Static on Leader Tape

[Kingrex]

I have been on a tape kick while my DAC is out for service. Vinyl too of course.
I noticed on one of my tapes, the yellow leader tape is highly static charged. It is so hot is want to slap down onto any metal on my machine and stick.
I tried using my demagnetizer on the tape but now the tape sounds bad.
Owe come on, I did not do that.
But, I do want to get the charge off the tape. Should I wet a clean lint free cloth and wipe the leader tape with distilled water?
What should I do.
Rex

 

[Foxbat]

It is an old phenomenon, and the reason why the leader used between the songs on master tape is made of paper, that does not generate static charge.

 

[Another Johnson]

Anti-Static Brush with Ionizing Cartridge - 1"

Achieve reliable static elimination with the 1" Anti-Static Brush featuring an Ionizing Cartridge. Experience superior static control. Order now

amstat.com

 

[Kingrex]

So can I use my record brush?

 

[Another Johnson]

You can try it. The brush I suggested is tried and true in industrial and laboratory environments. I used these in the darkroom for years.

An anti static ion gun could also work.

 

[Kingrex]

The brush wont damage the tape if if gets close?

 

[Another Johnson]

No. It’s not magnetic. It’s ion based. The polonium cartridge gets replaced every year.
It seems like an expensive solution, but no one has suggested that tape is an inexpensive format.
If you’re worried, unwind a couple of feet and brush from the far end toward the tape.

You could wrap the leader around a grounded copper bar. No matter what you do, it’s going to eventually regain its charge.