How to Remove Duct Tape From Automobile Finish
Duct tape is like The Force; it has a light side and a dark side, and it binds the universe together. But even this most Jedi of all modern substances can leave behind a residue that can ruin an otherwise fine-looking automobile, removable only by that other product of 1,001 uses. It's simpler and cheaper than you might think; just look on that all-purpose shelf right next to your roll of duct tape.
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Instructions
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Soften the tape with a hair drier set on high. Run the hair drier back and forth over the tape, then pry one corner of the tape up with a fingernail or plastic knife. Keep heat on the tape while prying it up. You could just rip it off if your paint is fairly fresh and new, but dried-on duct tape can easily destroy old and faded paint jobs.
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Soak the residue remaining with a liberal amount of a penetrating oil like WD-40, PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench. The oil will work its way in between the adhesive and the paint, breaking their molecular bond and allowing the adhesive to lift. Soak your rag with penetrating oil.
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Rub the adhesive residue with the oil-soaked rag, moving perpendicularly to the original direction of the tape. Apply more oil as needed and continue to rub in circles and in perpendicular lines.
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Wash the area down with dish detergent to remove the oil and remaining residue. You might want to wash the entire car down with detergent and re-wax it, as the detergent will strip the conditioners and wax out of that area. If you're going to wash and wax one part of the car, you might as well do the rest of it.
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References
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