How to properly remove floor marking tape depends on a few factors: The kind of adhesive, the type of floor, and how much damage the tape has sustained. While Superior Mark® Floor Marking Tape is designed to remove easily and without damage, other tape and adhesive brands may leave behind residue or tiny pieces and can damage floors during removal.
How to Remove Superior Mark® Floor Marking Tape
For proper adhesion, it’s important to remove old floor tape and residue and clean the floor well before applying Superior Mark® Floor Marking Tape. Low-quality vinyl tape may require adhesive remover, scraping, or buffing for full removal, but our heavy-duty floor marking tape offers a durable stick and easy removal process.
Removing Tape from Concrete, Tile, or Carpet
To remove vinyl floor tape from industrial or commercial flooring materials like concrete or tile:
- Use a putty knife or other tool to lift the edge of the floor tape.
- Gently but firmly pull the tape from the floor. Pulling the tape at a 90-degree angle breaks the adhesive bond and aids in clean removal.
- Our floor tape is designed to remove in one piece. If any tape or adhesive remains on the floor, press a piece of scrap tape to the remaining pieces, apply pressure, then pull up—the leftover pieces will come with it.
To Remove Carpet Tape:
- Pull up the edge of the hook and loop carpet tape.
- Lift the carpet tape at a 90-degree angle and pull to remove.
- Roll the tape or lay cut pieces flat to store for future use.
How to Prep the Floors for New Tape Application
Though our floor tape is designed to come off without leaving residue behind, always thoroughly clean the floor before applying new signs or floor markings. If any dirt, debris, or contaminants remain, the adhesive will not stick properly, leading to tape failure and necessary repair.
Cleaning with an isopropyl alcohol solution is an easy option. It removes debris from the floor and dries quickly so the floor is ready for fresh tape application. Some stubborn spots may require a degreaser or adhesive remover.
How to Prevent Floor Damage and Tape Residue
Choosing the appropriate floor tape from the start is an important step in eliminating floor damage and reducing prep-work for new tape installation. In warehouses and industrial facilities that rely on adaptable workflows such as 5S or Lean, visual cues are important—and so is the flexibility to adjust them quickly and without much downtime.
Painted lines, primers, and permanent bonding adhesives can be time-consuming to remove as the process often requires multiple attempts using a chemical paint remover, buffing, sanding, or blasting. These processes also strip the color and sealer from concrete floors, leaving ghost lines behind.
But, choosing the right tape to begin with—a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape for warehouse floors, or a carpet-specific floor tape for offices and municipal buildings—ensures your lines come away clean, without damage.
Removing Floor Marking Tape from Wood or Tile
Floor Marking Tape is easier and less time-consuming to remove than painted lines, but you must choose the right tape for the job. Before applying an adhesive tape to wood or tile, ensure you have the best floor tape for your floor.
- Permanent or extra-strong adhesives leave residue behind and may damage the finish of wood floors.
- Duct tape and painter’s tape aren’t durable enough for industrial use, they remove in pieces, and often leave gummy residue behind.
- Similarly, tape applied to carpeted floors leaves residue behind, leading to costly cleaning, repair, or replacement.
Need help deciding on the best floor marking tape for your facility? Contact a floor marking specialist for expert help at 1-866-284-1541 or see more in our Resource Center.
