[Neil Mc Anulty]

I have had a call to remove the protective plastic that comes on new pvc window frames. (woodgrain style). It is the clear plastic tape and has been left on the windows for approximately 18 months due to the site being closed. The tape seems to have broken down and bonded with the pvc frame and will only come off in bits about an inch square.

Is there a solution to this problem?

I hope so, theres about 30 4-5 bedroom houses so quite a bit of work involved.

[BDCS]

Upvc solvant or denatured ethanol and isobutyl acetate, you may need to pressure wash first then this will remove the residue

[Griffus]

Same as BDCS; we use UPVC solvent on this (approx 80% Naptha & 20% Acetone). It can however still take some time.

As the frames you refer to are wood effect be sure to test a small area as we have only ever used on white.

Another option is steam, although never used it ourselves I imagine it could work quite well.

[Seers]

Hi,

We had an identical problem a few months ago. Site had been closed for a year and the sun had baked on tape.

We tried all sorts of solvents but ended up using a heat gun. However, this was still painstakingly slow.

In the end the site got the painters to sand back all the frames and respray a finish.

Cheers,

Huw.