How to remove flex tape

How does Flex tape work?

Flex Tape is a popular American-brand adhesive that’s known for its weather protection and strength and various waterproofing around window sill under cladding systems as a backup. 

A step above and beyond even duct tape, the thick, rubberized backing of Flex Tape makes it highly malleable and ideal for bonding and sealing.

It’s also ideal for waterproofing high-risk areas in a building that could leak underneath a primary cladding system, 

In the event of its failure, there is a back up to keep water from entering and rotting timber frames around doors and windows.

Flex Tape’s special secret polymer coating makes it non-slip, sticky as chewing gum in your hair, UV-resistant, and waterproof, allowing it to withstand extreme temperatures, adverse weather conditions, and improves adhesion over time. This tape literally ‘flexes’.

Uses of Flex tape

Seal and patch holes

In certain scenarios where pipes and other constructs need to penetrate out of an external wall, it can be taped up underneath a wall cladding. Flex Tape does the job without needing to weld, use putty, and the like.

Waterproof sealing

The properties of Flex Tape make it waterproof as a secondary water protection method, meaning that it can be used instead of sealant. Some people even use it for the corners of aquariums, pools, and even sinks!

Block window leaks

Fine cracks on window edges or small holes on windows will be no problem for Flex Tape. Use it to prevent leaks without having to dismantle or have your windows serviced.

Block air leaks

Fine cracks on window edges or small holes on windows will be no problem for Flex Tape. Use it to prevent leaks without having to dismantle or have your windows serviced.

Why is it so hard to remove?

Sometimes you put the tape on but the window opening needs to be made bigger therefore the sill tape needs to be removed.

Other times it needs to be removed is when it was used as just a temporary fix for emergency repairs, the adhesive behind Flex

Tape is something remarkable. It acts pretty much like any other type, except that the bond gets stronger over time as opposed to most commercial tapes that tend to lose their “stickiness” over the years.

So, can you remove Flex tape?

Flex Tape can most definitely be removed but it’s not easy. Start by pulling away at the tape, it will be easier if it’s newly applied.

However, for tape that’s been in place for quite some time, you might need the help of an adhesive solvent (remover) or an acid-based degreaser. 

Methods to remove flex seal tape

Flex Tape requires a little extra effort to remove as opposed to standard tapes. It can be done, however, for those who don’t have the means to get an adhesive remover (trust us, it makes it easier).

So if you’re wondering how do you remove flex tape, try out the following methods below.

1. By hand

You can always go with the tried and tested method of peeling and scraping. Pull away at the tape just enough to lift it up, then use either your hands with gloves or a pair of pliers to either pry it away bit by bit, or to help grab it as you apply a remover or degreaser. 

Alternatively, you can also scrape at it using a machete, or the knife’s edge.

2. How to use flex tape adhesive remover

1. Lift up at least the edge of the tape. This’ll create an opening.
2. Firmly grip the tip of the loosened tape and pull as much as you can.
3. With your free hand, grab the Flex Tape Adhesive Remover and point it at the gap between the tape and the surface.
4. Continue pulling on the tape as you spray the remover.
5. Continue to spray-controlled amounts until the tape has fully come off.
6. Wipe any excess remover. 

3. Using a circular saw

If the tape is stuck on like super glue and you need to make a window opening a little larger, a method that could actually be more work than needed is to cut a line just under the tape with your circular saw removing a small sliver of wood, and having a clean surface of bare wood again.

Line up the saw just slightly below the surface of the tape. You might need to redo the new surface, by running an electric plane over it but at least it’s tape-free.

Be careful not to remove too much of the sill framing as to not damage the integrity required to hold the weight of the window. When sitting in the window you should use packers directly over top of the trimmer studs to transfer the weight directly to the vertical support.

How to remove sticky flex tape backing left behind wood?

1. By chisel/ scraper

1. Try to remove as much of the tape with the backing still on by hand first.
2. After peeling as much off as you can use a large chisel, or a scraper to remove as much of the tar-like backing as you can be left behind.

By reciprocating saw

If that tape is sticky and not easily coming off with the backing still stuck on. You can try using a reciprocating saw to cut downwards under the tape, trying not to notch the framing too much. It will be messy but might speed up the process.

1. Line a reciprocating saw slightly downwards towards the tape, using an old blade.
2. Since this is a soft and rubbery material, set your speed setting to low and spray some water as you cut to keep it lubricated to stop the tape from melting and sticking even more. 
3. Slowly move the saw along the same way you would cut wood. Follow the line under the tape and the framing.

Tools to avoid

Watch out for certain tools ideas when removing sill tape that could cause even more problems. Tools that prove to be incompatible for Flex Tape removal are tools that could be dangerous to you or could put a great tool into the need of a serious repair.

Respect your tools, getting a reciprocating saw blade dirty is one thing but for other tools, you should keep away.

Planer

Any planer, especially an electric one, If a planer goes over wood with partial bits of flex tape it will clog up the mechanisms in the blade rotation.

The tool is designed to take off very small amounts of material (I.E shavings).

But with flexible sticky tape it can end up shredding the tape and while an electric planer can remove it, it will now be inside clogging up your tool, resulting in internal repair and changing of the blades.

Heat gun

Especially in scenarios where you need to remove the backing, using a heat gun will melt the tape and make it even more sticky, ruining everything if you want to remove the sill tape.

How to remove Flex tape from hot water pipes?

Flex Tape’s special composition allows it to be applied to both hot and cold pipes. This means that removing flex seal tape from a hot water pipe is similar to how you would take it off from a standard, non-thermal-application pipe (I.E steel pipe).

First, if possible, shut off the heat source, this allows for much safer and easier removal. Next is to grab some pliers and simply lift up and pull on the tape.

Since the pipe is round, adhesion should be relatively weaker and it should come off more easily than from a porous material like wood or building paper. 

But you have to ask yourself why flex tape is on your water pipe in the first place. It will not hold against water pressure well, and cant is healthy if you drink water that’s been in contact with the tape.

How to remove flex tape from metal?

Removing the tape itself is not too hard on the metal compared to wood. Simply peel it off or remove it as you would any other regular tape. Use some pliers if it’s hard to get hold of.

Once the tape is removed, you can clean off the residue by using a chemical remover/ cleaner or a rag with some hot water and acetone. 

How to remove Flex tape from an acrylic tub?

Removing Flex Tape from the acrylic tub is very similar to removing it from pipes. Simply peel off the tape at the edges and proceed to pull it along until it comes off. Alternatively, you can also make use of a chisel, don’t worry about scratching the acrylic if it’s not visual, it’ll simply take a few small scratches.

Any left residue you can wipe off with a rag dipped in warm water and dishwashing soap or a chemical remover.

How to remove Flex tape from window trim?

Though you can do this by hand, it might be troublesome. Grab a pair of pliers and a small knife, chisel, or scraper.

Cut off any excess tape beyond the borders of the trim.

Scrape loose the remaining tape and use gloves to grab and pull it off.

Likewise, you can also use a chisel to slowly scrape at the tape until it comes off. 

How to remove Flex tape stains?

We’re all familiar with that sticky gunk that tape leaves behind when removed, especially if it’s been around for a while. Over time, the adhesive from the tape forms a solid residue as it dries. This is a small and regular nuance for most tapes, so residue left behind from Flex Tape is like that but much worse.

Though similar, it might be a little more persistent. Use the above chemical methods to get rid of that annoying stickiness! 

1. From concrete

A little unorthodox, but one of the best ways to get rid of the tape residue from concrete is to use Eucalyptus oil [1].

Take your finger and dab a small amount just enough to cover the residue and let it soak for about 7 minutes. Wipe clean.

2. From wood

Take a putty knife and gently scrape against the surface of the wood with a chemical dissolver, this loosens it up.

3. From vinyl

You can simply use warm water here. Dampen the surface of the vinyl then scrubs the residue off with either a rag or cloth so as not to scratch the surface. Use slow back and forth strokes.

4. From carpets

To fully remove residue from carpets, they’ll need a thorough wash. For visible residue, scrape or pluck as much off by hand as possible. Next, we suggest steam-cleaning or scrubbing your carpet with soap and warm water. Alternatively, you can also use chemical carpet removers.

5. From fiberglass

One known and popular method for removing tape residue from fiberglass is to use the WD 40 solvent [2] along with a textured or slightly abrasive cloth/rag.

6. From ceramics/ tiles

Tape residue on your beloved tile flooring can easily be removed using the ever-so-popular water + baking soda solution.

Apply the paste over the residue and gently scrub until clean. For older and more persistent stains, substitute acetone or nail polish remover for the baking soda.

7. From fabrics

When it comes to doing laundry and having flex tape stuck to your workwear. You may want to remove any visible stains.

First, submerge your piece of clothing. Gently scrub it with some dishwashing liquid then let it sit for about 20 minutes in warm water. Let it air-dry and viola! Good as new we hope.

8. From car bodies

With a non-abrasive cloth, like microfiber, or a sponge, dab a little bit of acetone or nail polish remover on the residue.

And simply wipe or scrape it away once it’s soft and loose enough.

Doing this should fully remove any residue without damaging the paint job.

Dos and don’ts when removing flex tape

Dos

• Do position yourself in a way that makes it easier for you to pull safely.
• Do get the adhesive remover if you can.
• Do make sure that there aren’t things you might knock over when removing.

Don’ts

• Don’t pull from the bottom when removing the vertically-placed tape. 
• Don’t use unfamiliar removers or unsupported/non-factual alternatives. 
• Don’t remove the tape by force if it’s too well bonded. Take your time and use removers if necessary.

How to remove the backing from Flex seal tape?

1. Lift up the tip of the backing by prying at it at one of the tape’s edges. Use either a fingernail and your hands or a sharp edge.
2. You should see a small separation between the backing and the tape itself. Just peel it back as apply the tape.

Conclusion

Flex Tape is one of the toughest tapes around. For all that it can do, the problematic concerns with Flex Tape is not how and where to use it, but how to remove it when it is in the wrong spot.

While it can do wonders as a means of emergency repair and patchwork, removing the tape might prove to be more trouble than it’s worth. Ask yourself if it can just stay there.

Luckily though, we’ve covered most of the best ways to remove flex tape here. So use away without much worry, this guide will surely come in handy if you ever get stuck. 

The next step is to know how to glaze a window.