Protecting Paint with Clear Tape

For those of you who use soft luggage and protect the bodywork with clear shipping/packaging tape, the "Scotch" brand is a lot easier to remove than any other. On my last trip, I was out of the Scotch brand, so I used some of the generic clear tape that most companies buy in bulk and use in the Shipping department. Even though the bike was covered at my destination, as in no direct sunlight, it was difficult to peel off and left LOTS of residue that had to be removed with WD-40.

I always put on a fresh coat of Meguire's wax before I put on the tape, and I have had the Scotch brand tape on for up to a week at a time, exposed it to sun in the summer months, etc. It removes easily and seldom leaves any residue at all.

While I am rattling on about it, I also do two things that are helpful for removal;

1. Intentionally leave air bubbles in it and wrinkle it a bit.

2. Double over the tape at one of the ends so there is a "pull tab" of sorts to start with, and it will prevent it from ripping.

That's it.

 

I know its not clear, but how about painters tape?

 

Great tip on the Scotch brand advantage. I used the same trick on my lower fairing when the hwy dept was repaving a section of my commute route a few summers back. It sure beat trying to get the wads of paving tar off the bodywork with "bug and tar remover" (a.k.a. clearcoat remover).

Thanks!