How do I separate aluminum duct tape from the paper backing?

[poot_traveller]

I'm trying to put reflectix on the windows with aluminum duct tape but I run into a unusual problem; I can't separate the aluminum duct tape from the paper backing.  I've tried separating it from the corners with little success, I've tried hot water and scraping the paper away but this ruins the stickiness, I've tried cutting the paper off with a knife but it cuts straight through.  I'm out of ideas.

Has anyone here successfully separated aluminum tape from it's paper backing?

 

[maki2]

Use the tip of your utility knife to lift up the paper right near the corner of the cut edge. Or you can try it on the side with the aluminum but I normally do it on the paper side.

I use scissors to cut the tape to length, it is easier to cut that way and somewhat easier to peel.

If the tape you are using is really old then it is much more difficult to get the paper backing to release than a fresh roll of tape.

 

[poot_traveller]

OK thank you, I'll give it a try.

 

[Matlock]

Use sharp scissors, cut a piece of tape off the roll a couple inches long for practice.

Hold this tape with the paper side up in your left hand. Lightly drag the finger-tip of your right index finger across a corner of the cut edge. (Same motion or pressure used to swipe a cell phone screen to activate.)
What your trying to do here is to get the paper corner edge to peel away from the foil, just a smidge. Start your swipe motion off the edge and allow your finger to touch and drag from the sharp edge towards the middle of the tape.

After you do this to all four corners of your "practice" tape piece you'll be an expert.

(Bonus hint, I found it useful to crease the paper I've peeled back so it does not lay back down against the foil before I'm ready to peel all the paper off.)

Hope this helps.

 

[highdesertranger]

when I have had this problem it was because the tape was old. take it back where you got it and ask them to separate it. when they can't ask them for your money back or a fresh roll. highdesertranger

 

[poot_traveller]

Use sharp scissors, cut a piece of tape off the roll a couple inches long for practice.

Hold this tape with the paper side up in your left hand. Lightly drag the finger-tip of your right index finger across a corner of the cut edge. (Same motion or pressure used to swipe a cell phone screen to activate.)
What your trying to do here is to get the paper corner edge to peel away from the foil, just a smidge. Start your swipe motion off the edge and allow your finger to touch and drag from the sharp edge towards the middle of the tape.

After you do this to all four corners of your "practice" tape piece you'll be an expert.

(Bonus hint, I found it useful to crease the paper I've peeled back so it does not lay back down against the foil before I'm ready to peel all the paper off.)

Hope this helps.


Thanks for the help

 

[poot_traveller]

when I have had this problem it was because the tape was old.  take it back where you got it and ask them to separate it.   when they can't ask them for your money back or a fresh roll.  highdesertranger

It's a new roll.  I'm gonna give it another try tomorrow with the above suggested techniques.

 

[B and C]

You may have just bought the roll but no telling how long it was on the shelf waiting for you.

I like to bend a corner down first to kinda make the paper slide a smidge to give a purchase for my fingernail. What I try to do is feel the seam where they meet with my fingernail and then slide the fingernail to wedge it apart.

 

[MrNoodly]

Stick tabs of masking tape, cellophane tape or duct tape to the front and back of a corner of your aluminum tape, then peel them apart. It should peel the aluminum from the paper. After you apply the aluminum tape, pull the tab off.

 

[poot_traveller]

You may have just bought the roll but no telling how long it was on the shelf waiting for you.  

I like to bend a corner down first to kinda make the paper slide a smidge to give a purchase for my fingernail.  What I try to do is feel the seam where they meet with my fingernail and then slide the fingernail to wedge it apart.

Thanks for the suggestion but I don't have any fingernails due to my bad habit of biting my fingernails.

 

[poot_traveller]

Stick tabs of masking tape, cellophane tape or duct tape to the front and back of a corner of your aluminum tape, then peel them apart. It should peel the aluminum from the paper. After you apply the aluminum tape, pull the tab off.

That's a good idea. I'm gonna try this as well, I've got some other duct tape to work with as well.  Thanks

 

[maki2]

Thanks for the suggestion but I don't have any fingernails due to my bad habit of biting my fingernails.

I don't have any but that is because they are too weak to survive all the work I do with my hands. Therefore I use the tip of a knife to pull up the paper.

You can stop biting your fingernails. I used to do that but as a teen I decided to break that habit. I did it by temporarily replacing biting with filing my nails. It took about 3 weeks and that bad habit was history.  Studies have show that it takes at least 21 days or so to break a habit. Just keep one of those nail clippers with a file in your pocket, you can do this.