“Grab the tape, will you?”
“Okay, which kind?”
The answer to that question will depend on the kind of job you are working on. There are literally dozens of different types of tape that can be used in the industrial or commercial setting, including tapes of different widths, thicknesses, and even materials.
The type of tape you choose to use matters. Today’s diverse tapes are specialized for their specific application. Here is a look at some of the types of tape you are likely to see in the workplace.
Polypropylene Tape
Polypropylene tape is most commonly used for sealing boxes and other containers. It has high tensile strength, is waterproof, and also abrasion resistant. It is great for packaging because it conforms well to smooth and uneven surfaces alike. It generally doesn’t stretch very well, however.
This type of packing tape usually is clear so the user can see through it to the box’s seams. But it also can come with either opaque or even printed surfaces.
Polythene Tape
The benefit of polythene tape is that it will peel cleanly from most surfaces, it has some electrical insulation, and it conforms easily to most uneven or unusual surfaces. It also is water resistant and halogen-free.
Polythene tape is used in the automotive, boating, and building industries, among others. It mostly comes in black, but can also be found in other colors, but not clear.
Foil Tape
Foil tape has acrylic adhesives which improve their bond with age. It is completely water resistant and creates a total vapor barrier, which is why it is widely used in plumbing and ductwork.
While foil tape can create a strong bond, it will peel cleanly if left for only a short period of time. It usually comes with a metallic finish.
Double-Sided Tape
As the name implies, double-sided tape has adhesive on both sides, which makes it ideal for holding carpeting, tarps, and other sheeted materials in place securely. It also can be used to hang photos, labels, and other items.
Double-sided tape usually has a release liner that protects the adhesive on one side of the tape until you need to use it. These liners are made from siliconized paper and can be easily peeled off from the tape.
Cloth Tape
Cloth tape has a fibrous backing that gives it the strength to meet the demands of many varied applications. Duct tape is an example of cloth tape.
There are nearly as many types of tape as there are jobs to use them.