[morrow]

Purchased a framed print and would like to remove the print and put into an archival folder. I found the top of the print is taped to the back of the board. Is there a way to safely remove the tape without damaging the print? I’m a complete novice with this stuff as I always take my prints to be pro framed. I have no idea what kind of tape this is either as it was purchased this way.

Tape is white/cream and has a shine to the top of it. Any ideas or better off just going to my framer with it?

[craigf]

You could try a corner very carefully and see if it comes off as it is. Some tapes require soaking, but when I say soaking it is a very limited amount of water that is required. If in doubt give it to your framer for ease of mind

[iamzero]

Sounds like it is PH7-70. Comes off with a product called Zest It.

[mrbagel]

It will almost definitely need a solvent. 100% take it to a framer or conservator; otherwise there's a good chance you'll wreck it.

[Brushstrokes 75]

Dec 27, 2017 8:30:58 GMT 1 @ashton2 said:

Yep, best is to go see your framer, he shall be able to identify the tape.

If it is a water-based special art tape (starch), then yep, as said above, a little soaking and you should be able to remove it.

If it is a bad tape, then indeed you may have some stains in the long term as tape has lot of acidity. Technic used is to heat the tape with hair dryer in order to soften the adhesive, you can combine with betine or lighter fluid soaking, and gently scratch or sand the tape to remove tape and tape residue. Note that lighter fluid dissipates and does not leave any staining so you can soak the tape. Bestine also works well.

Some don't care much about the tape and will cut the tape at the edge.

Note that if tape is recent, you may not have tape stains. If there are, tape stains are permanent.


This little video (which shows the heating and scratching process without use of fluid) will give you some ideas - www.preservationequipment.com/Blog/Blog-Posts/No-pressure-removing-pressure-sensitive-tapes

what ashton said. 

However, if you don't know what you're doing, to be on the safer side go to a framer or a restorer.

[hoolz]

+1 for Zest It.

Use a very soft brush and take your time and the tape will come off a treat. This stuff should remove all adhesive residue too.

I've used it a lot and it works perfectly.

[morrow]

Thanks for all the help! Will be going to a framer, but good to know all the info for the future as well. Much appreciated to everyone that chimed in!

[Viking Surfer]

Take it to Tim at Darbyshires.

He'll get Sarah to look at it who is the best restorer around. I wouldn't trust my prints in anybody else's hands.

[easycraig]

I would hit it with a blow dryer first, medium to high heat, it might come off quite easily. Start with the side of tape that is on the mat (to see if it is willing) - the good thing is it looks like it is framing tape. ec

[spb]

Dec 27, 2017 14:42:25 GMT 1 hoolz said:

+1 for Zest It.

Use a very soft brush and take your time and the tape will come off a treat. This stuff should remove all adhesive residue too.

I've used it a lot and it works perfectly.

As stated

Use Zest it... & you can do it yourself, no problem.

[Ragequit McGee]

Dec 28, 2017 7:42:50 GMT 1 Viking Surfer said:

Take it to Tim at Darbyshires.

He'll get Sarah to look at it who is the best restorer around. I wouldn't trust my prints in anybody else's hands.

Are they expensive? I picked up a Dan Hillier screenprint and I don't like how it's mounted in its current frame. The framer I'd taken them to mentioned it was already mounted on the board it came with. Now I know more about these things I'd like it redone...