'The Tackifier' Blog by FindTape

For most professionals in the engineering or artistic disciplines, ideas and concepts begin on simple sketches and drafts. The paper on which you work needs a solid and steady environment for rendering your ideas. For architectural and engineering drafts that required some degree of accuracy, the paper needs to be secured to the surface to allow for proper and accurate first renditions. The use of masking tape partially fulfills the requirements of the process, but presents some notable disadvantages. Drafting tape, especially manufactured for this express purpose, increases your efficiency as a draftsperson.

Drafting Tape Over Masking Tape

As an engineer, an architect or artist, you know that your draft needs to be secured to the surface in a flat, immobile manner while maintaining the integrity of the paper, which means that the edges and the corners should be held fast to the drafting board or the surface in use with an adhesive tape.

Masking tape comes in various sizes according to one's needs, and can easily secure your paper to the desired surface with sufficient tension. There are however, some disadvantages that come with using masking tape to securing your renditions to a surface:

• Sometimes can leaves track marks of the adhesive compound.
• Does not separate well with paper, and can often cause a tear when attempting to remove.

Drafting tape adhesive adheres to most surfaces, but is designed to not leave any marks on either the paper or the surface which allows you to quickly remove the draft for review and paste down a new one with the drafting tape. It is easy to peel off the tape, thereby preserving the integrity of the paper.

Drafting Tape Compared to Artist or Console Tape

Console tape, also known as Artist or Board tape, is similar to drafting tape because it is easy to remove or reposition, but it differs in usage. Console tape is mainly used for labeling various projects and since it is printable you can write on it using pencils, markers and pens. It also comes in various colors in case you also need the tape to stand out; especially when you are color coding certain aspects of your projects. Drafting tape is specifically designed to be relatively obscure and made to hold down or mount up your projects without compromising your working surface or your paper. Board or console tape uses synthetic rubber for increased bonding effect while drafting tape uses natural rubber as its adhesive agent, attributing its ability to bond with quite a number of surfaces.

Other Uses of Drafting Tape

Drafting tape allows for easy setups and removal, making it the ideal solution for all your drawings, artwork and drafts, and especially those that have been done on newsprint paper. You can therefore use it to put up your children's drawings on your art wall, or securing their work on the table to allow them to work with ease. It will also not leave marks on the wall, window, door or table surface.

3M Scotch 230 Drafting Tape is the version we sell online and like masking tape and board tape you can tear it off easily for convenience, and is pretty useful for holding up lightweight paper on horizontal or vertical surfaces and everything in-between, with the added advantage of easy and painless removal from the surface and from the paper without compromising the integrity of the paper. It comes in 60 yard rolls and in either 1/2, 3/4 or 1 inch widths.

60 years ago, when ground breaking Velcro fabric was invented, how things were fastened was revolutionized. Over the last six decades, Velcro fabric has been used in an endless amount of applications. Since the time it was introduced, this product has continued to improve through advances in engineering and technology. However, 3M has revolutionized fastening again with their Dual Lock line of re-closable tape fasteners.

Dual Lock tape has four times the gripping power of Velcro fabric and its self-adhesive backing strips will stubbornly not release even under intense temperature applications. The adhesive strips are also designed to bond well with slightly textured or irregular surfaces. These are major improvements over Velcro fabric, which is comparatively weaker and does not remain stuck to objects as firmly as 3M Dual Lock tape. The adhesive backing on Velcro is notorious for loosing its bond to surfaces when temperatures rise. 3M Dual Lock tape will remain bonded in these situations where Velcro fabric cannot.

Unlike Velcro fabric, 3M Dual Lock tape does not use loops and hooks for fastening. Instead, this product uses small plastic "mushroom-like" plastic stems to provide secure fastening. This allows for the handy feature of 3M Dual Lock tape being able to universally mate with most any other piece of Dual Lock tape. This works because where Velcro fabric required mating two different types of fabric strips, there is only one type of Dual Lock tape strip. Also, when pieces of 3M Dual Lock tape are joined properly, an audible snap is heard that gives you assurance the pieces are properly fastened. All of these additional features not found in Velcro put 3M Dual Lock well ahead in durability and reliability. 3M Dual Lock tape is also solvent and flame resistant.

Standard 3M Dual Lock tape comes in three types, 170, 250 and 400. The number refers to the amount of fastening stems in a square inch. Thus, the higher the number, the more thorough the fastening. Some of the different types can be inter-mated. For example, type 170 can mate with types 250 and 400. Additionally, type 250 can mate with type 400. However, types 175 and 400 should not be mated with itself. But it is fine to mate type 250 to type 250, which is the most commonly used type and is sufficient for most applications. 3M Dual Lock tape is also available in a wide variety of widths.

In addition to standard Dual Lock, 3M also offers a low profile Dual Lock that has a massive 700 stems per square inch. The stems in low profile Dual Lock are comparatively shorter than standard 3M Dual Lock tape, thus the jointing between strips is thinner. When mated, standard Dual Lock is about 1/4 inch in thickness, whereas low profile is approximately 1/10 inch. Since the fastening stems in low profile Dual Lock are shorter, the fastening strength is reduced when compared to standard Dual Lock tape. Low Profile Dual Lock can only be mated with itself.

If you need to mount heavy (or light) objects with an adhesive backed tape, 3M Dual Lock tape is the best product to use. It is highly functional, versatile, durable, comes in several variations. It can also be used in countless applications, such as attaching toll tag monitors, seat cushions in boats, computer accessories and removable medical equipment. Dual Lock can be used to reduce vibration and dampen sound, as well. Uses for Low Profile Dual Lock include attaching carpet and tiles, seat cushions, trade show exhibition graphics, point of purchase displays and small electronic devices, such as garage door openers.

3M Dual Lock is sold at FindTape.com in several of the varieties mentioned above.

Gaffers tape, which is also referred to as gaffer tape, is a form of adhesive tape that has numerous uses. Gaffers tape can be purchased in rolls that come in varying lengths as well as widths. The traditional color of this tape is a matte black but you can find them in several other colors such as blue, white, burgundy, gray, fluorescent pink and so on.

Gaffers tape is quite similar to duct tape in the sense that it can be useful in an array of applications. However, unlike duct tape, this tape will not leave any adhesive residue when it is peeled off a surface plus it offers a matte finish.

So, what are some of the numerous uses of gaffers tape?

Mark Positions
A common use for gaffers tape is in positional marking. It is commonly used in the theater industry to mark positions on the surface of the floor that will indicate where props are supposed to go. It is often used in the theater and TV industries to mark actors' starting positions. What’s great about this tape is its durability. It won’t easily wear down due to foot traffic. In addition to marking starting positions, it can also be used to coordinate props since it comes in a wide variety of colors.

Manage Cables
Production studios, and convention halls also use gaffers tape to manage cables. Many cables in one area can prove to be a hazard as people could easily trip over them and have a nasty fall. With this tape the cables can be firmly affixed to the floor thus lowering the chances of any accidents happening. And when it is time to remove the cables and wires the tape will not leave them sticky like a duct tape would.

Bus Seat Repairs
Since this adhesive tape is a vinyl-coated cloth product it pairs nicely when covering tears and rips in vinyl seating like on buses. It comes in wide widths like 3 and 4 inches wide and in colors such as burgundy and dark green which works great for matching common bus seat colors and making repairs.

Book Binding
Gaffers tape is also widely used when binding books since its matte appearance is preferable to the shinny look you would get back with a duct tape. Its cloth backing also makes it very conformable so as to wrap nicely around a book binding. Typically a high tensile strength gaffers with good adhesion is used for book binding applications such as Shurtape Professional Grade (P-672) gaff.

Other Uses
Gaffer tape is not only used for positional marking in the theater industry, it can be used in plenty of other places. For example, it can be used to mark a hazard area, an incline, flights of stairs, and so on. FindTape.com sells gaffers tape in all its varieties.

There are a great number of people who engage in sports. This is good considering that a passive lifestyle could lead to a large number of health problems. However, one thing that is associated with sports is injuries, and you may need athletic tape. At one point or another you will find that since you have sustained an injury or one of your loved ones is injured. So, what exactly is athletic tape and why should you consider it?

Athletic tape is a form of bandage that has adhesive qualities. As such, it can be used for a myriad of things. If you have sustained an injury on your wrist or your ankle, the athletic tape can be used to keep the joint in place. It would be pertinent to keep the joint immobile so as to ensure it heals well and in the shortest time possible. Usually, this is done by bandaging the joint with a regular bandage then covering it up with athletic tape, which will hold the bandage in place. However, this colored athletic tape is not only used for injuries.

For people who play sports that require the use of a bat or some other prop, the tape can also come in quite handy. By having this tape around your palms or on the handle of a baseball bat, you increase the amount of grip that you have thus ensuring you can play your sport better. This makes it great for hockey sticks and other sports bats too.

Athletic tape will come in a variety of types. Your choice of this colored athletic tape depend on a variety of things. For instance, what you plan on using it for, the type of support that you want, the levels of comfort that you are seeking as well as the amount of time that you plan on wearing it.

The main difference between athletic tape is whether it is stretchy or non-elastic.

Stretch tape: this tape is generally used to apply pressure to injuries like a compression bandage and to provide support. It is typically coated with a rubber based adhesive which sticks well to surfaces or only to itself if it is a co-adhesive tape. It also allows for flexibility and range of motion.

Non-elastic tape: this tape is used as a pre-wrap before a sports activity. It is made of cotton and as the name suggests, it is not stretchy and provides a more firm support.

No matter what type of athletic tape you decide to use, you can find it at FindTape.com.

Because of the popularity of the 2-inch wide gaffers tape test pack our converter has recently made available a new test pack that contains a variety of 3-inch wide nominal (actual cut 72mm) black duct tapes. FindTape DUCT-TEST-PACK Duct Tape Test Pack consists of 8 rolls of 3-inch (72mm) wide x 10-yard long tape. The tapes range in thickness from 9 to 13 mils; longitudinal tensile strength from 22 to 50 pounds per inch; and peel adhesion from 39 to 80 ounces per inch. The lower adhesion tapes are sometimes used as a less expensive alternative to gaffers tape in the hotel and meeting industries.

Currently the specific duct tapes offered in the pack include: Shurtape PC-600 General Purpose Grade Duct Tape, Polyken 223 Multi-Purpose Duct Tape, Polyken GP2280 PolyNash General-Purpose Duct Tape, Shurtape PC-618 Industrial Grade Duct Tape, JVCC DT-CG Contractor Grade Duct Tape, Shurtape PC-622 Contractor Grade Duct Tape, Nashua 357 Premium Grade Duct Tape and Polyken 231 Military Grade Duct Tape.

Also please note the GAFF-TEST-PACK was recently increased to 10 rolls of 2-inch wide x 10 yard long tape and the current lineup includes: Scapa 125 Economy Grade Gaffers Tape, Polyken 510 Premium Grade Gaffers Tape, Scapa 225 Premium Grade Gaffers Tape, Shurtape PC-628 Industrial Grade Gaffers Tape, Pocono GT-226 Clear Adhesive Gaffers Tape, Pro Tapes Pro-Gaff Gaffers Tape, Shurtape P-665 General Purpose Gaffers Tape, Scapa 425 Pro-Grade Gaffers Tape, Shurtape P-672 Professional Grade Gaffers Tape and JVCC J90 Low Gloss Gaffer-Style Duct Tape.

JVCC SLPT20 Designer Packaging Tape offers custom designs or patterns printed on standard polypropylene film carton sealing tape. This tape is great for projects such as crafting, hooping, fashion and others; but is also exceptional at basic box and carton sealing or for just grabbing attention. Patterns include boat flags, chain, color bars, dashed-line road, purple circles and scissor cut.

Duck Brand Printed Duck Duct Tape Patterns is patterned duct tape with high performance strength and moderate adhesion characteristics. Excellent for repairs, color-coding, fashion, crafting and imaginative projects. Patterns include ACU digital camouflage, black and white checker, blue tie-dye, dragon, hot rod flames, hardwood camouflage, leopard, orange tie-dye, paint splatter, pink zebra, skulls and zig-zag zebra.

Duck Brand Printed EZ Start Packaging Tape is a 2.6 mil thick high performance packaging tape loaded into a disposable dispenser. The tape offers a wide temperature range; doesn't split or tear; and offers ultraviolet resistance to eliminate yellowing and to increase shelf life. Patterns include black olives, peace sign, pink zebra and tie-dye.

Platypus Designer Duct Tape comes in 14 patterns which include Argyle, Candy Cane, Denim, Diamond Plate, Grass, Houndstooth, Jolly Roger, Leopard, Paisley, Polka Dot, Snowflake, Wicker, Wood Grain and Wool Stocking. It's the perfect tape to use for your next duct tape project. The polyethylene coated cloth is 10.5 mils thick and offers 32 ounces per inch of peel adhesion.

The tape converters we work with have started to get letters again from all the major adhesive tape manufacturers on a pretty regular basis now announcing new upcoming price increases. Below we've included links to copies of each letter which includes details about the percentage increase and which of that manufacturer's product line it will affect. The prices on our web site will typically be changed the business day before the manufacturer's increase goes into effect (or soon thereafter) so please use this information to plan accordingly.

• 3M - 2/4/2012 Effective Date Increase Letter
• Berry Plastics (Polyken/Nashua/Ludlow/Patco)- 3/14/2012 Effective Date Increase Letter
• Intertape - 2/11/2012 Effective Date Increase Letter
• Jaybird- new pricing came out 2/1/2012
• Nitto Denko (Permacel)- TBA
• Scapa - TBA
• Shurtape - 3/12/2012 Effective Date Increase Letter
• JVCC and Pro Tapes - since they source most of their material from the manufacturers listed above they will also be passing along corresponding price increases

* last updated 2/14/2012

Ludlow M-Tak HI/LO Extended Liner Tape is now being stocked in liner widths of 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch wide (the tape comes in lengths of both 216 feet and 1,300 feet per roll). The extended liner on the tape allows end users to easily remove it since there is a 1/8 inch overhang on both the top and bottom of the tape (the liner is also printed with the words "TO EXPOSE ADHESIVE REMOVE LINER"). Ludlow HI/LO is differentially coated which a clear, lightweight adhesive for temporary bonding and repositioning on one side, and a permanent adhesive for long-term bonding on the other side. Its perfect for lightweight attachments where removability from one surface is key, e.g. business forms, mailers, envelopes, posters, labels, etc.

The double-sided film tape we typically sell for adhering window insulation film to the interior of windows during the winter season is JVCC DC-4109RS tape. If the film is heavier and you need a tape with a stronger adhesive then JVCC DC-4199CS would be another to look at. These would be the closest double-sided tapes our converter stocks which are similar to 3M's 2145C product for indoor insulator film mounting. As far as these tapes' removability you'd want to test them first on an inconspicuous part of the window frame to make sure it removes as desired. Please also remember the more adhesive the tape you go with the harder it will be to remove in the spring. Also both of these tapes are coated with an acrylic adhesive which provides moisture, UV and temperature resistance; however tapes with acrylic adhesive need a few minutes to an hour for the adhesive bond to set correctly when applying them. See our blog entry on general instructions on applying pressure-sensitive adhesive tape for more detailed instructions. Thank you.

UPDATE: We also now carry Duck Brand Window Kit Replacement Tape if you are looking for shorter length rolls for both indoor or outdoor window film installations.

Our converter has recently made available a new test pack that contains a variety of double-sided tapes. FindTape DC-TP Double-Sided Tape Test Pack consists of 12 rolls of 1-inch wide x 3-yard long tape. The carrier varieties included in the pack are: polyester, polypropylene and PVC film; tissue; crepe and flatback paper; polyethylene foam; cloth and scrim; and foamed and solid acrylic polymers.

Currently the specific double-sided tapes offered in the pack include: Polyken 105C-P Cloth Tape; JVCC DC-4199CS Polyester Film Tape; JVCC DC-1503 Polypropylene Film Tape; JVCC DC-4420LB Clear PVC Film Tape; JVCC DCP-01 and DCP-02 Crepe Paper Tape; JVCC DCP-04 Flatback Paper Tape; JVCC DCT-40R Tissue Tape; JVCC DC-SCRIM-9 Polyester Scrim Tape; JVCC DC-PEF06A Polyethylene Foam Tape; JVCC DC-UHB45FA-G Foamed Acrylic Tape; and JVCC DC-UHB45 Solid Acrylic Foam Tape.