Adhesive tape: Professional tapes for just about any application
As a partner to the event industry, we keep a large range of adhesive tapes in stock. Here in our shop, you will find both inexpensive universal adhesive tapes and very special gaffa tapes, for example for stage technology in matt black or neon colours. You can order extremely adaptable PVC tape, fluorescent warning tape made of paper or coated anti-slip adhesive cloth tape. Or would you prefer a double-sided adhesive tape that can be removed without leaving any residue , custom-printed package tape or simple electrical insulating tape? Would you like to order the right roll dispenser at the same time? Competent technical information and lots of valuable tips on application are standard with us!
Can't find the right adhesive tapes? We can order almost any product for you. Just send us an email.
Adhesive tapes for professionals
From elastic PVC adhesive tape and conformable adhesive cloth tape to neon paper adhesive tape, we have a wide range of tapes on offer. You will always find the most important data in the respective product information:
- all technical details on adhesive strength, durability, removability, etc.
- a description of the specific application
- the safety data sheets from our manufacturers
Which is the right adhesive tape?
The 11 most frequently asked questions about professional bonding:
- What surface is to be bonded? A smooth or rough, textured and porous surface? Glass, masonry or plaster? Is the bonding surface angled, are corners, curves and edges to be bonded?
- Is the substrate particularly sensitive? Are the surfaces painted, untreated wood or natural stone?
- How strong should the adhesive tape be? – initially (initial adhesion) and in long-term use (final adhesion).
- Does the tape need to adhere immediately (high initial adhesion) or do you want to be able to reposition it (low initial adhesion)?
- Or should the adhesive tape be reusable?
- Should the adhesive tape stick permanently or only for a certain period of time?
- Should it be removable without leaving any residue?
- What weather and climatic conditions will the adhesive tape be exposed to at the application site?
- Is the tape to be bonded indoors or outdoors? Is the adhesive tape exposed to extreme cold or heat?
- What influences is it exposed to? Is the adhesive tape exposed to chemicals, petrol, oil or grease?
- Is there any particular abrasion or high mechanical stress?
The adhesive tape itself: carrier, surface and adhesive
Adhesive tape basically consists of a backing material, its surface and the adhesive with which it is coated. An exception to this are carrier-free tapes, known as transfer tapes. The following considerations therefore apply for professional use:
- Do you want to attach and fix something permanently or lay it temporarily? Then an adhesive tape should mainly have the right adhesive with the appropriate adhesive strength .
- Do you want to use adhesive tape for precise splicing, reinforcing, packaging, sealing or insulating? Then the right carrier often plays an important role.
- Do you want to seal dust-tight, protect against water, label, mark and mark weather-resistant? Secure, warn or cover stably, e.g. non-slip? Then the surface of the tape should be designed for this specific application.
Carrier material and surface of adhesive tape
How does one adhesive tape differ from another? First and foremost, in its surface and in the carrier material for adhesives. Whether assembly tape, protective tape, repair tape or packaging tape – different carriers and their surfaces not only differ in terms of processing, they also have very specific properties.
The adhesive carrier – cotton fabric, foil, paper, metal, foam and much more
The carrier of an adhesive tape is the material of which the adhesive tape mainly consists and to which the adhesive is applied. The adhesive carrier can be made of different materials and come in different forms:
- Paper (flat, fine or high crepe "masking tape")
- Fabric (e.g. gaffa tape, double-sided tape)
- Plastic or foil (vinyl, PE, PP, PVC adhesive tape)
- Fleece and foam adhesive tape
- Elastic and highly conformable adhesive carriers (PVC tape, insulating tape, adhesive cloth tape, adhesive textile tape)
- Metallic carriers (welding, magnetic or aluminium adhesive tape) with high temperature resistance.
- Extremely tear-resistant, thread-reinforced adhesive tapes (e.g. glass fibre-reinforced filament tape or fibre-reinforced paper tape) for packaging, insulation and sealing work.
The surface of the adhesive tape – not just the colour on the roll
It's not just about colour! Of course, the surfaces of the adhesive tapes are coloured. And there are pretty much no colours that don't exist! From neon to extra matt to warning tape in red and white stripes – the event industry in particular has particularly demanding requirements when it comes to coloured adhesive tapes.
The most popular colours include:
adhesive tape white
adhesive tape red
adhesive tape black
adhesive tape silver
However, the surfaces of the carrier material are often treated or coated. Additives ensure that adhesive tape is heat-resistant or can withstand extreme cold. They are made flame-retardant ( e.g. insulating tape) or waterproof ( gaffa tape, duct tape, etc.). Some tapes fulfil a specific function. Marking tape can glow in the dark or under UV light thanks to phosphorescent or fluorescent additives. For painting and varnishing work, for example, certain adhesive tape systems (e.g. crepe) are coated in such a way that a simple paper adhesive tape (masking tape) can reliably prevent paint and varnish from running .
Industrial adhesive tapes are adapted to very specific requirements. For example, anti-slip adhesive tape has a coarse-grained surface with incredible abrasion resistance. The anti-slip coating makes the adhesive tape particularly slip-resistant on damp or steep surfaces. The tape is also striped in yellow and black, making it clearly visible. As an easily recognisable warning tape, it therefore fulfils two functions in industrial and event applications.
Ultra-matt adhesive tapes for stage construction, film and television
An ultra-matte gaffa tape, usually in matte black, is standard in rock 'n' roll. But why extra-matte adhesive tapes? As soon as artificial light comes into play and strong light sources illuminate stages and film sets, every shiny surface reflects. This is quite disruptive for professional film and photo shoots! To prevent light from reflecting back, set and stage builders use non-reflective, i.e. particularly matt adhesive tapes, e.g. to bundle cables or mark stage positions, and much more.
Adhesives used in adhesive tapes and their properties
Self-adhesive tapes can be coated with different adhesives. The following are commonly found:
- natural rubber (solvent) and
- synthetic rubber (syn. rubber, hot melt, PSA, often solvent-free and environmentally friendly), also known as pressure-sensitive adhesives/hot melt adhesives – permanently adhesive, highly viscous adhesives that can be easily removed without leaving any residue and reused, depending on their quality
- acrylic adhesives (acrylic),
- resins and their mixtures
- Highly heat- and cold-resistant silicone adhesives
- and mixtures thereof
- and much more
Each adhesive has specific characteristics, and each adhesive offers advantages and disadvantages.
The following factors depend mainly on the adhesive:
- Of course, the adhesive properties (initial adhesion and final adhesive strength or adhesion and cohesion)
- The unwinding behaviour of an adhesive tape (easy or difficult, quiet or loud)
- Resistance to environmental influences or climatic conditions – some adhesives become brittle in cold weather, others melt in heat.
- As well as the surface protection of the bonded substrate.
Some adhesives react with the surface, causing it to yellow and discolour. In the worst case, they migrate into the substrate, making the adhesive surface porous and even forming a permanent bond with it. Ordering adhesive tape with a non-corrosive adhesive can help prevent adhesive damage. UV-stable adhesive tapes also offer protection against discolouration in outdoor areas.
Incorrect or cheap adhesive tapes damage the substrate
It is annoying when adhesive tape residue remains on the substrate after removal. It is even worse if you peel off the substrate together with the adhesive tape! Particular caution is advised with so-called construction tape, plaster tape or duct tape. These inexpensive all-purpose adhesive tapes are equipped with an extremely adhesive, particularly aggressive adhesive. This is desirable per se if the adhesive is intended to be permanent. However, it is particularly dangerous if the adhesive tape is only intended to be temporary and you want to remove it without leaving any residue. By the way: adhesive tape should always be removed slowly and at a 90° angle!
Textured or painted surfaces, special plastics, natural stone (granite, marble, etc.) and untreated wood are among the so-called "difficult or sensitive substrates". This is true in two respects: difficult on the one hand because adhesive tapes adhere less well to rough or so-called low-energy surfaces (including polypropylene, Teflon and rubber ). This is due to the low surface tension and wettability. And on the other hand, because an unsuitable adhesive tape can also cause adhesive damage.
Avoiding adhesive damage
We generally recommend that you carry out a test application on site: on the original substrate and under real weather conditions and mechanical stress. This helps to limit possible damage before you finally apply the adhesive tape.
Determining the adhesive strength
The adhesive strength of an adhesive tape is determined by the force required to peel the adhesive tape off (according to standard EN 1939:2003 self-adhesive tapes). This is tested in the laboratory. Adhesive strips of a specific length and width are bonded to polished steel under a specified contact pressure. After a defined time and tear speed, the adhesive tape is then pulled off at an angle of 180°. The so-called
- "initial adhesion" ( ) 20 minutes after bonding.
- A second measurement after 24 hours defines the final adhesive strength.
An official classification of adhesive strength is given in newtons per mm. It is divided into three grades. The following average values apply to a 10 mm wide adhesive strip:
- Low adhesive strength: approx. < 1.5 N/ 10 mm
- Medium adhesive strength: approx. 1.5 to 3 N/10 mm
- High adhesive strength: from 3.0 N/mm
Factors affecting adhesive tape
Does the adhesive tape need to have high temperature resistance or be resistant to heat ( )? Or will the tape be exposed to extreme cold? Will it be used outdoors and therefore need to be water-resistant, weather-resistant and UV-stable? Will the adhesive tape be exposed to chemical influences (acids, alkalis, petrol, oil, etc.) ? The following influences affect the adhesive strength of various adhesive tapes:
- Mechanical and static loads
- Heat/cold
- Temperature fluctuations
- Weather
- Moisture
- UV radiation
- Chemical influences
Processing adhesive tapes
Never touch the adhesive film with your hands and ensure that the adhesive surface is clean and free of dust and grease. This ensures good adhesion (adhesive strength). For poorly adhering, so-called "non-polar" surfaces, the substrates can be pre-treated. This can be done mechanically by roughening or chemically by using a bonding agent (primer).
For most adhesive tapes, the optimum processing temperature is between 18°C and 23°C. At higher or lower temperatures, the adhesive performance decreases. Cold usually makes adhesive tape inflexible and the adhesive brittle. Heat, on the other hand, softens some adhesives and makes them "sticky". The adhesives begin to "flow" and the tapes shear off (slip).
The contact pressure should always be sufficient when applying a tape. This pressure on the adhesive tape can be increased with minimal effort using a squeegee. Depending on the adhesive tape, the final adhesive strength of a tape may only be achieved after several hours or even weeks. Until this point, adhesive tapes should not be subjected to full loads or relieved by means of support.
Before you buy adhesive tape: some important questions everyone should ask themselves!
Our customers often call us with questions about individual tapes: Here is a summary of the most frequently asked questions:
Can the adhesive tape be removed without leaving any residue?
Should the adhesive bond be temporary or permanent? There are tapes that can be removed without leaving any adhesive residue (usually pressure-sensitive hot melt or other rubber adhesives). Some adhesive tape systems offer a so-called "open processing time". This means that these tapes can be removed without leaving any residue for up to 24, 48 or 72 hours before they develop their final adhesive strength (final adhesive strength ).
Alternatively, there are adhesive tapes that adhere aggressively (usually acrylic/acrylate adhesives). These tapes (e.g. duct tape, construction tape, assembly tape, repair tape, parcel tape) are virtuallyimpossible to remove. The adhesive tape forms a permanent bond with the adhesive surface. Under certain circumstances, the adhesive may even migrate into the material (e.g. plastic substrates). The result when removing adhesive tape: yellowing or other visible adhesive damage. When removing the adhesive tape, the substrate often sticks to the adhesive surface in parts.
When should adhesive tape be removed?
Always choose the right adhesive tape for individual adhesive surfaces and adhere to the specified temperature range. The product description contains the time period that tells you how long the adhesive tape can still be removed. Tip: Adhesive tape should always be removed slowly and at a 90° angle. Some adhesives are also heat-sensitive and can be heated with a hair dryer or other heat source.
Other properties that tape can have
Industrial adhesive tapes for professionals have very special characteristics. Which adhesive tape are you looking for?
| Important for events: Does the adhesive tape need to be flame retardant? Or suitable for electrical installations? | Then special flame-retardant tapes, non-conductive insulating tapes or self-adhesive shrink tapes are suitable. You will also find flame-retardant gaffa tapes for use in stage construction in our range. |
| Do you want to apply floor markings in high-traffic areas... | ...or make steep loading ramps slip-proof? Then a coated tape, such as an anti-slip adhesive tape with coarse abrasive particles, may be the right choice. |
| Does the adhesive tape need to glow in the dark or under UV light? | Then the surface of a tape can be equipped with phosphorescent or fluorescent additives (Artisttape or ProGaff). |
| Or do you need adhesive tape to mark hazardous areas... | ...for marking certain areas, for colour coding technology in trade fair or stage construction? Then warning tape in bright colours or special neon tapes are ideal. |
| Does the adhesive tape need to be tearable by hand? | Adhesive tapes such as masking tape, paper tape or cloth tape are practical to use without tools or scissors. |
| Do you want to attach or mount something permanently? |
Then we recommend an adhesive tape that adheres extra strongly immediately after application, e.g. an assembly tape with high initial adhesion. (e.g. GT 102). |
| Or would you prefer a tape that can be repositioned after pressing? | Perhaps to correct incorrect bonding? Then you should choose an adhesive tape with medium or low initial adhesion. And that doesn't mean that the final adhesion of the adhesive tape has to be weak! Take a look at the ProGaff cloth tape. |
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Is the surface particularly porous, e.g. masonry or asphalt? | Then you may need a special construction tape or duct tape with high initial adhesion and an aggressive adhesive system. (e.g. AT 165 / GT 561) |
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Or do you want to bond a particularly sensitive surface? | Then you need an adhesive tape with a non-corrosive adhesive and no solvents. For example, AT 201. |
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Would you like to mount an adhesive tape with high tensile strength? | Then you need a highly stretchable adhesive tape. Gaffa tape is not always ideal for this. How about an elastic PVC tape instead? PVC tapes often have an elasticity of up to 150%. |
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Is the adhesive surface textured, round or angled? | Would you like to bundle cables and wires? Then the adhesive tape should be adaptable to different shapes . An adhesive cloth tape or PVC tape may be a solution here. |
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Do you want to protect or repair something that is exposed to water? | And will the adhesive tape be exposed to high mechanical or static loads? Then you need a hard-wearing and tear-resistant adhesive tape. For example , a high-quality adhesive cloth tape such as GT 571. |
| Does the adhesive tape need to work with a roll dispenser? | A cloth tape or masking tape is difficult to unroll with a hand dispenser. However, a packing tape or parcel tape is designed for use with a roll dispenser. |
Our range: Single-sided and double-sided adhesive tape in standard and premium quality
Whether made of foil, paper and fabric or other adhesive tape systems made of aluminium, foam or special crepe – you will find these and other tapes in our adhesive technology shop. We stock a wide range of adhesive tapes from our own brand Grip Tape - Gaffer and other high-quality adhesive tapes at unbeatable prices, as well as tapes from various leading brands such as tesa, Advance Tapes, Kip, Artist Tapes, Pro Tapes & Co.
- Cloth tape or gaffer tape or construction tape as protective tape, repair tape or assembly tape
- Aluminium tape – a heat-resistant adhesive tape for masking and covering, for example on stage or backstage
- Identification and marking tape: e.g. masking tape (fine masking adhesive-tape/flat masking tape) for covering or in fluorescent colours for labelling and warning
- Self-adhesive safety and warning tape in bright neon colours as well as the classic adhesive tape black yellow and red-white
- Black and yellow and red and white striped and phosphorescent anti-slip tape with a grained surface
- Phosphorescent labelling and marking tape
- Double-sided adhesive tapes (carpet tape) – either permanently adhesive or easily removable for sensitive or temporary laying of floor coverings (e.g. in trade fair or stage construction)
- Packaging tapes for packaging
- Insulating tapes for bundling and marking
- Adhesive textile tape as repair tape for molton and other fabrics
- Dance floor tape (PVC adhesive tape) for laying temporary dance floors
- and the matching roll dispensers (hand dispensers)
Cloth tape: gaffa, duct tape, duct tape and more
Professional solutions require professional adhesive tapes. A cloth tape, often referred to as gaffer tape, duct tape or duct tape, has almost become an all-purpose adhesive tape in event supplies because it can be used universally. Cloth tapes guarantee strong and durable bonds. They are weather-resistant, waterproof and can be used indoors and outdoors, some even on dusty and dirty surfaces (construction tape). Depending on the adhesive, the tapes adhere to almost all surfaces, whether smooth or rough, round or angular. Thanks to its fabric, gaffa tape is extremely flexible yet impressively tear-resistant. Duct tape can be made from uncoated textile fibres (e.g. cotton), plastic fabric or special fibres, including glass fibre (filament adhesive tape). The adhesive coating and adhesive strength vary from tape to tape.
Cloth tape is often used for bundling, reinforcing, fastening and mounting, even in difficult places. It is suitable for crafting, repairing and waterproof protection, as well as for waterproof and dustproof sealing. Another advantage of high-quality cloth tape is that it can often be removed without leaving any residue long after it has been applied. Fluorescent adhesive cloth tapes are mainly used by the film and entertainment industry for labelling and marking. The adhesive cloth tape in matt black is often used in film and photography because it does not reflect light. Event technology also uses matt gaffer tape to mask cables, technology, equipment and the like.
Aluminium tape for masking technical equipment
A matt black adhesive tape made of aluminium is particularly heat-resistant, making it suitable for use on surfaces that become hot. For example, it can be used to cover spotlights to prevent scattered light or to cover lamps on stage, which generate enormous heat.
masking tape
Our range includes various types of painter's tape: conventional masking tape (fine masking tape), which can be used for all kinds of jobs. However, one speciality is matt flat crepe tape. The paper adhesive tape is available in neon colours or in matt black, red, white and light blue. The bright colours also have fluorescent properties, which are not only suitable for marking but can also be used to create effects. Paper adhesive tapes offer the advantage that they can usually be removed easily. In addition, the adhesive tapes can be written on with any pen.
Double-sided tape
Double-sided adhesive tapes can be used for more than just carpet tape. They are also suitable for attaching decorative materials or stage fabrics, as well as for photo backgrounds, etc. We stock various types: double-sided adhesive tape with maximum adhesive strength for powerful mounting, residue-free removable double-sided tape for sensitive surfaces, double-sided foam tape and various waterproof double-sided tapes.
Have packing tape printed or in plain brown
At allbuyone, you can get conventional packaging adhesive tape or package tape printed with a logo or lettering. We print PVC packaging tape in single, two or three colours. The conventional PVC package tape in brown is universally applicable and suitable for packaging shipments and cardboard boxes weighing up to 30 kg. It impresses with its excellent sealing performance and quiet rolling noise. We can also supply the matching roll dispenser (hand dispenser) for the tapes on request.
Did you know? Depending on the coated adhesive, there are packaging tapes with loud unrolling noise or particularly quiet peelable package tapes. This is not unimportant when you work with packaging tape for many hours a day.
Insulating tapes not just for lighting and sound technology
We supply insulating tape in individual rolls in bright colours or coloured sets with several rolls. High quality is recognised by the VDE mark. But be careful, what many people don't know about insulating tape: Conventional insulating tape is not designed or approved for the professional insulation of bare cables! Most insulating tapes are merely non-conductive and can withstand a voltage of approx. 10 kV!
adhesive textile tape
Adhesive textile tape is a PE-coated cotton fabric tape (cellulose). It has a matt, non-reflective surface finish. With its high adhesive strength, it is ideal for fastening fabrics and stage backdrops and as a repair tape for mending molton fabrics. We have the following colours in our range:
adhesive textile tape black
adhesive textile tape white
dance floor tape
Professional performances require flexible dance floors. With PVC dance floor tape , you can bond the dance floor flexibly and with high elasticity. The matt, non-reflective surface of the tape does not reflect stage lighting or flash lights.
Of course, you will also find carpet tape in our range.
Would you like to have adhesive tape printed?
We are also the right partner for this. We print barrier tape and adhesive tape with a single or multi-coloured print – completely customised to your requirements.
Buy adhesive tape from allbuyone – high quality, fast shipping
We offer the right tapes for more than just trade fair and stage construction . Whether for industry and trade, household or office, at you will find a large selection of adhesive tapes. Allbuyone supplies just about every type of tape, even simple Scotch tape :-) If you cannot find the tape you are looking for in our range, please send us an enquiry.