I just started unpacking a Jimmy Skiff kit and removing the packing tape that’s on the plywood is tearing up the plywood. Is there a trick to removing the packing tape that doesn’t damage the plywood?
A piece of dry ice will freeze the adhesive and make it break away from the wood without tearing the fibers. You may still need to sand the adhesive off the wood once it thaws, depending on the tape, so it might not be worth the trouble.
Laszlo
I second what hspira says, wherever possible pull with the tape folded right back on itself, so it makes a 180 degree fold/turn as it lifts from the wood. This will limit the amount of fibers pulled up. I've never had "damage" from tape that didn't disappear during the build from sanding and coating (even in bright finish areas). And if you have choices for some parts, you might be able to choose which side is which (port/starboard) etc. at the beginning of the build to help hide any blemishes that have you worried.
And if anything is really bad, let CLC know...
hi leroy49,
i have had the same issue from time-to-time.
i find the best way to minimize tear out is to pull packing tape off by keeping my hand as close to the surface (parrallel to the surface) with the tape as possible so it is like i am peeling the tape back.
i try to avoid pullling the tape up and away (perpendicular) to the surface.
all that said, most of this should sand out with 100/120 grit paper carefully applied.
h
pulling the tape off very slowly also avoids the fibers from being ripped off.
I've seen this happen, brought a technique along from something I used to do in one of my career positions.
Use a clean 3" metal or plastic paint scraper as a 'hold down' in the tape where it's folded back 170° onto itself when removing said tape;
Apply slight downward pressure on the blade's edge to keep it in contact with the tape that's stuck to your plywood parts;
Go slow, moving the blade only by tension on the tape being removed, you'll have almost no tearout of fibers.