Cels Forum

Staples are relatively easy to remove if you use a pair of
pliers to straighten their legs. Since they are not glued
to the cel or background in anyway, you should be able to
release them without harming the cel and background.

Tape is a more "sticky" matter. (sorry ^_^) Sometimes, it
can be removed with minimal to no damage to the paint by
using the edge of a blade (e.g., knife, razor) to lift
enough of the corner of the tape to allow you to peel it
off. In other cases, the glue of the tape is too sticky and
will pull the paint away.

For the most part, I'd say leave the staples or tape alone
unless you are comfortable removing them. By doing so, you
allow the cel and the background to stay in the position
that it was designed to be. I can imagine someone wanting to
remove the tape if it has yellowed and detracts from the
image.

---Trebuchet