Frequently Asked Questions

• Where do I start? How do I know what tape is best for my application?
  Use our product search or product selector tools to choose the specifics of your project or application. If you are still unsure, call our experienced Customer Service team at 866-800-0775 for additional help. Please note, more than one tape may be appropriate for your application. We can also fully customize a solution for your application. Get a free sample of each and test to determine what works best.
• What’s the difference between a rubber and acrylic based adhesive?
  Rubber based adhesives bond immediately to a wide variety of surfaces, but are not suitable for exposure to direct sunlight or adhering to flexible plastics. Acrylic adhesives provide higher temperature resistance, bond well even when exposed to sunlight and work with flexible plastics. Acrylic adhesives take 24-48 hours to reach a full bond.
• How long do removable adhesives hold?
  Once bonded, removable adhesives can last over 1 year and still remove cleanly from a hard non-delaminating surface. Exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures can reduce the holding power of these adhesives.
• What’s a non-delaminating surface?
  A surface that consists of non-layering composites. For example, wallpaper would be considered a delaminating surface because it is composed of several layers.
• What is pressure sensitive adhesive tape?
  Pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape can be defined as a continuous flexible strip of cloth, paper, metal or plastic coated on one or both sides with a permanently tacky adhesive at room temperature which will adhere to a variety of surfaces with light pressure (finger pressure) with no phase change (liquid to solid) and usually on a roll.
• How does surface preparation affect the product’s performance?
  Dirt, oil, paint, dust, release agents, inhibitors or other contaminants on the surface of the substrate can interfere with the adhesive and affect the bond. Preparing the surface so it is clean, dry and free from contaminants will improve the tape bond.
• What is the best way to clean a surface?
  General cleaning using a 50/50 mixture of Isopropyl Alcohol and water and then drying with a clean lint-free cloth is the simplest way to make sure a surface is clean. Using products that can leave a residue, such as commercial window cleaners, are not recommended.
• What adhesive is best for outdoor use?
  Acrylic adhesives provide a wider temperature range and are usually better suited for outdoor use. All pressure sensitive adhesives need to be applied at ambient temperature for best results.

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