Tape has its own vocabulary.
Here are a few useful terms if you want to “talk tape“.
| Adhesion to Steel | A test for measuring the “stickiness” of tape, based on force required to remove it from a stainless steel plate |
| Acrylic | A type of adhesive which uses synthetic polymers instead of natural rubber |
| Backing | The top “layer” of tape to which the adhesive is applied |
| Release Coat | A coating on the non-sticky side of a roll of tape that keeps the tape from sticking to itself when unwinding |
| Bi-Directional | Woven tape that has fibers running at right angles to each other |
| Creep | The natural tendency for tape to slowly move when stretched while applying |
| Delamination | The separation of the tape backing from its adhesive layer |
| Edge Curl | This is when the edges of a piece of applied tape come loose from the surface it is applied to before the center of the tape loosens |
| Gaffers Tape | A woven cotton cloth tape with a synthetic rubber adhesive |
| Matte Finish | The non-reflective surface of a woven cloth tape like gaffers tape |
| Holding Power | The ability of tape to resist removal |
| Latex Adhesive | Adhesive made from natural rubber, derived from the rubber plant |
| Pressure Sensitive | Descriptive term for tapes that are applied by pressing them against the surface being taped |
| Slitting | The machine process by which large rolls of tape, called “jumbos”, are converted to usable sizes |
| Neon Tapes | Brightly printed cloth tapes that use a dye that will glow when exposed to black light |
| Console Tape | Paper tape used for labeling sound equipment |
| Painters Grade | Tapes like masking tape which can be removed without damaging fragile surfaces |
| Tensile Strength | Measure of force required to tear a piece of tape |
| Unwind | The amount of force needed to unroll a roll of tape |
| Synthetic Rubber Adhesive | Adhesives made from petroleum based distallates |
Harrison Bros. Inc.
TheTapeworks.com
Voice 866-386-8335
Fax 800-327-6651
Email sales@harrisonbros.com
Harrison Bros. Inc.
47 North Chatham Pkwy
Chapel Hill, NC 27517