How to remove 3M Command strips?

[bara3]

These 3M command strips are not living up to their promise.

https://www.commandbrand.com.au/

I had a couple fail on me after a few years where the adhesive comes off the hook or the strip as if it was never there. I've had a few which I bought and didn't use for a couple of years and then when I went to use them it didn't stick at all.

But what's worse is having this hook that I need to remove after a few years and it's not coming off. The location of the hook is in the bathroom so potentially it has experienced high humidity. It is the Wet Area Towel Hooks, So it should be fine.

When I tried to remove it I pulled down and it stretches a bit like you expect and then it snaps off.

You can see all the adhesive had dried and cracked and become bits of powder all over my hand. I tried to fool pull the next bit and then a 5 millimetre segment cracked off in my hand again leaving lots of powder residue. i've broken it up until under the hook and now I can't pull anymore off.

I've used these for years and some of them come off properly and I don't know why some others fail have not been able to get any response from 3M itself.

Any ideas how I can get the rest of this off without ripping off the paint underneath? It is on the window frame.

[JacobZ]

Hi @bara3,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

When Command strips fail, especially in humid environments like bathrooms, removing them without damaging paint can be tricky.

To attempt to safely remove the remaining hook and strip, start by using a hair dryer to warm the adhesive for about 30–60 seconds. This softens any residue and makes removal easier.

Next, slide dental floss behind the hook using a gentle sawing motion to separate it from the surface. This helps dislodge the hook without pulling off paint. 

Once removed, you can clean off any remaining residue with an adhesive remover such as Goof Off.

If you have any issues with paint peeling off, you can always grab a paint sample pot to give it a quick touch up.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[bara3]

Actually on that window frame, it uses an enamel based paint. The surface of it has cracked but I have yet to fix it. In other places in the house I have painted but each time the finished does not look quite like the original and the original paint seems to be quite thick as well. Hence I'm a bit hesitant to scrape off this and repaint.

Is there a reason command strips fail in humidity?

[EricL]

Hello @bara3 

It is difficult to guess as to why the adhesive has failed. This question is best addressed to 3M, I suggest sending them an email if you can't get in contact through their customer service line. In regards to the hook attached to your window frame, I suggest spraying the adhesive section with De-Solv-it 125ml Sticky Spot and Stain Remover. Get a small cotton ball and soak it with De-Solv-it and allow it to sit on top of the adhesive fixing.

After a few minutes try to lift the adhesive strip off with your fingernail and see if it lifts up. It may take a while, but I suggest slowly stripping the adhesive strip off the window frame rather than forcing it off. Add more spray if the adhesive dries off.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[bara3]

I was able to get the adhesive off using a hair dryer. Strangely some of it became soft with heat while some parts remained solid and crumbly. It may have even reacted with the paint and left a funny mark on it? There is a small indentation in the shape of the 3M strip

[DIY4Knuckleheds]

OK bara3 l have a couple of suggestions which might be worth a try:

1: WD.40. Just put a drop of WD-40 on the top edge of the tape, and wiggle it gently so it can get at the adhesive backing. Work drop by drop, gently pulling the adhesive away from the wall each time to make microscopic entrances for the WD-40 to wiggle in there and work its magic.

2: Try some Eucalyptus Oil. 

Good luck 👍