Hockey tape is one of those things that seems like it was invented just to make our lives a little bit easier. It’s widely available, easy to use, and most importantly – it works!
But… what if that same hockey tape becomes a source of frustration rather than an aid? What if you try to remove it and it doesn’t come off easily?
Here are some tried and tested tips on how to remove sticky hockey tape from all kinds of surfaces!
Table of Contents
Wash The Area With Soap And Water
The first thing you should do after applying the tape is wash the area with soap and water. Even though the tape is waterproof, it still needs to be cleaned to ensure it stays stuck for the entire duration. If it starts coming off too soon, it could cause you some unnecessary distress – especially if it’s still wet when you put on the second layer.
Even for smooth surfaces, this step is vital. Although it may seem obvious, getting the soap and water on every single surface prior to applying the tape can help ensure it stays put for the entire duration. It can also help remove any residual dirt or oil from underneath the tape – things that may cause it to come off sooner than expected.
Scrape Off The Excess
After thoroughly cleaning the area, you should remove as much of the tape as you can. This is where having patience comes in. It’s impolite to just pull off the tape and expect it to come off without any problems. That’s liable to cause you more harm than good – especially if you’re not prepared for the consequences.
While you should be able to simply peel off the vast majority of the tape, there will inevitably be some residue left behind. To prevent any uncomfortable lumps or bumps down the line, take a bit of time to carefully scrape off every last bit of tape – especially around sensitive areas such as the ears and nose. It’s worth the extra time to ensure you get every last bit of tape off and that your skin is as smooth as possible before applying the next layer.
Soak The Remaining Pieces In Solvent
Soak the remaining pieces of hockey tape in a solvent such as brake fluid or mineral oil. Make sure that the area is completely covered by the fluid and let it soak in for a few minutes before popping off the tape. When removing the tape, make sure that the entire area is released from the solvent – otherwise, you’ll find yourself in an uncomfortable position when trying to take off the rest of the tape. It’s one thing to have a bit of a problem removing a thick layer of tape, but it’s another to have a difficult time breathing while trying to remove the last remnants of a stuck-on hat.
Once you’ve finished removing the last pieces of tape, immediately soak the area again in the solvent to make sure that the residue is completely removed. Letting the solvent soak in for a few minutes before reapplying may make it easier for your skin to breathe while removing the final layer of residue. If you wait until the residue has completely dried before reapplying the soap and water, it can leave a sticky, hard, and potentially uncomfortable feeling on your skin. The extra step is worth it if it means you can avoid that awful feeling!
Blow On The Area
It’s not just about wiping down the area with soap and water. Even after thoroughly cleaning the area and waiting for the residue to dry, you need to ensure that it’s free from any liquid. To do this, you need to blow on the area – preferably with a clean, dry, and warm breath. Don’t just burp on it or let a few stray hairs settle on it. Blow on it with some force to make sure that any moisture is removed – and if you’re using a straw as a conduit for your breath, do so from the end that’s been cut off. The goal is to cool and dry your nasal passages so you can breathe easily while removing the residue.
Apply Gloves
To make sure that your hands are free from any dirt or oil that may be transferred from the surface, you should always wear gloves while removing the tape. And no, we don’t mean those oven gloves that some of us old-schoolers wear while baking. Check out these hockey tape removal gloves from Beardsley Products Inc. They’re thin, comfortable, and completely subvert any fears you may have about losing dexterity due to the gloves’ thickness.
Even if you have the easiest of peels off the tape, it’s still likely to leave some residue behind. After taking the time to clean the area with soap and water, you should be able to simply peel off the tape, leaving no sticky residue behind. If you try to apply the tape while wearing gloves or use an unsuitable solvent such as petroleum jelly, you may find that it becomes easier to simply remove the tape than to try and re-apply once the gloves have been removed. It’s worth the extra time to make sure that your skin is free from any irritation or damage – even if it is just residue left behind by the tape. There’s no need to rush or use any undue force when removing the tape. Simply let gravity do its job while you enjoy a cool breeze on your cheeks.
Whether you tape your knees, elbows, or any other part of your body, hockey tape is there to assist you. Make sure you know how to remove it when the time comes. The above tips should get you pretty close. From there, you can apply more or less pressure as needed to make sure that every last bit of tape is gone – and your skin is too. Remember to be patient and take your time. You’ll be glad you did.