The Complete Technical Guide for Double Sided Tape.

What is Double-Sided Tape?

Created by applying a thin adhesive layer to each side of a carrier substrate material, double-sided tape, also known as double-coated tape or double-faced tape, is widely used by a vast array of industries for applications such as bonding, holding, mounting, splicing, and packaging. Obviously, it is most often used to stick two surfaces together; typically in a way not visible in the end product. This is due to it being installed “in-between” rather than “overlaying upon” in use.  This specific application allows for a neater look and better craftsmanship.

Double-sided tape can be either thin (such as paper-based) or thick (such as foam-based), coated with rubber, acrylic, or a modified version of these sometimes with differential properties. Double-sided tapes with thick bonding systems are usually better able to bond to unusual, non-uniform, or highly patterned and textured surfaces.  Thick bonding systems usually involve a foam carrier layer and may vary significantly in strength. Thin bonding systems are, as the name suggests, much thinner – sometimes so thin that they consist of nothing but the pure adhesive on a silicone liner. And yes, much like everything else on a job site or at a manufacturing facility, choosing the right double-sided tape for the specific application is paramount.

How is Double-Sided Tape Used?
Did you know that in auto manufacturing, double-sided tape has been replacing rivets and fasteners for years and is used to attach everything from dashboards to specialty car appliqués? Or that  RV and truck manufacturers use specialized double-coated tape to bond panels together and fasten exterior mirror glass to the mirror housing bezel? Here are just a few other applications where double-sided tape plays a major role:

House Wrap and Vapor Barrier Seaming. Use double-sided tape to overlap house wrap seams so water does not migrate behind it.  To reduce labor, use high-performance double-sided tape to attach vapor barriers to walls in crawlspaces instead of using screws for a more air-tight seal. Learn more about this increasingly important process with our guide.

Acoustics and Sound. With more buildings becoming airtight, the sound is becoming a big issue. Double-sided tape is often used in manufacturing to attach the foam to wall panels or flooring underlayment to floors.

Graphic Arts & Signage. When it comes to bonding, the double-coated tape is the go-to tool of choice for this industry.  Choose from a variety of adhesion levels based on what you need to stick together.

Convention or Expo Events.  Every exhibition hall that lays down temporary carpet uses a very special double-sided carpet tape which is removable after the trade show and leaves no residue. When securing and holding (think red carpet) carpets in place for major events or trade shows, it’s double-sided fabric tape to the rescue. These tapes typically feature a medium adhesion and tack, which allow for removal without residue.

Splicing and Tabbing.  For paper mills and paper corrugators, double-sided tapes are paramount to virtually every core-starting, splicing, or tabbing requirement.