Proofgrade materials come with a paper-based mask and I’ve never had to remove it before doing something. Acrylics from Inventables and other sources often have a clear film and from what I’ve read here, yes you should remove it first or wind up with a sticky mess.
Gorilla tape is a popular option for weeding, although to remove a sticky mess???
A plastic razor blade (sold on Amazon) may help:
Otherwise it’s looking like solvent time. Alcohol would probably work. If it is acrylic, use whatever. If removing from wood you want one that’s as close to 99% as you can get. The IPA sold in drug stores is about 70% alcohol and 30% water and that much water can be bad for some wood products. Don’t use acetone on acrylic as it is an acrylic solvent.