Two types of wiping products are available, tack rags; wipe . Tack is designed to remove loose dust particles, dirt and lint for surface preparation, whether that be painting, coating, laminating or any other finishing. Made with a unique process and formulation, tack cloth will not harden, dry out or darken in storage or while in use. A tack cloth or tack rag is a lint-free material often gauze-like impregnated with a tacky substance used to remove dust and dirt from wood prior to finishing; a task essential to applying a smooth finish.