Which Application Tape Should I Use?

Choosing the right Application Tape can make or break your job. Using App Tape that isn’t suited to the particular application could cost you not only money, but also time and maybe missing a critical deadline.


Application Tape Adhesives

Application Tape must have the correct adhesive strength or “tack” to lift the cut vinyl lettering from the liner backing, yet be able to remove easily from the vinyl lettering once it’s transferred to the application surface.

Adhesive systems vary in application tapes. Some are rubber-based and others, acrylic.

Neotape and R-tape Application Tapes have natural rubber-based adhesive which is very stable. They have virtually no adhesion build-up when applied to vinyl for extended periods of time. They are also very smooth and consistent, therefore, will not transfer a “texture” to the vinyl lettering.

Acrylic-based application tapes have a tendency to increase their adhesion to vinyl. This may be desirable in some applications, but adhesion build-up can occur over time and may make it difficult to remove the tape from the vinyl lettering after transfer. The shorter the gap between applying the app tape and installing the graphics, the better.

Choosing Application Tape

Cut Size of Vinyl Lettering vs. Tack Level

Generally speaking, high tack application tapes are required to lift smaller vinyl lettering from the liner backing. Larger vinyl lettering usually requires a medium to low tack application tape for easier removal after transfer.

“All purpose” application tapes are more versatile and have been designed for use on any sized lettering for most sign making applications. They are a good option for most workshops.

General Guide:

Lettering Size             Tape Tack Level

Less than 50mm        High

100mm or larger        Medium

300mm or larger        Low

Sign Surfaces

Application surfaces, such as display board, glass or fabric present unique requirements. A high tack application tape may be difficult to remove, or can damage certain surfaces, such as display board, painted walls or ink from non-laminated printed media.

In these sorts of cases, use of a lower tack application tape or one which is specifically designed for such surfaces could be beneficial. We would recommend that you test apply application tapes to confirm suitability, particularly if you’re unsure.

Recommendation Guide:

Banners (Vinyl)  - Medium to High Tack - NT100, NT175RLA

Boat/ Marine Graphics - High Tack (Paper Tape for Wet Apply) - NT150, NT175RLA, RT4076RLA

Glass - Low to Medium Tack (Paper Tape for Wet Apply) - NT100, NT175RLA

Fleet, Caravans & Trailers - Low to Medium/High (Premium Paper Tape) - NT175RLA, RT4076RLA

Latex Painted Walls - Low Tack Tape - NT100

Display Board - Low Tack Tape - NT100

Vehicle Graphics - Medium to High - NT100, NT150, NT175RLA, RT4076RLA

Variations in Vinyl

Application Tape performance sometimes varies between different brands of vinyl, or even across different colours of the same vinyl brand. Different release liners also impact the “lifting” characteristics required of the tape.

Occasionally, the application tape you normally use will not lift cut lettering as easily when working with certain vinyl or foil products. If a job is outside your normal practise, a variety of environmental and other influences may affect final results, therefore it is recommended that you undertake testing for a specific application.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life

Application tape should be stored on end, at room temperature. Maximum shelf life of application tapes is one year when stored properly. Roll must be kept free from moisture at all times.

At CPH Group we provide a range of high quality pressure sensitive tapes and films. We continue to design and source products to meet the demands of changes within the industry. We only stock products that have proven performance in all areas of sign making application.

Next edition we take a look at Installing Tips and Troubleshooting for Application Tape.

Source: https://www.cphgroup.com.au/blog/31-tech-tips/70-apptape1

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