With the multitude of different construction tapes available to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily, we’re here to help cut through the clutter and help you pick the best tape for your project. We’ll cover the basics of what each type has to offer and then we’ll go over some of our top picks for each type of tape.
Essentially a construction tape measures the sheer strength of the adhesive. Tapes with more adhesive (like hot melt) will have a stronger bond and tape that has more resin (or glue) will be tougher. Tapes that use high tack vinyl will stick better to your surface while the low tack ones will leave some grip but not as much resistance when trying to peel them off.
Whether you’re using it for a DIY project, Home Improvement or remodeling your home, there is always some sort of order you need to follow.
So, let’s get down to the basics! Here is what you need to know.
Sticky White vs. Plastic Wraps:What is the difference?
They’re both generally white and they’re both kind of sticky, so what’s the deal? The main difference between wraps and tapes is how strong or weak they are. Tapes are much stronger than wraps, but tapes can be removed and reapplied less often than plastic wraps without causing damage to your surfaces.
As a result, white tapes are usually better at covering up the awkwardness of your old wallpaper. This should make it much easier to paint or wallpaper over any remaining residue.
What are the most common types of construction tapes?
There are quite a few types and we’ll cover them all here. But stick with us, because we’ll also share some of our top picks for each type so you know exactly what to look for when buying this all important product for DIY projects around your home.
Vinyl tape is a great choice for all kinds of projects, including crafts and home improvement. This type of tape is generally made from white vinyl and it comes with an adhesive that is designed to not leave any residue behind on your materials or surfaces.
This type of construction tape can be found in many different forms, including 3M adhesive painter’s tape, which is what we recommend in our cheaper picks. You can also buy double sided gray vinyl tapes or red painter’s tapes.
Vinyl tapes are great for home improvement because they are so versatile. You can use them to protect your materials while you’re painting, carpeting or just about any other job that involves getting stuff on your walls and surfaces.
Our number one pick is the 3M command film mounting tape. It’s easy to use, doesn’t leave a residue behind, and it comes off easily when you’re ready to take it down. We also recommend the 3M double-sided tape if you need to stick something together more than once.
Vinyl adhesive is a strong, non-toxic adhesive that is specifically designed for DIY projects. You can find it in different forms, including those listed above, or you can find pre-cut designs that come in clear or black.
This tape is often cut into small sections which are then stuck together with the help of a vacuum pocket. These mini blocks make it easy to handle much larger pieces of materials like wallpaper and they also make it easier to lay down smooth tape lines.