shuru421

Hi, Im trying to remove this nasty bartape residue that was left from previous bartape that looks to be somewhat like gauze? boxer glove tape?? It was underneath the actual bartape itself and is now a HUGE and disgusting pain to remove. I can't seem to loosen it with just elbow grease alone. Any solvents or just TIPS in general for removal? What is one way to be one-and-done with any sort of nasty bartape residue removal? Thank you.

due ruote 

I would just tape over it and forget about it. I am sure there are solvents you could use. Something like toluene or paint remover. But imho it isn't worth the health or environmental risk when you will be covering the bars anyway.

Kactus

You can just leave it and tape over it. Or, if you're OCD like me, you can remove it with Goof-Off or even plain rubbing alcohol.

Bikerider007

Might want to try a hairdryer and see how much it helps. Will be easier than elbow grease alone.

Pompiere

Goo Gone has worked pretty well for removing old, dried glue. Follow the instructions and let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it off. It may take a couple applications if the residue is really thick.

SJX426 

Acetone is most effective. Do it in a well ventilated space, preferably outside. It evaporates quickly so you have to act fast. Use heavy gloves to avoid your hands from absorbing it.

smontanaro 

Agree with others to just tape over it. The extra goo well actually help keep the new tape from slipping (I use Scotch 77 when retaping bar tape that's slipped.)

The only case where that doesn't work so well is if you're going to use a translucent tape like Hunt-Wilde (maybe Benotto?), as the residue shows through the tape.

rootboy 

Use a blow torch.

No wait...do nothing.

vp1337

Acetone, rubbing alcohol or just tape over it.

CastleDerosa

Acetone I had done some gunky removal with this stuff using a rag which i soaked in acetone , removed excess , wraped around bar and let it sit for a bit ..1hr min , works wonders !!

gearbasher

I use a hair dyer and a plastic scraper. Then some WD-40 to get the rest of the gooey stuff,

bulldog1935

denatured alcohol is an equally good solvent and better wetting agent than acetone - and it doesn't flash away as fast.

plonz 

Another vote for Acetone. I have found Goof Off works decent with simple residue but Acetone is the trick for getting the big chunks of old tape off. Still requires elbow grease but once the Acetone starts to penetrate, it will come off much easier.

2manybikes

What is the reason for taking the residue off? If you are just putting on new tape the residue will help hold it in place. The only reason I can think of is snaking the bars through a tight stem to switch bars.

old's'cool

Kerosene or paint thinner should work also. WD40, so I hear, is scented kerosene.

The Golden Boy 

Water Displacement, formula 40.




I'm OCD and need the residue off- I use naptha. Zippo lighter fluid. I haven't smoked in 8 years, I gotta use that **** up somehow...