Double Sided Tape

Double-sided tape possesses a thin adhesive layer on each side. Various industries use double-sided tape for temporary or permanent applications such as mounting, bonding, splicing, packaging, and holding. Double-sided adhesive tape offers a neater finish to products because it is not visible in the end product. Staples carries various types, colors, and sizes of dual-sided tape. Browse through Staples office supplies section for a wide variety of tape, fasteners, and adhesives

Types of double-sided tape
Double-sided adhesive tapes come in various types, including foam tapes, paper tape, and cotton or cloth tape. Each category is specific to its use and strengths. Foam double-coated adhesive tape is suitable for gasket application, mounting purposes, thermal break, and sound dampening. It's resistant to a wide range of temperatures. The paper tape contains rubber adhesive coating on both sides. It offers temporary holds and is efficient when bonding irregular surfaces. Cloth double-coated adhesive tape has a considerably heavier coating. It unwinds easily and are efficient for dissimilar or irregular surfaces.

Different tape for different surfaces
The surface characteristics dictate the type of double-sided adhesive tape needed. Smoother flatter surfaces like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and glass require a thin double-sided tape. Rougher surfaces like cement, wood, and brick require a thicker and rough surface double-sided adhesive tape for adequate contact.

Temperature and resistance
The tackiness of the this adhesive tape depends on the temperature of the immediate environment. Conditions such as humid air, cold temperatures, and wet conditions reduce the effectiveness of dual-sided tape and weaken the bond between the various surfaces. Various dual-sided tapes offer temperature resistance for the different climate variables.

How long do they hold?
The longevity of double-sided tape depends on factors such as surface energy, humidity, the weight of mounted objects, and the tackiness of the tape. Surface energy refers to the degree of attraction or repulsion between surfaces. The tape sticks to some surfaces, such as bare metal and wood, more easily than others. On surfaces like silicone, the tape will not stick easily and may require stronger double-sided adhesive tape due to low surface energy.

What sizes do they come in?
Dual-sided tape comes in a variety of sizes and packages. You can buy individual rolls of tape for casual use. Bulk cartons of 24 rolls are ideal for more frequent use in commercial and industrial settings. The double-sided tape also comes in a variety of widths, typically measured in inches, and lengths, which are in feet or meters. Narrow widths are effective for simple tasks such as crafting, while broader widths cover more surface area and are effective for mounting heavier items, packaging, and installing carpet.

Does the tape damage the material?
Double-sided adhesive tape does not harm the material or leave a residue. This type of tape is a smart alternative to semi-destructive methods such as drilling, gluing, and nailing, which affects the mounting surface and the object's material. There are also specialized dual-sided tapes for unique surfaces such as house numbers, newspaper tubes, and carpets.