A double-sided tape: different types and peculiarities of application

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An adhesive tape has a wide scope of usage. Among all the types the double-sided tape is preferred mostly. As it might be clear from the name, this tape has an adhesive layer on both sides

The assortment of materials makes the double-sided tape become an indispensable part of the day-to-day lives of office workers, as well as of students' bags, decorators' tool cases and every storage equipment

The double-sided tape is useful in sticking a poster or a table to a wall, hanging a mirror or a hook for towels, fixing the carpet, packaging the load or papering the gift, what depends on the tape's characteristics

Application

A firm double-sided tape is primarily used in fields of repair, assembling, outdoor advertising and transportation and, of course, as stationery in offices

The application of such adherent tapes is relevant when dealing with the following issues:

Installation of finishing panels, boxes for electrical wiring, suspended ceilings, elements of advertising structures, furniture, hooks, suspensions, holders
Fastening linoleum
Production of outdoor advertising materials (banners, stands, volumetric labels)
Assembly of window structures
Repair of car bodies
Fixing handles on transparent sliding doors
Packing work (seamless fastening)
Office task, such as fastening paper and cardboard, fixing informational materials on stands or walls

Advantages

Виды двустороннего скотча

There are universal adhesive tapes which are designed for the work of certain types. These materials vary in its bases and adhesives

Foam-based tape

Area of usage: repair and construction
Application: fastening products with a complex configuration, with holes and an uneven surface
Peculiarities: thickness min. 0.5 mm, the squeezy, foam-like texture provides the user with a reliable contact even with rough surfaces

Fabric-based adhesive tape

Polypropylene-based adhesive tape

There is also a super firm double-sided tape that can withstand a significant weight. Such material enables the user to attach mirrors, shelves, and other large and heavy objects to the walls

Pasting Features

In order to tape two objects, perform the following steps:

clean the surface of dust, dirt (preferably with a solvent, alcohol solution or special means);
cut off a piece of the adhesive tape of the desired length (it’s better to prepare pieces in advance if several are needed);
attach the piece to the surface, choose the rougher (porous) one or the bigger one;
try to paste it in such a way that would ensure the maximum area contact;
remove the protective film from the second adhesive layer (trying not to touch the sticky surface);
attach a second object

How to remove a tape

Durable and reliable double-sided tape has one disadvantage (which is actually the consequence of its merit) – sometimes it is badly removed and leaves traces on surfaces

We’d like to give you some recommendations for removing tape without consequences.

Wallpaper. A stream of warm air from the hair dryer will help soften the adhesive layer. In some minutes you should hock the edge of the tape with a knife and gently remove it from the surface.
You can try to remove a tape from the walls, ceiling and a floor by sticking a large segment of the masking tape and gradually tearing it off (you need to leave a free edge) - the tape will stretch behind it.
The cloth. An alcohol solution and a sponge will be of use.
Plastic. Drift oil or medical alcohol on a sticky part and in a while the tape will be easily removed (do not use solvents!).
Unpainted surfaces. Acetone and solvent will help to remove adhesive tape and get rid of sticky traces.
Painted surfaces. Vegetable oil can be use. The rubber drill nozzle will help to act more efficiently.
Furniture surfaces that can’t be moistened, oiled or kept in contact with other liquids. Use a dryer in order to remove the tape. If you want to get rid of the traces use a stationery eraser.
Solvents, acetone, abrasive materials are forbidden to use on glasses and mirrors. It’s better to use cotton pads moistened with medical alcohol, a special tool or alcohol solution.

How to choose a double-sided tape

Having studied all the information above your choice of the tape should be based on the following criteria:

Specialization. Pick a certain type of adhesive tape according to your goals
Surface peculiarities. Having read the tips about the tape’s removal, try to evaluate potential difficulties in advance, and choose a tape that won’t damage the furniture, walls, glass and mirror surfaces
Give preference for products of famous brands - in this case, quality is guaranteed
Estimate the width and length of the adhesive tape (marked on the packaging)