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What is the best way to remove realy old masking tape on realy old books?


I have about 20 Highlights books from the 50's and 60's that all have a little bit of masking tape on them. Everything I've tried doesn't work without damaging the books.

I have been told a blow dryer, for hair, will loosen it enough to peel off. You can try adding a little water at the edge of the tape to re-liquify the adhesive as you heat it up.
Otherwise, steam will take it off. Fill a pot with water and cover it most of the way with the lid. When the water starts to steam, you can hold the taped part over the steam, where it comes through the edge of the lid. Don't over do it or you will get the crinkly look that wet paper can get when it dries. It should lift right off.

Normally, for old tape, I'd say use any light oil but that will stain the books. In this case, I'd use xylene. Test it on an inconspicuous area first and if it doesn't stain use it on the tape. Read the safety warnings and use gloves, good ventilation or a charcoal respirator, and safety glasses.

Small amounts of Goo B Gone may work.

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