Types of Adhesive Tape

From the small roll of tape on your desk to powerful tape that can seal against water leaks, there are a variety of tapes to choose from. At The Supplies Shops, you can purchase dozens of varieties of tape designed for various projects and purposes. But which tape is best for which situation? In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most common adhesive tapes used in office and industrial settings.

Double-Coated Tapes

As the name implies, double-coated tape has adhesive on both sides, letting you join or secure items without having the tape show. Double-sided tape options include high-tack/low-tack tape for temporary material mounting, foam tape for irregular surfaces and ATG tape for all-purpose use.

Duct Tape

Duct tape is one of the most versatile tapes around. Duct tape has a durable mesh backing and conforms well to uneven surfaces, making it popular for HVAC and construction projects. The main downside is that the strong adhesive can remove paint and leave a residue.

Electrical Tape

This specialty tape forms a water-tight seal around electrical wires and cables while also insulating against signal interference. You can order different grades depending on the wire voltage and how you’re using it.

Filament Tape

Also called strapping tape, this tape is reinforced with a filament, such as tensilized polypropylene or glass yarn. It’s primarily used for shipping tasks, such as securing items, strengthening seals, closing cartons and bundling.

Film Tape

This sealing tape can be constructed from various substrates to form a plastic backing. Polyester film tape has excellent temperature and UV resistance, while multi-purpose PVC vinyl tape comes in fun colors. Other options include polyethylene, polycarbonate and polypropylene tape.

Packing Tape

Packing tape or box-sealing tape is primarily used to close corrugated boxes and manila envelopes for shipping and short-term storage. Best used with a tape dispenser and blade, this temporary, transparent tape can also be used to hold loose hardware.

Paper Tape

This light bonding tape can be a general adhesive or specialty tape. It’s popular in part because you can easily tear the paper backing by hand. Types of adhesive paper tape include masking tape, painter’s tape, drafting tape and heat-resistant tape.

Roller Wrapping Tape

When you’re working with professional office machinery and printing equipment, roller wrap tape can help with maintenance. You use this special tape to protect rollers, drums and mandrels from gunk and ink build-up.

Surface Protection Tape

If you need to give tables, floors or equipment a temporary barrier, polypropylene protective film tape can provide it. This clear, low-tack tape is easy to remove and doesn’t leave any residue. There’s also label protection tape for sealing shipping labels and graphics.

If you’re looking for more information or want to ask about a type of office tape we didn’t mention here, call us toll free at 855-632-8520 or email [email protected]. We can create custom printed tape for your business, and we offer free shipping on orders over $99. We’ve been helping customers since 2006 and have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.