How to Remove Tape or Stickers
from Glass or Tables or Other Surfaces

(in response to seeing people gouge away needlessly...)

Pick off whatever you can first.
Then, smear oil over the tape or stickers. Any oil will do -- hand lotion, 3-in-1 oil, salad oil, mineral oil. . .
Let it sit, preferably overnight, or at least an hour.
Carefully scrape off the stickers or tape with a plastic spatula or similar tool, or a razor blade, depending upon how delicate the surface is, or how much you care whether it gets scratched.
Wipe off the last bits of sticky stuff and oil, and then wipe one more time with solvent or with detergent and water if you don't want to use any of these solvents. Isopar or laquer thinner or nail polish remover work well. Other solvents such as gasoline, turpentine, etc. may work well, too. Test an inconspicuous spot on the surface first to make sure the solvent or the detergent and water won't ruin the finish.
Use the solvents with proper ventilation and skin protection, and away from open flames.
Make a final rinse by wiping with a damp cloth to remove any leftover solvent or detergent and any remaining bits of tape.

5-12-99