How to Clean Tape Off of a Metal Filing Cabinet
- 1). Soak small areas of the tape with water. Dissolve the top layer of the tape if it is water soluble, and rub that away with a paper towel. This exposes the dried adhesive. Use acetone to soften the adhesive. Keep the adhesive as moist as possible to penetrate the dried glue.
- 2). Wrap the edge of a plastic putty knife with paper toweling and start to remove the sticky adhesive. Do not use the exposed edge of a metal putty knife because it will scratch the metal surface. When most of the easy glue has loosened and wiped away, try Methyl Ethel Keytone. It is a primary ingredient in adhesive strippers and effective against dried glue. Goo Gone is another commercial adhesive remover that is usually helpful.
- 3). Heptane, a petroleum derivative, will definitely dissolve the glue if all other methods fail. Never use this indoors because it is a highly volatile solvent. However, when used in a properly ventilated area, away from all flammables, it is the last best choice to remove stuck on adhesive without dulling the metal surface.
- 4). When the residue has been successfully removed, wipe the metal with cooking oil to buff away the chemicals and restore the surface to its normal luster.