Adhesive Tapes

Duct Tape – Gaffer Tape

Adhesive tape is one of those things that people use almost every day without realizing how important it is. There are however two types of adhesive tape that you can’t use regularly without realizing how essential they are, these are Duct tape and Gaffer tape.   

Gaffer Tape

Gaffer tape also referred to as gaffa tape, is a heavy cotton cloth tape that has powerful adhesive quality. Gaffa tape is typically available in rolls of 25m or 50m lengths and a standard 50mm width. 

Gaffer tape is very easy to use, once you affix the tape to a chosen surface, you can be certain that it will stick. You can use Gaffer tape for temporary and permanent fixes and expect top quality results and lasting effects every time.

Typical features of gaffer tape are:

• Cotton based matt material

• Age resistant material

• Leakage-proof

• Anti-corrosive (especially with chemicals and water)

• Easy to tear

• The tape’s strength does not damage surfaces or leave a sticky residue

• The tape is very affordable

• Doesn’t leave any residue when removed

What Can Gaffer Tape Be Used For?

Gaffer tape can be used to fasten wires to prevent theatre audiences from being able to see them. It can also be used to hide wires from the view of a camera lens, especially on film sets. 

Thin strips of colored gaffer tape are also used as blocking indicators for actors. The tape can also be used to provide a quick solution for unexpected damages and it can be used to hold cables down as well as to avoid lens flickering in the backdrop. You can use gaffer tape for almost anything, that is why it’s so useful.

Duct Tape

Duct tape also referred to as Duck Tape, is a cloth-backed pressure-sensitive tape that is typically coated with polyethylene. Duct tape is known for its strong adhesive quality and resistance. Duct tape varies depending on the backing and adhesives used in their construction. Duct tape usually features a silver-grey color but can also be other colors. 

Features

• The outer layer of duct tape consists of polyethylene, also called LDPE (Low-density polyethylene), which provides weather resistance and waterproofing.

• More so, the vinyl coating of some tapes provides resistance to abrasion. With the outer layer merged with the thin gauze or strong fabric, tapes provide strength and elasticity when used. This fabric layer is then coated with a strong adhesive that sticks to almost any surface.

• There are different types of duct tape and they vary based on the type of fabric fiber used. The types of fabric fiber include nylon, rayon or polyester, cotton, etc. The most common width of duct tapes run into about 48-51mm.

• Duct tape was originally used to seal joints in heating or air conditioning ducts to make them airtight. Nowadays, duct tape is used for a variety of applications. Duct tape can be used for both indoors and outdoors situations and will fit in perfectly in any toolbox. 

Types of Duct Tape

• General Purpose Duct Tape: General Purpose Duct tape has a very thin outer polyethylene film, a low fabric count, and low weight adhesive.

• Industrial Grade Duct Tape: This is made with very strong fabric and a tough outer layer. The adhesive quality is very high. 

• Professional Grade Duct Tape: These are much stronger than the industrial-grade duct tape and have a tougher backing material. 

Why Do You Need Duct Tape?

Durability

Duct tape is known for its durability and it is arguably the biggest benefit it offers. It is much stronger than other types of tape available on the market and is sure to hold up for a very long time after it has been applied.

Once you use duct tape to hold something together, you can be sure that it will hold up securely for a long time. It is for this reason that duct tape is found in almost every household and workplace. It is a quick and reliable fix for unexpected problems.

Water Resistance

Another benefit of duct tape is its water-resistant property. When duct tape was first invented, the military referred to it as duck tape because of its waterproof qualities as the water rolled off of it like water off a duck's back. Other tapes can’t withstand moisture as duct tape can. 

You can even use duct tape to cover up a hole in a water hose, it’s that powerful. People even use it for temporary plumbing related fixes. It can hold things together securely until a permanent solution has been provided.

Strength

Apart from its durability and water resistance, duct tape is also strong. This means it is not easily broken or destroyed. You can’t just rip duct tape like you can rip other adhesive tapes. It can support a lot of weight without taking any damage. This makes it suitable for jobs other types of tape can’t do.

Adhesive Strength

While the tape is very strong, the tape’s adhesive is also unusually strong. You can use the tape on any surface and it will stick with no problem.

Duct Tape vs Gaffer Tape

The main difference between gaffer tape and duct tape is that Gaffer tape is designed to not leave a sticky adhesive residue when it is removed while Duct tape leaves a sticky adhesive residue. Apart from this, there are other minor differences, such as the fact that duct tape has a shiny and reflective backing while gaffer tape has a matte backing to prevent light reflection.

Final Thoughts

Duct tape and Gaffer tape are essential additions to every household and every workplace. You never know when they need for them might arise but as long as you have them handy, you can be sure that they will be effective and reliable when put to use.