Sticky-stuff remover: There's also "Goo-Gone", available in many stores. And then there's a 3M product, sold in auto parts/paint stores, for adhesive removal. It's pretty much like a Goo-gone product except much more volatile (use in well-ventilated areas!!). I use a quart every two or three years for removing old stickers on the truck and bikes. And yes,s the 3M product works on years-old tape residue. I apply a dampened rag and hold it on the residue for a few minutes, then start working on the stuff with more liquid, more rag, more elbow grease.
As for painter's tape -- I haven't used it, but I've seen it lots of times and have every expectation that it's just dandy -- and probably just as available as duct tape or duck tape.
