How do I get tape marks off a damascus blade?

Col Defender

Col Defender

Joined
Nov 11, 2011
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Doesn't show well in this picture but you can just see the outline where I had blue painters tape on this blade for safety. It was on for at least a week. This morning I took the tape off and now there is a distinct outline where the tape was. So far I have tried Dawn dish soap and a light coat of Rem Oil. It's still there. The area which was taped does not feel sticky to the touch. I'm reluctant to use alcohol or any solvent until I get some expert guidance. How can I fix this? Is it a mistake to tape a damascus blade to begin with? I am new to damascus but have taped my 1084 blades with no issues.



Help please!
 
I learned this the hard way, maybe not as hard as you though. Mine was a folder blade that I could disassemble and re-etch. My tape was only on for twenty minutes and did the same thing. Stainless blades don't seem to have this problem but apparently most carbon blades do. A lot of guys will wrap the blade with a piece of phone book paper and then secure it with electrical tape. I do not have an answer for removing the mark; if you get it off, please post up because none of the makers I know have a trick for it and I asked a lot of makers when I had my mishap.

Bob
 
Have you tried 2,000 grit or 1500 grit paper? I tape all my dammy blades with blue tape and don't have any problems.
 
That is Patina where there was no tape.
Clean off the oil and hit the whole thing with 0000 steel wool to TRY and get it even
If that doesn't work take off the handle and re-etch
 
Is that blue tape the special clean line, no bleed tape for latex paint ?


I've seen different brands use blue or green,

There are special types that use moisture absorbing material (I think it's the stuff they put in diapers)
to form a gel barrier so you don't get bleed through under the tape.

Great for painting, but not for steel, they hold moisture on the steel

I use the cheapest normal tape, with vaseline and a layer of paper underneath.
Not necessarily newspaper, as that ink is another whole set of problems.


If it's a stain in the steel and not just adhesive, I don't know any other way other than resand and etch.
 
Would this work? An idea struck me - if the super fine steel wool or sandpaper does not work, could I (carefully with handles still attached) clean it up, and re-etch it in warm vinegar in a piece of pvc, keeping the wood out of all the liquid. There is still a pattern both where the tape was and where it was not. Could that sort of a re-etching "blend" the pattern enough to camouflage or hide the tape line?

I see little to lose as long as I am super careful. If it does not work I can still remove the handles re-sand, re-etch etc.

Any thoughts about this?
 
I used to have a problem getting the glue off when I left tape on a fiberglass boat too long. I found that if you spray the adhesive with WD-40 and let it sit for a few minutes it would come right off. Good luck.

Tim
 
Once completely clean of any adhesive residue ( use acetone), just give it a quick rub with 0000 steel wool or 3M polishing paper ( pink or mint color). Clean again and re-oil.
 
Thanks guys - you saved me again. 2000 grit sandpaper did the job; it did make the blade a little lighter but since the knife is for me I can live with that. And I will NEVER AGAIN put tape directly on Damascus. I'll do the phone book paper wrap first.
 
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