Sellotape Removal

[extaski]

Can anyone tell me the best way to remove the stain left by sellotape in paper, without removing any dye in the paper.

[Ethel]

Impossible to get a good result - this from a specialist bookbinder and restorer:

The removal of Sellotape and similar products is problematic. Recently applied tape should be lifted at a corner and touched with a solvent such as lighter fuel. The liquid runs under the tape and the backing lifts but a sticky medium remains. Dissolve this with frequent applications of solvent, it should not be allowed to dry until clean. The backing of old tape is easily lifted but it leaves a hard ridge of brown medium which is impervious to solvents. This can be reduced by scraping with a scalpel or it can be disguised by a layer of repair tissue. Powerful solvents will destroy the cellulose of the paper and dissolve printing ink, therefore the removal of tape depends on the quality of paper and print. Pulling off tape will lift the surface of the paper, and rather than this, it is wise to let it remain.

[stud_monkey]

cut it out