Removing old tatty railtape

[coldsup]

A pal of mine has bought a second hand board in good nick but the rail tape is very tatty and needs replaced. Best way to remove it? It is stuck on well and will probably need to be resprayed after. Thanks

[Bean]

It depends on how long it's been there, the brand of tape, and existing damage underneath.  But, try the least invasive first.  With a heat-gun, apply some heat to one end and gently begin lifting.  Only use as much heat as necessary.  With RS Pro, you might find that it will peel without any heat at all while some of the more generic types seem to aggressively bond to the rail.

[Badger]

The good tapes will come off easily and leave no glue behind. If removing it is a chore, don't use that kind again.

The paint on some boards might lift if there is no clear coat over it. I messed up the RSP on one of my Sunovas and the black paint and decals came off with it.

A good tip for people with Sunovas is to remember that you only have one shot at taping. Leave it on permanently and don't take it off when you go to sell the board or it will likely lift the paint. High quality RSP should last for the life of the board.

.

[mrbig]

Heat, and goo- gone on the edge. Take your time. Slower sans chipping..

[JimK]

+1 to Mr BIG
Go with RSPro once you get it off

JimK
Extreme Windsurfing