Low Tack vs. High Tack Tapes: Differences & Uses

When choosing the right tape, it’s important to consider all the different properties and how they might work for your specific application. Tack is one of the properties to think about when making your decision. Some tapes offer high tack, while others have low tack. Understanding your needs and the specific application will help you determine which type of tack is best for you.

To help, we’ve put together a guide simplifying this tape property and explaining when you might need high or low tack.

What is tack?

The first thing to note is that tack shouldn’t be confused with adhesion. Tack is one of the properties that provide strength to an adhesive. So, while tack isn’t a type of adhesive itself, it will influence the bond the adhesive offers.

In a nutshell, it refers to the stickiness of the adhesive. A high tack adhesive bonds quickly with minimal pressure, while tape with low tack forms a weaker bond with materials because it isn’t as sticky. There are a few ways to test the tack of a tape, including pressing the adhesive to check the stickiness. However, when you’re purchasing the tape or checking the packaging of tapes you already have, you can usually check the properties or features to find out whether it has a low or high tack adhesive.

Low tack tape

What is low tack tape?

Low tack tape is less sticky, and this means it won’t form a strong bond with the materials it’s attached to. Because of this, it should be your go-to when handling delicate jobs, especially when you want to maintain the finish on the surface underneath the tape. This tape can be easily repositioned and removed without leaving behind residue or ruining the surface below.

Uses for low tack tape

Powder coating

Whether you’re powder-coating alloy wheels or industrial metals, you’ll need to mask off more delicate areas to protect them from the coating. A low tack masking tape would be the ideal choice for this application since it will cover the area without creating a strong bond that could affect the surface underneath. Instead, it can be applied and removed to give a clean, residue-free finish on your powder-coated surface.

High gloss surfaces

A high gloss surface can be delicate, which is also why a low tack tape is best for applications on these types of surfaces. Again, the tape won’t form a strong bond with the gloss, which means it can remain intact when you apply and remove the tape.

Freshly-painted surfaces

Low tack tape is ideal for applications over freshly painted surfaces such as walls or doors when DIYing. This is because the tape won’t form a strong bond with the painted surface, so when it’s time to remove the tape, it can be peeled away easily. If a high tack tape was used for this application, it would form a strong bond with the painted surface and could damage or peel away the paint when the tape is removed.

Examples of low tack tapes

At JTAPE, we offer low tack tapes suitable for a range of purposes, including powder coating and DIY painting.

Our Green High Temperature Polyester Film Tape is a low tack polyester film-backed tape with a silicone adhesive. With excellent temperature resistance up to 220°C/428°F for up to 30 minutes and low tack adhesive properties, this tape is the perfect solution for powder coating applications since it can withstand the conditions the metal will be subjected to without disturbing the surface underneath.

Another of our low tack tapes is our 80°C Premium Masking tape. This general-purpose crepe-backed tape is intended to be used alongside other JTAPE masking products to protect vehicles from overspray during paint applications. The low tack properties mean it can be used with various paint systems without damaging the existing finish on a vehicle upon removal. It also offers temperature resistance up to 80°C, conformability and a pressure-sensitive rubber-based adhesive that leaves no residue behind.

High tack tape

What is high tack tape?

A tape featuring high tack can create a strong bond between two materials almost immediately and with little pressure. Tapes featuring high tack properties are better suited to permanent fixings, especially when you’re looking for an immediate bond that you can trust. This is less suitable for temporary applications or when you’re attaching the tape to delicate surfaces since it can be harder to remove without disturbing the surface underneath. However, some high tack tapes can still be removed without leaving behind residue, so it’s all about doing your research and considering the materials you’re planning to work with.

Uses for high tack tape

Mounting and bonding items

When you’re mounting or bonding items, it’s important that you can put your trust in the bond provided by the tape, which is why we recommend using high tack tapes for this purpose. Specifically, double-sided high tack tapes are the best solution since they can offer an instantaneous bond between the two materials or substrates you’re working with. Whether you’re mounting decals or number plates, a high tack means the fixing will stay in place and won’t budge.

Sealing

Sealing is normally a permanent application, so tape used for this purpose must be high tack to ensure the seal remains in place for as long as necessary. From sealing the seams of automotive doors to flanges, high-strength tape is needed to ensure the seal remains intact and won’t lift away from the surface.

Examples of high tack tapes

Within the JTAPE product range, we have a selection of excellent quality high tack tapes. One of these is our Double Sided Mounting Tape which features high tack properties on both sides of the adhesive. This allows the mounting tape to form an immediate bond between two materials, making it the perfect solution for mounting  number plates and decals for example.

Additionally, our Seam Sealing Tape features a high tack performance acrylic adhesive.. The clear acrylic foam-backed tape offers excellent resistance to moisture, UV, chemicals and heat, making it the ideal solution for providing a trustworthy seal that protects the inside of a vehicle from the elements.

Low tack vs. high tack tape

In summary, the main difference between low tack tape and high tack tape is the strength of the bond. Low tack will provide a weaker bond that can easily be repositioned, while high tack offers an instantaneous strong bond that might be more difficult to remove and reposition. Because of this difference, low tack tapes are best suited for temporary masking, while high tack tapes are ideal for permanent and longer-term bonding requirements.

Having the right tools in your kit is essential for giving you the results you’re looking for. So, whether you’re an automotive paintwork specialist or just doing some DIY around the house, it’s worth thinking about how the difference in tack might impact your application. For more insights and advice on different tapes and adhesives, check out the JTAPE blog.