How to Remove That @#$%&! Scotch Tape From a Mylar Bag

[Dick Pontoon]

People are always asking me “Dick! How do you remove that @#$%&! Scotch tape from a Mylar bag?” So today I’m going to tell you how to remove that @#$%&! Scotch tape from a Mylar bag, in a brief and hopefully enlightening tutorial.

[Dick Pontoon]

Here’s the scenario: It’s a long, holiday weekend. You’ve woken up shortly after dawn before the rest of the house. Hot coffee in hand, you’re eager to read one of those Silver Age Marvel comic books you like so much in the early morning peace and quiet. So, you creep down to the comic room and pull the next FF on your to-read list out.

 

 

Oh happy day! A high-grade copy of Fantastic Four #81. It still practically gleams in that shiny Mylite +2, after being put there years ago!

[Dick Pontoon]

Damn! It was bagged years ago when you first switched to Mylar, before you knew Scotch tape practically bonded itself to the surface.

 

 

 

 

 

When trying to open the flap, often the tape splits right on the edge leaving you with a time-consuming peeling and scraping job that usually still results in small pieces of tape stuck on the bag.

 

 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

What a headache!

 

[Dick Pontoon]

Or, if you choose not to try and peel, you’re left with the option of putting another piece of tape over the existing tape, making an unsightly mess or perhaps enough of a raised surface to make an indent on the cover of the book stored behind it in the box.

 

 

Rats!

 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

What to do? In Japan, the hands can be used like a knife, but this method doesn’t work with a Mylar. After spending many long nights in the Pontoon Lab with space-age polymers, we’ve discovered the amazing solution – the common ball point pen!

 

First and foremost, you want a pen that is evenly cylindrical and not tapered, and one that has a smooth surface without any indentations or ridges. Your basic white barreled Bic Stic or equivalent is the tool to use. Don’t use a pencil; the majority are hexagonal but even the rounded ones can be problematical as the tape might stick to the paint, pull it off and not turn properly.

 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

Step #1

 

Gingerly insert the shaft under the flap. Hold the backing board flat to keep it from bowing backwards.

 

 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

Step #2

 

Holding the pen between your index finger and thumb, gently spin it counter-clockwise. It should roll along under the flap and tape, evenly lifting the tape as you roll.

 

 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

Once you’ve reached the end, the bottom half of the tape will be free and easily peeled off without tearing.

 

 

 

 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

Step #3

 

Repeat steps #1 and #2 for the second piece of tape.

 

 

 

 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

Your Mylar should now be free of tape or goo.

 

 

[Transplant]

You forgot, "Write post about it. File next to 'How to Fold a Comic Box.'"

[Dick Pontoon]

Happy days are here again, you can now read your beloved treasure!

 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

Feel free to celebrate! High fives and grape juice all around!

 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

What to do when you’re ready to put your funnybook away and seal the bag? There are 3 schools of thought: use blue painters tape, 3M Post-It Flags or tuck the flap in. I’m a painter’s tape kind of guy while lizards2 is an outspoken advocate of Flags.

 

Class dismissed! Best of luck in all your future Mylar taping endeavors!

 

 

[MustEatBrains]

slowly and with care?

[Ryan.]

Gingerly insert the shaft

 

What if this just isn't my style?

[Jeffro.]

Very nice Rich.

[ygogolak]

 

When trying to open the flap, often the tape splits right on the edge leaving you with a time-consuming peeling and scraping job that usually still results in small pieces of tape stuck on the bag.

 

 

 

Just leave the tape there, not hurting anything.

 

Also, no recommendations on proper tape?

[Dick Pontoon]

 

When trying to open the flap, often the tape splits right on the edge leaving you with a time-consuming peeling and scraping job that usually still results in small pieces of tape stuck on the bag.

 

 

Just leave the tape there, not hurting anything.

 

Also, no recommendations on proper tape?

 

I guess I made the thread too lengthy...

 

 

Or, if you choose not to try and peel, you’re left with the option of putting another piece of tape over the existing tape, making an unsightly mess or perhaps enough of a raised surface to make an indent on the cover of the book stored behind it in the box.

 

What to do when you’re ready to put your funnybook away and seal the bag? There are 3 schools of thought: use blue painters tape, 3M Post-It Flags or tuck the flap in. I’m a painter’s tape kind of guy while lizards2 is an outspoken advocate of Flags.

 

Class dismissed! Best of luck in all your future Mylar taping endeavors!