How to Remove Floor Marking Tape

First of all you will need some equipment.

• Heat Gun
• Scraper/ Putty Knife
• Cleaning Supplies (3508 IPA Surface Cleaner)
• Adhesive Remover

The Heat Gun Method

This is what we see to be the most effective solution when trying to remove floor marking tape:

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Begin by clearing the surrounding area of any objects or debris near the tape. Adequate ventilation is important, so ensure the space is well-ventilated. For safety purposes, put on gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes.

Step 2: Apply Heat

Set your heat gun to a low or medium temperature and hold it a few inches away from the tape. Move the heat gun back and forth, evenly applying heat across the tape. The goal is to soften the adhesive, so be cautious not to overheat or scorch the tape or the floor.

Step 3: Peel Off the Tape

Once the adhesive has been softened by the heat, it’s time to peel off the tape. Use a putty knife or scraper to lift one end of the tape gently. Proceed slowly and carefully, maintaining a low angle close to the floor surface. Apply more heat as needed during the process to keep the adhesive soft and pliable.

Step 4: Remove any Residual Adhesive

After removing the tape, you may notice some residual adhesive remaining on the floor. To tackle this, use an adhesive remover. Take a clean cloth or sponge and apply a small amount of adhesive remover. Gently rub the residue in circular motions until the adhesive residue is completely lifted off the floor.

Step 5: Clean the Floor

Using a mop or sponge and hot soapy water, scrub anyway any remaining adhesive residue. Use a mop or sponge to clean the floor, ensuring you remove any remaining residue or cleaner.

Once the adhesive residue is removed, it’s important to clean the floor thoroughly.

Remember to test the method in a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding with the full removal process. This will help ensure compatibility with your specific floor surface and prevent any damage.

When Shouldn’t I Use the Heat Gun Method to Remove Tape?

• The surface underneath is sensitive to heat, like plastic, vinyl, or delicate fabrics, which could be damaged or discoloured.
• The area is not well-ventilated, which could lead to inhalation of potentially harmful fumes if line marking tape or adhesive is heated, if this can’t be avoided, use proper facial mask protection.
• There is a risk of fire or melting, especially near flammable materials or electrical wiring.
• Floor marking tape is on a painted surface, as the heat might damage or peel off the paint.
• The tape is near heat-sensitive items or devices.
• Industrial floor tape is too thin or too firmly adhered to the surface, making it ineffective or inefficient.

Adhesive Removal Method

If the heat gun method doesn’t work, you can apply a small amount of adhesive remover to a cloth, dab it onto the tape’s edges, and allow it time to soak in. Once soaked in, use your putty knife or scraper to lift the tape working from one side to the next. Like the other method, if residue remains on the surface, get your cleaning supplies, such as our 3508 IPA Surface Cleaner and loosen it from the surface. This should remove the final adhesive and leave you with a tape-free floor. Ensure the adhesive remover does not touch your skin, and ensure you wash your hands to stop the risk of potentially getting into your eye. We recommend that you use gloves for this step.

All our floor marking tapes are pressure sensitive adhesive backed, which means ideally, the best solution would be the heat gun.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog. We hope it provides you with useful information. If you require any further advice, get in contact with us via phone +44 (0) 1254 832266, email or the live chat feature.