Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Duct Tape Skin?

A

Armstrong

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 28, 2012
4
0
Just got a new MBA 13", and will be leaving soon for a round the world trip. I don't have a lot of money to spend on a Gelaskin, nor do I want anything that makes the laptop look fancy or expensive (security reasons). I'd like to protect it from scratches so I can sell it when I get back. Any thoughts to just putting some clean white duct tape over the whole thing? I know it'll look horrid, but thats half the point.

thoughts?
 
The glue in the tape might leave nasty marks on the MBA once you take it off...
 
I thought about that. was thinking about a thin layer of scotch tape first, then cover that with duct tape. Would that perhaps cause the MBA to overheat?
 
ooans said:
The glue in the tape might leave nasty marks on the MBA once you take it off...
Click to expand...

Yea this will definitely leave a bunch of residue. There are plenty of cheap hard shells or soft skins you could get for $10 to $15 on Amazon or eBay.
 
I would try gaffer tape instead of either duct or scotch tape. Or painter's tape, although that's kind of on the thin side. Gaffer tape is cloth and fairly durable.
 
Go for it, the duct tape sholdn't damage it. The trick is removing the residue left over without damaging it. WD40 is great but it might discolor or scratch the aluminum finish. Scotch tape also leaves a residue, just not as much.
 
Instead of putting money into tape that could possibly damage it more, put that money towards a cheap case or skin on ebay. They range from $5-$15.
 
I like the idea of using duct tape actually - i highly doubt the sticky residue will be a problem. It's aluminium....squirt some lighter fluid over it afterwards or something like that to disolve the glue and it'll be fine.
 
This sounds like a terrible idea. You had the money for a MBAir, spend $15 on a skin.
 
phil989 said:
I like the idea of using duct tape actually - i highly doubt the sticky residue will be a problem. It's aluminium....squirt some lighter fluid over it afterwards or something like that to disolve the glue and it'll be fine.
Click to expand...

You should try it on yours and report back. If lighter fluid doesn't work, try paint thinner, nail polish remover..etc.
 
phil989 said:
I like the idea of using duct tape actually - i highly doubt the sticky residue will be a problem. It's aluminium....squirt some lighter fluid over it afterwards or something like that to disolve the glue and it'll be fine.
Click to expand...

I use duct tape alot, I use it where I want, basically, a PERMANENT patch. The couple of times I ripped out duct tape it invariably ripped out some materials with it. Don't know what kind of adhesive they put in there but it's very strong.

So I hope OP don't listen to you, or leave him your ph#. ^)
 
Mrbobb said:
I use duct tape alot, I use it where I want, basically, a PERMANENT patch. The couple of times I ripped out duct tape it invariably ripped out some materials with it. Don't know what kind of adhesive they put in there but it's very strong.

So I hope OP don't listen to you, or leave him your ph#. ^)
Click to expand...

This. Big time. Part of the reason Duct Tape is so useful in so many situations is its ridiculous stickiness...
 
Wool lube or WD-40 will remove the sticky residue left behind.

I had to clean a 13" MBP lids worth of stickers off mine before I sold it, and they came off without a hitch, in fact, it left the MBP looking shiny and brand new!
 
If you decide to put duct tape on your mba and it leaves residue, you should buy some GooGone. It works like a charm and wouldn't damage it.
 
Yes that is true but I am not sure that it will give you brain damage, but you never know. I suppose you could wear a paint mask while applying it and then maybe wiping it down so the fumes do not appear.
-Cowhoon
 
I would use 2" Blue painting tape as a base, and then proceed to desecrate the bejumpers out of it with icky Duct tape. The paint tape should come off with little effort, and if it does leave any residue, use Goo Gone. Your Apple will then smell citrusy! Best of luck with whatever you decide to do...;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back