How To Select the Right One for the Job?

When you need to select an adhesive tape for a particular project or application, the type of tape you will need – such as duct or cloth tape, masking tape, double-sided, or foil tape – is pretty straightforward. But choosing the right adhesive can be a lot more complicated. With adhesive, the question isn’t necessarily “does it stick?” There are instead many other variables to be taken into account.
 

What Kind of Surface Do You Have?
 

First, there’s the surface to which the adhesive will be applied. Is it smooth or rough? A flat, smooth surface needs only a thin coat of adhesive, while a rough surface calls for a thicker adhesive to guarantee good contact.
 

The same is true with porous or non-porous surfaces. Where non-porous surfaces will give good contact, a porous surface, such as cardboard, needs a slightly thicker, softer adhesive to penetrate the pores and form a good bond. Keep in mind that the internal strength of a porous material is often weaker than the adhesive bond; a common occurrence when removing tape from cardboard for example. In this case, a thin coat of firm adhesive, with a low level of adhesion, may be necessary.
 

Then there is the nature of the surface. Some materials such as metals or glass are very easy to adhere to, while other types like plastic may have low adhesion levels. In this case, a natural rubber-based adhesive will help, as will an increasingly tacky adhesive.
 

Consider the Type of Application

Is the application permanent, or is clean removal important? This is the key factor to consider when evaluating the right adhesive for the job. For example, adhering a plastic film to a carpet using a low quality, uncured masking tape could leave traces of adhesive when it is removed, which will pick up dirt over time.

Temperature’s Effect on Adhesive

Temperature is also an important factor to consider. Tape should always be applied at room temperature for a good bond, but sometimes it may be applied in colder weather on construction sites. This calls for a special low-temperature adhesive, invariably an acrylic.
 

The high-end of the environment’s temperature is an essential factor as well as how long the adhesive may be subjected to those higher temperatures. With pressure-sensitive adhesives, the higher the temperature resistance needed also increases the need for an adhesive that actually connects “at the molecular level”. These rubber-based adhesives work well, but long-term exposure to heat (even more than just one hour) could call for an acrylic, and perhaps even a silicone.
 

Could Your Tape Be Exposed to Ultraviolet Light?
 

There is also the possibility of exposure to ultraviolet light. If the nature of the backing allows ultraviolet light to pass through or if there is the possibility of corrosion on long-term contact, an acrylic adhesive may be required.
 

When Temperatures Heat Up 

Finally, there is the ultimate in high temperature performance (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit or 260 degrees Celsius) where only a silicone will work satisfactorily. Silicone will also stick to silicone-coated surfaces, such as release liners, where no other tape will work.
 

Not all adhesives are created equal, so make sure you consider all the facts related to your job, including the surface, the temperature, ultraviolet light, the type of application you are trying to create, and more.
 

If you have questions, please feel free to contact our PERFECTAPE team. We are ready to tell you on our full range of adhesive tapes, and help you pick the one that’s right for you.