Plastic for windows

[joegig50]

I have as Mobile Home...I have been trying to put Plastic to cover the windows///You use a HairDryer to tighten it down...The Problem I have is that the Tape does not want to stick...Any suggestions?

[Oren]

Do the instructions suggest that you clean the windows?

-- Oren

"Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly."

[JoeSpareBedroom]

1) The tape works best if you put it on the outer edges of the window molding, not the front. Not sure if you have thick enough molding in a mobile home, though. 2) Wipe down the surface to be taped with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Let it dry for a minute or two before applying the tape.

[jah213]

I've found that this is one of those times when it pays to buy the brand name. I have never had a problem getting the 3M brand tape to stick when using this type of plastic. However, I have often had a problem getting the off-brands to stick.

Note that even the 3M brand needs a relatively clean, flat, smooth surface to adhere to. If you are using it on an aluminum window frame (as is often present in mobile homes), make sure it is completely dry. If you're trying to stick it to the adjacent wall, make sure the wall is clean, smooth, and dry.

If you have a different brand of kit, I would suggest buying the 3M tape (it's available by the roll) instead of using what's in the kit.

Be careful when removing the tape next spring. Even though it's designed to be removable, if you yank it too quickly, it will sometimes pull off paint (or, if you have an older mobile home, the paper on the fake paneling wallboard).

Jo Ann

joegig50 wrote:

[Joseph Meehan]

The tape may be old or you may be trying to stick on on something that needs to be cleaned or that is not suitable for taping.

[EXT]

In my youth, I used to mask cars for painting in an autobody shop. I learned then that the surface MUST be clean, dry and dust free. Certain materials do NOT accept any type of tape readily. These you must super clean, often using a strong solvent such as lacquer thinner to remove surface oils or other contaminants before the tape will stick. Be careful the solvent is flammable and may damage paint, coatings and plastics.

[Oren]

Sounds like painting garbage trucks...

-- Oren

"Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly."

[EXT]

Actually, because the shop had a huge paint room, sometimes they would paint garbage trucks. Got them in, and got them out fast, they would stink up the whole building. Usually painted them on a Sunday then left the building as soon as the truck was rolled out so that the air could clear.