• Adhesive tape should make life easier, not harder.plastic tape image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  Adhesive tape has many practical applications. Tape can help you do anything from holding your child's paintings on the refrigerator to masking off the crown molding in your living room while you paint. Unfortunately, once in a while adhesive tape can cause some problems. Before you use tape, consider the possible consequences and determine whether it might be a better idea to use something else to accomplish your projects.
  
  

Getting Tape to Stick

• If your adhesive tape won't stick, try cleaning the surface you are trying to tape. Wipe it down with a damp rag and allow it to dry completely before reapplying the tape. If this doesn't work, try heating the tape and the surface with a hair dryer. This is especially helpful in cold weather, although the heat from the dryer will help activate the adhesive even in average temperatures.
  
  

Removing Tape

• Removing adhesive tape and the residue left behind can be a major undertaking if you don't know how to do it. For a clean removal, try pulling the tape off slowly at a 45-degree angle. If the tape won't budge or if it leaves behind adhesive, try using a straight razor to scrape it off. If there is still residue left over, apply denatured alcohol or paint deglosser to wipe it off.
  
  

Allergies

• Having an allergy to certain adhesives can make it problematic to use adhesive tape. The best way to control your allergy is to stay away from the tape or material that causes the allergic reaction. Consider using paper rather than plastic tape, as the former tends to be less irritating, according to the health-information site Tandurust.com. If you must handle the adhesive, use gloves and other protective clothing.