Automotive Uses for Single-sided vs. Double-sided Foam Tapes

Foam masking tapes are a useful addition to the toolkit of any automotive professional because of their versatility. However, selecting the right foam tape for the job can make a huge difference to the quality and appearance of the finish. So, when it comes to choosing between single-sided and double-sided foam-based tapes, how do you know which is best suited to the task at hand?

To help with the decision, we’ve created a guide to single and double-sided foam tapes, including their uses and which tapes from our range are best for the different automotive tasks mentioned.

What are single-sided foam tapes used for in automotive?

From overspray prevention to priming and masking swage lines, foam tapes featuring single-sided adhesive can be handy for a variety of body shop tasks. Here, we’ll explain some of the uses for single-sided foam tapes within the automotive industry, alongside a few product recommendations from the JTAPE range.

Of course, it’s worth mentioning that there are also plenty of non-foam single-sided tapes used in automotive refinishing, but here we’ll be focussing on the foam variants.

Overspray prevention in apertures

Single-sided automotive foam tape is often ideal for overspray prevention in apertures because it can be applied to moving parts or fixed edges to give a feathered paint finish. It prevents the build-up of overspray which can leave harsh painted edges and lower the quality of the overall finish. Whether you’re working on the door panels or around the fuel door, these tape types are a fast and efficient solution allowing you to achieve the perfect soft finish.

Our Smooth Edge Foam Masking Tape and Advanced Foam Masking Tape can both help with overspray prevention when working in apertures. These single-sided foam masking tapes offer excellent temperature resistance for use in low-bake ovens and provide the flexibility required to mask off the curves and bends found in vehicle apertures.

Priming

Achieving an even primer application is crucial to ensure the base and clear coats stick and end up looking their best. This starts with using a specialist masking tape for this use. Single-sided automotive adhesives can be used to mask off gaps such as A, B and C posts and other apertures to allow professionals to create a soft edge during primer application.

JTAPE Primeshield is the ideal solution for masking off gaps and preventing overspray from reaching inside the vehicle during the priming process. It can be applied to different-sized gaps in various vehicle apertures and ensure you achieve a high-quality application.

Masking swage lines & panel edges

Masking off swage lines and panel edges is simple and easy to do with the help of single-sided foam tapes. Foam tapes are ideal for this purpose because they leave a blended finish between the old and new paint along the swage and panel lines. Single-sided adhesive is also best since one side can be applied to the exterior of a vehicle following the curve thanks to the flexibility they provide.

Since the most important thing to get right when masking off swage lines and panel edges is creating a seamless blend between new and old paint, we recommend our No Edge Blending Tape Plus and Flexi No Edge Blending Tape for this use.  These foam adhesive tapes are flexible, easy to use and absorb the paint to provide the best quality finish.

What are double-sided foam tapes used for in automotive?

While single-sided foam adhesives are used mostly for masking a vehicle during the refinishing process, automotive double-sided foam tapes are more helpful for tasks requiring a secure bond between two surfaces. Whether it’s mounting substrates or creating vehicle seals, this type of tape is ideal for these purposes.

Here, we’ll delve deeper into the uses of double-sided foam tapes in the automotive industry and offer our most useful product suggestions from the JTAPE selection. Although we also offer acrylic-based double-sided tapes that could work for these uses, we’re focussing on foam tapes here.

Mounting number plates

Number plates must be mounted securely using automotive tape capable of withstanding moisture and harsh weather over long periods. Since we’re attaching an external substrate to the vehicle, double-sided tape with a high-tack adhesive on both sides is ideal for this use. Specialist tape called mounting tape can provide the strong bond needed to ensure the number plate remains attached no matter what.

Our JTAPE Double-Sided Mounting Tape is highly resistant to chemicals, moisture, UV, weather, solvents and heat, which makes it perfect for mounting number plates, decals and other substrates with a trustworthy bond.

Attaching car trims

Double-sided foam tapes are perfect for attaching car trims securely because they can include a flexible, high-tack adhesive. This allows automotive professionals to secure the trim in tight corners and bends with ease.

Again, Our JTAPE Double Sided Grey Foam Acrylic Tape is highly recommended for this task because it can provide a permanent fixing that isn’t affected by the elements.

Sealing

Double-sided adhesive foam tapes can also be used as gasket tape to seal windows, sunroofs and doors securely. This is because the foam creates the necessary flexibility for these tight areas, while the double-sided adhesive builds a strong enough bond to guarantee that the seal will stay in place.

The best tape for this is also our Double-Sided Mounting Tape which features a high-tack adhesive ideal for sealing windows and doors alongside securing fixtures such as mirrors, decals and mouldings. This double-sided adhesive foam tape offers excellent chemical, temperature and weather resistance, which means it can provide a reliable seal.

Do I need both?

We recommend purchasing a variety of automotive tapes for use in body shops, including single-sided and double-sided variations. This is because as we’ve discussed above, they’re often best suited to different uses. Depending on what type of tasks are carried out most often in your body shop, you might need more single-sided foam tapes than double-sided. For example, if respraying and refinishing are part of your everyday work, then single-sided foam tapes will be most useful to you. Regardless, it can still be good to have both on hand so that you’re prepared to help any customer.

We hope this helps differentiate between the uses of double-sided and single-sided adhesive foam tapes. To discover our full range of automotive adhesive solutions, check out our product page.