What Products Remove Scotch Tape From Wood Paneling?

Scotch tape is versatile adhesive tape that you can use on a variety of surfaces. The tape is typically easy to remove, however, when it sits on wood paneling for an extended period of time, removal can be a bit difficult. Fortunately, there are a variety of products that will remove the tape from your wood paneling.

Heat will soften the adhesive that gives the tape its ability to stick, allowing for easier removal. Apply heat by holding a hairdryer set on a low to medium temperature setting 4 to 6 inches above the tape. Gently pull the tape off the wood paneling with one hand while holding the hairdryer with the other. Once you have removed the tape, clean off any leftover residue by rubbing the wood paneling with a pencil eraser and wiping with a damp cloth.

Rubbing alcohol is inexpensive, versatile and will remove tape -- along with any adhesive residue -- from a variety of hard surfaces including your wood paneling. Saturate a corner of a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and scrub the tape in a back-and-forth motion. If the cloth becomes dry, add more rubbing alcohol and continue rubbing the tape until you can peel it off or it slides off the wood paneling. Clean the wood paneling with sponge dampened in warm, soapy water. Wipe dry with a towel.

The product that removes nail polish from your fingernails will clean stuck tape from your paneling. The nail polish remover must contain acetone, which dissolves the glue that adheres the tape to surfaces. Rub the edges of the tape for several seconds with a cotton swab saturated in the nail polish remover. Slowly pull the tape from the paneling. When you meet resistance, continue rubbing with the saturated cotton swab until the tape pulls free. Do not let the nail polish remover stay on the wood paneling for an extended period of time. The acetone can damage wood finish.

Water-displacing spray -- such as WD-40 -- removes sticky substance and difficult to remove adhesive from a variety of hard surfaces. The spray will not damage or discolor your wood paneling. Saturate the tape with the water-displacing spray and let sit for several seconds. Rub the tape off the wood paneling with a damp cloth. If needed, apply more water-displacing spray to the tape and continue rubbing. Clean the wood paneling with a sponge dampened in soapy water. Dry the paneling with a towel.