Can Eternabond tape be removed? This is a common question. While Eternabond has many practical applications, it can be removed if necessary. I’ve done it several times and the removal technique outlined here works the best.
What is Eternabond Tape?
Eternabond tape is a popular after market product used by RV, travel trailer, and camper van owners to repair leaks and seal roof openings, roof seams, window seams and storage compartments. The super sticky material bonds with whatever you stick it to and creates a watertight seal.
I have also used Eternabond tape to securely mount flexible solar panels, antenna mounts and other items to the roof of my RV. It holds securely and can be a viable alternative to drilling holes and screws into your RV roof.
These project videos show other uses I’ve found for Eternabond tape.
The name “Eternabond” implies that the bond is permanent or “Eternal”. That’s not true. If you ever need to remove or replace the tape, I’m here to tell you that it can be removed.
Here’s the removal process that has worked best for me.
Steps for Removing Eternabond Tape
1. Heat the Eternabond tape with a hair dryer or heat gun to soften it up
2. Tear back the outer coating of the tape (TIP: heat the back of the tape while peeling the white layer off)
3. Use a utility knife to cut back the stringy sticky material as you pull off the outer coating
4. Heat up the remaining stick material with the hair dryer or heat gun
5. Scrape as much of the stick material away with a plastic scraper (be careful not to puncture the surface of your roof)
6. Apply turpentine to a rag and wipe away the remaining residue
NOTE: There’s no need to remove the sticky material if you intend to reapply more Eternabond in the same spot. The new tape will bond to the old material just fine.
Other solvents that have been known to help remove sticky residue are mineral spirits, gasoline (yeah seriously), WD40, 3M Contact Adhesive Remover Spray, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and rubbing alcohol.