AutoBody101.com

Is it low quality tape or old tape?

It is a problem with both actually....cheap tapes have glues which are simple and more aggressive. Tape left on for an extended time allows the migratory plasticizers in the glue to migrate into the paint coating. As for what is a universal glue remover for almost all of these tapes....go to the big box hardware store and pick up VMP Naphtha. It doesn't have to have that VMP thing on it (just an old certification thing which stand for Varnish Makers and Painters) as long as it is Naphtha. Naphtha quickly removes most glues without harming the paint. Do not use regular Mineral Spirits, paint thinner, or lacquer thinner as these all can be made from various recycled products which can indeed attack paint.

There's a product called "goo-gone" made for removing labels.
works great for adhesive removal and is paint safe.

Just take some reducer to it. You may have to polish the area after.

What brand tape are you using?

yellow 3m automotive tape does not transfer glue, some of you that wet sand will find that green and tan tapes are hard to remove after being wet, yellow is water resistant and will perform better than the others

PainterDave wrote:yellow 3m automotive tape does not transfer glue, some of you that wet sand will find that green and tan tapes are hard to remove after being wet, yellow is water resistant and will perform better than the others

This is what I use as well. Find it much better than the other colors.