Remove elec tape residue?

[Morebows]

I've got a couple late 50's bear recurves (one is a twin to the Little Delta bow, except for only 41#) that have grime and electrical tape residue on them.  What can I use to get the tape residue off that won't hurt the finish?

[ARCHER2]

I'D USE WD40.I DON'T THINK IT WILL HURT THE FINISH,I'VE USED IT ON LOTS OF THINGS AND IT HASN'T HURT THE FINISH YET.GUNS,BOWS,CARS,BOATS,ETC.PUT SOME ON A COTTON SWAB AND RUB IT LIGHTLY, SHOULD TAKE IT RIGHT OFF.

[Morebows]

Thanks Charlie.  I was worried if the finish used back in the 50's would stand up to current solvents.  The 57 Kodiak Special is mint, so that is the one I really don't want to make a mistake on, but the 58 Kodiak Special is quite a "holy" bow with a ragged finish, I can't even guess what some of the holes were for but it is a solid shooter so I think I'll try it on that one.

[Falk]

Doesn't WD-40 contain Graphite and/or Mo-Sulfide? I would go for a "clear" weapons oil if oil at all.
Just yesterday I saw on that ****-auction website one of Bowdocs products: "Bopo". The auctions description is some nice reading too and may provide some hint for you. I really like his style. To funny  :D

[Shawn Leonard]

Ya can use a product called goo-gone. It is a natural based solvent. It will not harm the finish, after clening it will look dull but it will polish right out. Shawn

[Precurve]

I've used the "Orange" citrus based cleaner on tape residue with great results.  All natural and won't hurt anything.

[cornfed]

The orange based cleaners such as goo-gone are the safest in my opinion,and if it looks kind of dull when you are done,a once over with turtle wax usually will bring it right back.Turtle wax is also a good general cleanup for old bows,fly poop and general all around grime.

[Morebows]

Thanks guys, I'll give them a try.  I think my wife has some goo-gone already.

[raghorn]

I haven't tried this but have been told that it works.......peanut butter.....the oil will cut the tape residue. You can lick it off your fingers while you work!

[Horney Toad]

I use charcoal lighter fluid, which is a mild solvent which evaporates fairly quickly.

[jhansen]

I use Break Free CLP in my shop.  When I tape a gunstock in preparation for grinding on a recoil pad I wipe a little on before applying the tape.  It prevents the tape from damaging the finish.  I've used it on all kinds of finishes without a problem.  It works great for removing tape residue of all types as well.  I've taken the tape residue off everything from gunstocks to bows with it.

John