Removing tape and residue from recurve

[Kevin Bahr]

Howdy resident experts...

I recently got a used Robertson Prairie Falcon take down recurve at a garage sale for $100.  
It has some camo tape on the limbs and riser and some...what looks like tape residue/glue on part as well.  What would be the best process to use to remove the gunk without hurting the finish of the bow?  
Thanks in advance for any advice.
KBAHR

[paleFace]

Kevin i used some goo gone which is similar to resolve to remove some duct tape glue and it worked great. i don't think it would hurt the finish at all but i would try it on a small spot first.

[Bigriver]

Kevin, 10w40 or baby oil will lift & remove it without harm to the finish. Goo gone as stated above will work too.

[Forester]

Kevin,

Send that bow to me and I'll wear the residue right off of it for you.  It's a long process, may take all fall.  But I promise to return it to you personally in Pittsburgh.  

[Charlie Lamb]

Kevin... simple as using a little WD-40 and it'll be long gone with no harm to the finish.  

[Archer 1]

Kevin,
  All I've ever used is WD-40 Just spray it on, let it sit a few min. and wipe it off with a cloth, or paper towel. I've cleaned about 20 bows of tape gunk with it, and it has never hurt the finish. Once it's cleaned off, I just use some polish on the bow, and they look like new.

[Archer 1]

Sorry Charlie, I must have been posting the same time you were.

[Otto]

I think WD-40 may be safest.  I've used Goo Gone and on occassion it has caused the finish on a bow to dull somewhat.  Wish I could tell you the type of finish on the bow but I don't know what it was.

[styckbow]

I recently had this problem and while WD-40 kind of worked I had the best results with lighter fluid just make sure you are in a well ventilated area and don't smoke while youre doing it. Delin

[ethan]

acetone will remove it and won't hurt the finish, promise.  It dries fast and I would think would be better than putting an oil on the bow, just my two cents worth.

[Kevin Bahr]

Thanks one and all.  I will try one of these methods as soon as I get back from Newfoundland.

[Plywood Bender-laptop]

Kevin,

I use the Goo-gone stuff after every deer season on my Ballistik.  It has never hurt the finish.

Carl

[Ray Hammond]

the problem with any oil is it will soak into wood..and soften it.

Acetone is a fast drying solvent and will not harm the finishes used on bows.

I think it would be safer than WD40 if only from this one perspective...especially on a used bow.