Use the suitable tools and products during each construction job, it is the best way to promote a job well done. especially during masking applications where the precision and care that is taken when using the tape, will determine the finish of the lines and curves that we wish to achieve.
Since its invention, the use of adhesive tape it has expanded to various areas, multiplying its types and functions. Currently on the market there is a extensive range of tapes to choose from according to the work to be done.
Adhesive tapes differ according to their width, the material they are made of and their adhesive; being the main characteristics that give them various functionalities.
The paper ribbons for painting and decoration with soft adhesive, they differ completely from the American or PVC tape, whose advantage is to offer greater resistance and adhesion. For outdoor application and in high temperature conditions, tapes have also been developed, which, despite the conditions, fulfill their function very well.
This entire line of products makes the choice of tape a decision focused on the work that we are going to do. Its different versions meet the needs of the most demanding professionals looking for an effective product for each application. If you want to mask floors and walls with tape, we recommend that you also read this article.
Advantages of your application
One of the main advantages of using Scotch tape is that neither its application nor its adhesive modifies the properties of the work surfaces, also granting the following benefits:
- The stress is distributed evenly.
- We can economically bond various materials
- The joints are sealed and reinforce the insulation.
- The number of components to be used during the work is reduced.
How to choose the right tape?
There are three forces that influence the properties of each tape. are your stickiness, the adherence to the surfaces and cohesion as adhesive. The balance of these forces determines the bond, firmness and durability in the applications of each tape.
The adhesive cohesion It is decisive, since it will indicate how firmly the tape will stick, and it will depend on the polymers with which it was manufactured.
The polymers They are large molecules that attract and entangle each other, causing the cohesion of the adhesive.
Synthetic rubber adhesives offer high adhesion and elasticity. Combined these molecules with polystyrene, greater resistance and grip are created, for applications where the tape needs greater cohesion.
masking tapes
To mask and protect objects there are several tape types that fully fulfill this function. From painters to mechanics take advantage of the benefits of these tapes to offer good protection, reducing work times.
The main functions of masking tapes are to provide low adhesion and precision. Thus, to be able to demarcate the work areas, being able to remove the tape without causing any type of damage.
During painting tasks it is very important to define the precision and contours of the surfaces to be worked on. Low tack paper tapes are ideal for painting jobs. However, within this category, there are several types that we can choose from depending on the surface to be worked on.
Curled or crepe paper tape: It is very commonly used among painters, it is made from paper and contains a natural rubber adhesive. Its main function is to protect the areas that do not want to be painted.
Low Adhesion Paper Tape: These tapes are special to leave no trace. The low adhesion glue avoids the risk of removing part of the paint when removing the product. Its use is focused on remodeling, painting and DIY jobs that require greater detail and precision.
Outdoor tape: Highly resistant to sun and rain, these tapes are perfect for masking outdoor surfaces. Its acrylic adhesive allows it to even survive several weeks outdoors.
Packaging tapes
The adhesive tapes for packaging are essential to guarantee the protection and transfer of boxes and packages without causing damage or opening.
As the distribution chain of a product increases, the packaging tape used must have more resistant properties that withstand internal and external factors until it reaches its destination.
The polypropylene and PVC tapes They are the most common for this type of use, since they provide greater resistance.
How to choose the tape according to its adhesive
As we have mentioned, one of the main characteristics that differentiates the tapes is their adhesive. Selecting the tape for this essential attribute, we will find the following versions:
Natural rubber adhesive: It is an adhesive used in tapes to be applied to internal surfaces. Its use is very extensive in different paper tapes that regulate its adhesion.
Acrylic adhesive: Contrary to rubber adhesive, its use is mainly external, as it offers greater resistance in harsh environments. Its application in some tapes can even be permanent, since this adhesive supports solvents, humidity and high temperatures.
hot melt adhesive: is a synthetic rubber adhesive technology applied in masking tapes. And although its use is limited to interiors or controlled environments, its universal adherence infinitely expands its applications.
How to apply the tapes according to their type?
Tapes can be pressure sensitive, thermally activated, or even require moisture.
The pressure sensitive adhesives, are sticky at room temperature in dry form. They adhere firmly to a variety of surfaces and require only application with a finger or hand. These adhesives do not require water, solvent, or heat to bond to materials such as paper, plastic, glass, wood, cement, and metal.
The temperature during the application must be moderate, between 15°C and 35°C. Lower temperatures may result in insufficient wetting or coverage of the adhesive on the substrate. While very high temperatures can cause the tape to stretch when applied, creating additional stress in the final application.
The heat activated tapes they are generally not sticky until activated by a heat source. This type of tape requires time at elevated temperatures above 80°C to achieve a bond.
Heat activated adhesive allows for aggressive bonding to difficult surfaces such as rubber, EPDM, and PVC-based plastics.
The water activated tape It is a starch or animal glue based adhesive on a kraft paper backing that becomes sticky when wet. This tape is inexpensive and is used to close and seal boxes.
The non-adhesive tapes or laminates; They do not have an adhesive applied to them because they are self-adhering. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) thread sealing tape is a kind of non-adhesive tape.
Tapes continue to be an indispensable resource in multiple sectors of industry and construction. Due to the diversity of options, the choice of tape becomes a significant decision, which determines the results that we will obtain on the surface to be worked on.
