Which adhesive tape should I use?

Adhesive tape is generally thought of as the kitchen-drawer essential, used to fix things around the house. But specialist adhesive tapes have beneficial properties in addition to sticking, and can be used in a number of different ways. From preventing slipping on the stairs to attaching things which reach very high temperatures, learn about the different types of adhesive tape here. BodyrnThere are many different types of specialist adhesive tapes, which together have hundreds - if not, thousands - of different uses. It can therefore be difficult to understand, which is the best type to order for your requirements. Some of the main adhesive tapes which hold special properties are:

Double-sided adhesive tapes

These adhesive tapes have two tacked sides, which make them ideal for sticking two surfaces together if they are not going to be attached by the edge, or if you do not want tape to be visible. Double sided tape is a hugely versatile adhesive tape which is available in various widths, colors, thicknesses, and with various adhesives and withstand various ranges of temperature, with peaks of up to 160ºC. The more common double sided adhesive tapes are suitable for lightweight application, but much stronger varieties are available for specialized use.

Foam adhesive tapes

These often offer water tightness and are therefore found in seals on doors or windows. Foam adhesive tapes used in this way will also help to keep the heat inside and are therefore sometimes used to make homes more energy efficient. Their cushioning properties make foam adhesive tapes ideal for areas with movement such as doors, where they may be required to expand and flatten. Foam adhesive tapes can be bought with single or double sided adhesive.

High temperature adhesive tapes

High temperature tapes have a very specialized target use. Generally working from temperatures from -70ºc up to 180ºc, high temperature adhesive tapes are used on circuit boards, for insulation and in the aerospace industry.

Anti slips adhesive tapes

These types of adhesive tape are generally used for health and safety purposes. Their most common use is on the edge of steps or stairs, because their main property is their strong friction surface which works to prevent slipping. For extra visibility, and therefore extra hazard awareness, they are available in yellow and black, and glow in the dark colorings.

Glass/surface protection adhesive tapes

These are often bought in wider rolls than other adhesive tapes, as they are designed to cover larger surface areas. Glass, wood or carpet can be protected with the appropriate protective adhesive tapes, and they are commonly used for keeping windows, floorings, work surfaces or kitchen units clean and undamaged during redecoration, construction or DIY projects.

Low tack adhesive tapes

Like glass/surface protection adhesive tapes, these are low tack so they do not damage the material which they are stuck to. They tend to be narrower than surface protection tapes, making them ideal for protecting door frames, window frames or other narrow features when painting the surrounding area.