly and the tape did not leave the same texture or shine... perhaps it needs to sit longer. The original tape was on the car for a few days.

How long did you have the tape on the trim and was it ever in the sun?

Car was only in the sun a couple of minutes, tape was on car a total of a few days.

 

[RaskyR1]

Looks like the adhesive in the tape had a chemical reaction with the trim. I never leave tape on the trim overnight for this reason and I find some tapes are more susceptible to doing this than others. That car is also pretty old so that could be a factor as well.

FYI: Most masking tapes have a "clean release" time rating on them.

 

[custmsprty]

2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS

Washed/Clayed/Iron X
LC orange flat pad and Megs MF cutting pad with Menz FG400
LC white flat pad with Menz 3500
Powerlock

After much research I decided to take the extra step and mask off vulnerable areas of the car before compounding such as window moldings, grill, side skirts, front lip, antenna, keyholes etc.

Removing the 3M automotive masking tape has revealed seriously upsetting results. The tape has left shiny texture marks on the rubber and plastic window trim.

1) Windshield molding that runs the length of A pillar, up along roof line as rain gutter, and down rear window C pillar.

2) Same trim

3) Molding around side window

4) Outside shots

5) Notice the windshield molding runs from windshield up along roof line to bottom of rear window

6) The culprit...

This is very upsetting. Any next step advice is welcomed. The texture and shine does not come off the trim, it seems to be imbedded into the molding :dunno:

I've been selling packaging and masking items from 3M and other manufacturers for 25 years.

So here's my questions:

How long was the tape on the vehicle?

Was it inside during the taping and correction process?

Since the vehicle is dark colored I ask that question to see if it was exposed to heat or excessive uv rays?

The usual issue with cheaper masking and packaging tapes is adhesive transfer, ie the tape leaving adhesive residue and not releasing cleanly form the surface.

I've read your responses so no need to reply to this post. I wouldn't leave tape on for the amount of time you did. On the 3m spec sheet for that product it would likley state how long it can be left on and what it's operating temperatures are. You could google that and it should take you to 3m's website and spec sheet.

 

[custmsprty]

This is from 3M's website assuming what you have is the #233 tape.

This unique, green colored tape has excellent conform-ability, Transfer resistance, and is resistant to bleed through. 233+ is also has better UV resistance than traditional masking tapes. Adhesion to steel: 38oz./in.width. Tensile: 25lbs/in. Tape thickness: 6.7 mils. Temp range: 250F(121C) for 30 minutes

The temp range refers to if it were in a paint booth. I'm kind of surprised they don't make any reference to dwell time.

 

[RaskyR1]

This is from 3M's website assuming what you have is the #233 tape.

This unique, green colored tape has excellent conform-ability, Transfer resistance, and is resistant to bleed through. 233+ is also has better UV resistance than traditional masking tapes. Adhesion to steel: 38oz./in.width. Tensile: 25lbs/in. Tape thickness: 6.7 mils. Temp range: 250F(121C) for 30 minutes



The temp range refers to if it were in a paint booth. I'm kind of surprised they don't make any reference to dwell time.

The OP is using the cheaper 3M stuff but the 233+ should have a release time of 3 days.

 

[MisterB853]

I do not know which tape it was, the packaging got trashed.

Very upsetting this has happened. Never would I have imagined leaving the tape on the car for a few days in the garage with temps below 80F would cause this destruction.

 

[PaulMys]

I've been selling packaging and masking items from 3M and other manufacturers for 25 years.

So here's my questions:

How long was the tape on the vehicle?

Was it inside during the taping and correction process?

Since the vehicle is dark colored I ask that question to see if it was exposed to heat or excessive uv rays?

The usual issue with cheaper masking and packaging tapes is adhesive transfer, ie the tape leaving adhesive residue and not releasing cleanly form the surface.

I've read your responses so no need to reply to this post. I wouldn't leave tape on for the amount of time you did. On the 3m spec sheet for that product it would likley state how long it can be left on and what it's operating temperatures are. You could google that and it should take you to 3m's website and spec sheet.

Bingo on this, custm

I've been using 3M tape (and many others) for many, many years in the marine industry. This is why it will never touch my truck. Even the best tape (3M) if used in the wrong conditions (applied in high humidity, direct sun) and like you mentioned left on too long, can leave behind a nightmare. Thing is, with boats you can be pretty aggressive in the removal of this residue. Our cars & trucks not so much.

When I use product on my truck, I'm happy to stay away from the trim by a fraction of an inch, then deal with any clean up after.

 

[scuff]

I do not know which tape it was, the packaging got trashed.

Very upsetting this has happened. Never would I have imagined leaving the tape on the car for a few days in the garage with temps below 80F would cause this destruction.

The product code may still be printed inside the roll. Figuring out exactly what tape it is may help determine the best way to address the issue.

I can understand your unhappiness, but I don't see this as "destruction" - it may still be possible to restore the trim. What chemicals have you tried on it? You may have some luck using acetone on a white 100% cotton cloth. Try a small, inconspicuous test spot, and I'll bet any adhesive residue will be removed, or the entire surface of the trim will be returned to a uniform appearance. If that works, clean the trim with an APC to remove any remaining residue, and treat it with your favorite product.

Good luck!

 

[Rsurfer]

Been using 3M (blue) for years and never had a problem except for a little tape residue at times.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

You may have some luck using acetone on a white 100% cotton cloth.

Holy cow I wouldn't do that. There's like a bazillion trim materials you never know what a strong solvent like that will do, especially on 15 yo trim.

I'm still trying to figure out what the "problem" is--the spot that was under that tape looks clean and shiny while what wasn't looks milky/hazy. What is it supposed to look like? Is it rubber? Is it supposed to be shiny, or is it more matte like a tire? Like I said, there's a bazillion kinds of trims and finishes.

All things being equal I would clean with some diluted APC, maybe wipe with some IPA, and use a good trim sealant like WETS (Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant) and see if it evens out.

 

[PaulMys]

The product code may still be printed inside the roll. Figuring out exactly what tape it is may help determine the best way to address the issue.

I can understand your unhappiness, but I don't see this as "destruction" - it may still be possible to restore the trim. What chemicals have you tried on it? You may have some luck using acetone on a white 100% cotton cloth. Try a small, inconspicuous test spot, and I'll bet any adhesive residue will be removed, or the entire surface of the trim will be returned to a uniform appearance. If that works, clean the trim with an APC to remove any remaining residue, and treat it with your favorite product.

Good luck!

I'd be hesitant to use acetone on an unknown plastic. I have seen acetone completely melt some plastics, and who knows what this auto manufacturer uses.

 

[scuff]

I'd be hesitant to use acetone on an unknown plastic. I have seen acetone completely melt some plastics, and who knows what this auto manufacturer uses.

Fair enough. Start with Goo Gone, move to Goof Off, try 3M Adhesive Remover, etc. Point being, this still may be a recoverable situation.

 

[GSKR]

I do not know which tape it was, the packaging got trashed.

Very upsetting this has happened. Never would I have imagined leaving the tape on the car for a few days in the garage with temps below 80F would cause this destruction.

Talk about learning something,in 24 years of doing detail for a living,never thought tape would do some damage.

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

When you went to remove the tape, how did you remove it? Did you peel back and keep the tape flat and level to the vehicle at a 45 degree and pull away or did you grab the tape and pull straight up and away from the vehicle?

 

[lkotsios]

When you went to remove the tape, how did you remove it? Did you peel back and keep the tape flat and level to the vehicle at a 45 degree and pull away or did you grab the tape and pull straight up and away from the vehicle?

Is there a difference in either way of removal?