User Guide

Technical Bulletin
Polyurethane Protective Tape
Removal Procedure
1. For radome boots: Lightly score the boot (do not cut through into the radome)
into pie-shape pieces using a knife or razor blade. Lift an edge and carefully peel
the film back at an angle of 90° to 180°. Speed and angle of removal may affect
how much adhesive residue is left or how much paint is removed from the
substrate.
2. For aircraft wing leading edges: If tape is wider than 4" to 6", the effort to remove
the tape can be greatly reduced by lightly scoring the tape with a knife or razor
blade and removing strips. The removal force required could be as much as 10
pounds per inch of width. Peel the tape back at an angle of 90° to 180°. Speed and
angle of removal may affect how much adhesive residue is left or how much paint
is removed from the substrate.
3. If 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Adhesive 2216, DP-190, or 3532 has been used as an
edge sealer or seam sealer, they can be removed mechanically by scraping or
sanding. Scotch-Weld 3532 adhesive can also be softened by using MEK.
4. Remaining adhesive residue may be removed by applying 3M™ Woodgrain and
Stripe Adhesive Remover 8908 to the areas of residual adhesive according to the
instructions on the can. After waiting the required time, scrape the softened
adhesive off the surface using a rigid phenolic scraper or plastic squeegee.
A second application may be necessary.
5. Apply 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner 8984 to a paper towel or cloth rag
and scrub remaining adhesive residue from the area. A Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pad
7447 may aid in removing any stubborn areas of adhesive, especially around any
surface protrusions such as rivet heads, etc.
6. Finally, clean entire area using clean cheesecloth or rags soaked with isopropyl
alcohol, ethanol, or MEK.*
7. Repair any areas of removed paint or bare metal according to manufacturer's
recommended corrosion control procedures.
8. Proceed with installation of new polyurethane tape according to instructions for
that aircraft, tape, or radome boot.
*Note: When using solvents, follow the manufacturer's precautions and directions
for use.
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