A roll of tape may seem like an unexciting prospect, but the wrong choice will lead to a disaster. It may curl away after a few hours, leave a lumpy mass if it is too thick, or have trouble gripping due to the heat, dust, or a rough surface.

Crown tape selection begins with defining the role that the adhesive needs to play. Sealing a light package is different from attaching a mounting bracket or joining two objects together. Surface condition, temperature, pressure, and the anticipated life of the bond should inform your choice.

Places Where Adhesive Tape is a Good Choice

Adhesive tape makes many jobs much easier by eliminating the need for screws or liquid glue. In fact, an adhesive can often make a bonding operation faster and neater by remaining hidden as it joins two surfaces.

Some of the reasons for selecting adhesive tape include:

• Speed of application: Many tapes need no special tools to apply.
• Cleaner: They usually leave a neater mess than liquid adhesive.
• Wider surface area: Double-sided products often allow joining of two surfaces with an even pressure across the whole area.
• More versatility: Adhesives can be used on plastic, metal, foam, paper, and other surfaces.

Double-sided adhesive may be a great option to make a permanent, invisible bond between two surfaces. Protective tape can have a completely different purpose by covering a surface to keep it clean during a process.

Drawbacks of Using Tape

There are also limitations that must be considered before deciding to use adhesive tape. A strong bond is a function of the surface being bonded, the type of adhesive, the temperature at the time of application, and the pressure during the process.

Dust, oil, or humidity often reduce the amount of adhesion that can be achieved with most tapes. A rough surface decreases the contact area, thus reducing the bonding power. Heavy objects will put additional stress on the adhesive, so a good general-purpose tape may not be suitable for mounting a cabinet. Outdoor applications also require extra care, since temperature changes, sunlight, wind, and rain can impact the quality of the bond.

Cautions Do Not Make Adhesive Tape Useless, Only Informative

How to Choose a Crown Tape to Make Things Better

First, consider the surfaces to be bonded. Something as simple as glass or metal will have very different adhesive properties than plastic, foam, or fabric. The surface of the material also needs to be considered, since the adhesive requires a firm contact with the surface on both sides of the tape.

Next, think about the environment. Ask yourself these questions:

• Will the material be exposed to very hot or cold temperatures?
• Will it be humid or subject to water or other liquids?
• How long will the bond need to last?
• Does the material need to be hidden from view?
• Will the materials flex or move in any way?

The thickness of the tape also matters. Very thin adhesive may leave an invisible mark on the surface. Thicker foams can fill the gaps where two uneven surfaces are being bonded together.

Looking at the technical specifications for different products on www.crownadhesivetape.com can help a buyer make a choice based on the intended application rather than the width of the roll or the attractive color of the tape.

Simple Suggestions Can Make Better Adhesive Bonds

Both surfaces should be clean and not oily before any type of bonding tape is used. Any debris or other material that prevents a tight surface bond should be removed.

Avoid touching the adhesive side of the tape as much as possible, since the natural oils in the skin can reduce the surface area that can adhere to another material.

Applying pressure to the surface after placing the adhesive in position allows the material to flow and increase the contact area. Most ordinary tapes should not be stretched during the application process, unless the product was specifically intended for that use.

Testing a small piece before attempting to do a larger project can prevent many headaches and wasted materials. If the test piece pulls away from one of the surfaces, fails to bond properly, or leaves a mark on a finished surface, the roll should be set aside for another purpose or discarded.

Summary

Choose the right kind of adhesive for the surface and application. Clean both sides of the joint before using any kind of bonding tape. Pay attention to the anticipated life of the bond and the environmental conditions. Do not allow the thickness and price of the material to dictate your choice. Always test an unfamiliar material on a small piece before doing an important project.

Making Better Choices with Adhesive Tape

A good adhesive tape makes bonding much easier, but the choice of the material must reflect the materials being bonded and the conditions that the adhesive has to endure. Attention must be paid to the surface characteristics of the material to be bonded, the anticipated life of the bond, and the desired end results before selecting a product. Using the correct amount of pressure when applying the tape will also allow a stronger bond. With crown tape, focus on the intended purpose of the adhesive rather than assuming that one product will be the best choice for all jobs. A little care when considering the application of any bonding material can prevent disasters later.