Almost any pressure sensitive tape can be removed with the gentle
application of heat. This softens the adhesive and allows for removal
without destroying the paper. Unfortunately this is a very slow process.
The heat must be applied very slowly and to a small area at a time to
avoid warping or weakening the paper. I use a tiny heat gun that was
made for shrinking heat-shrink tubing in close quarters. It has a nozzle
about 3/16" in diameter and puffs out hot air.
As soon as the tape is warm enough to soften the adhesive, begin lifting
the tape and advancing the heat to a new area. Residual adhesive will be
minimal if the heat is just right. If the old repair is holding and not
shrinking and warping the paper, I would tend to leave it and hope that
it will fall off on its own eventually. The tape might weaken the paper
but so will removing it.
Spencer Chase
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