Your Place For Tape, Velcro, and All Things Sticky

Duct Tape

Duct tape’s versatility and holding power are evidenced by its nickname in engineering circles: “the ultimate material.” It is commonly used in situations that require a strong, flexible adhesive, particularly when exposure to the elements is a concern.

Duct tape is sometimes used by musicians and on film sets and in theaters, although a more specialized product, commonly known as gaffer tape in entertainment circles, is preferred as it does not leave a sticky residue when removed and is more easily torn into thin strips for precise application.

Gaffer’s Tape

Gaffer tape, sometimes shortened to gaff tape (especially by theater and photographic professionals), or made possessive, as “gaffer’s tape”, is a strong, pressure-sensitive, cotton cloth adhesive tape. It is an essential, all-purpose tool on theater, film and television productions as well as live performances and any other kind of stage work.

The most common use for gaffer tape is securing cables to the stage floor or other surface, either for safety or to keep them out of view of the audience or camera. Camera assistants use short strips of different colors to lay blocking markers for actors. Similarly, a narrow version of gaffer tape, called spike tape, is used in theatre productions for floor layout. It is also used whenever a quick ad-hoc fix is required, from temporarily attaching fixtures or props, to salvaging a broken piece of production equipment. In the absence of console tape or artist tape, live sound engineers may use a strip of white gaffer tape along the bottom of a mixing board, to label the channels used for a particular show.

The tape is manufactured in many colors, including fluorescent and custom colors, but the most common variety is matte black or dull grey. A matte finish keeps the tape from reflecting light so the tape blends in with the typical stage floor of a theatre. It is easily torn by hand so no cutting tools are necessary. The adhesive used is a high quality synthetic rubber which leaves little or no residue when removed. It usually comes in 2”-wide rolls, and the cloth composition allows a consistent tear, which means it easily tears into two 1” strips, if needed. Gaffer tape should not be compared to duct tape, a far cheaper product which does not tear cleanly and leaves a residue when removed.

Velcro

Because it is easy to use, maintenance free, and safe, the hook-and-loop fasteners have been used for just about every conceivable application where a temporary bond is required. It is especially popular in clothing where it replaces buttons or zippers, and as a shoe fastener for children who have not yet learned to tie shoelaces and for those who choose hook-and-loop over laces. Also, the U.S. Army uses hook and loop fasteners on combat uniforms to attach patches and rank.

The strength of a hook and loop bond depends on how much surface area is in contact with the hooks: full-body hook and loop suits have been made that can hold a person to a suitably covered wall.