removing shellaced handlebar tape

[bicycletricycle]

I got a cool bike with shellaced handlebar tape, unfortunately I want to change the stem length.

What is the best approach to removing schellaced on handlebar tape?

[jacrider]

You can try the alcohol used to dissolve the shellac flakes. I am pretty sure it would dissolve the shellac again. Google might help with the exact type of alcohol.

[benb]

LOL I was listening to Grant Peterson or someone extoll the virtues of doing this but now that I hear about this it sounds horrible.

[RWL2222]

Yep denatured alcohol will remove it in a jiffy

[charliedid]

Fire

[robt57]

Originally Posted by charliedid

Fire

And re-anneals alloy bars as a bonus.

[unterhausen]

I feel like it's just going to peel right off without using any alcohol. I'm a big fan of shellac for finishing wood, but I have never used it on tape. Like others have said, it re-melts easily with the application of alcohol. I'm not sure there is any type of alcohol that's better than any other, it's not like you are refinishing a piano.

[ColonelJLloyd]

It should come off without difficulty. Maybe get it started with a razor blade. Cleanup with denatured alcohol (aka white gas).

[Fat Cat]

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

It should come off without difficulty. Maybe get it started with a razor blade. Cleanup with denatured alcohol (aka white gas).

No. Denatured alcohol is poisoned ethanol. White gas is naphta which is way more flammable.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Either one is going to get the job done.

[Fat Cat]

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

Either one is going to get the job done.

Of course. I was cautioning the flammable part.