Double Sided Tapes

[Joe Kace]

Hello Everyone,
I am looking for the best affordable 2 sided tape for panel tags and signs. I have seen many on the web and Uline but was wondering where everybody else is getting their's from.

Thanks
Joe

[Paul Phillips]

Hi Joe, What is "affordable" to you? I've used 3-m products for years because they were the only ones that I could find with the performance that I needed (3-5yr guarantee on our exterior signs) for our high-end clients. I have been using the 9476LE (300LSE series) for over 10yrs now and still going strong in the desert heat 120deg+, haven't had a failure yet. I use it mostly for laminating various decorative laminates to acrylic. Also we use the 4085 foam tape for installing plaques to the wall, haven't found anything that has a higher initial tack and bonding strength, use it mostly along with a dab of silicone for a permanent fixture. They are both expensive but the peace of mind is worth it to me. It's no fun when a client calls you back because your signs have all fallen off before the silicone dried, because you wanted to save some money by using the cheap tape! Only made that mistake once.
Paul

[Joe Pelonio]

I mostly use 3M also because it comes in 6" and 12" really thin clear for laminating, but I discovered that the really cheap stuff with dark green carrier at my local Harbor Freight is actually very good and holds up for mounting signs to interior walls, or for holding outdoor signs until the silicone or other adhesive sets up.

[Mark Sipes]

I have used 36 yard Gold-Line Premium Tesa Tape for 18 years and have never had a plaque returned because the plate fell off the board. Infact the acrylic carriers bond gets stronger over time.. does not dry out ... JDS is my primary provider. Stay away from tissure or paper carriers. Buy the best you can afford .

[Mike Null]

Plus 1 on the JDS premium tape. Never a complaint in 15 years.

[Lee DeRaud]

...the really cheap stuff with dark green carrier at my local Harbor Freight...

How wide is it?

And do you have a SKU# handy? Don't see anything like that on their web site...

[Paul Phillips]

I tried using other, cheaper laminating tapes but I found that it did not adhere well to certain "low surface energy" materials like gatorfoam, sintra/celtek and I often had to scuff/prep both surfaces for the tape to stick properly, but with the LSE, "low surface energy" tape I don't have to do any prep and it instantly creates a permanent bond. Also, for me I think the foam tape problem is related to the local weather and big changes in humidity and heat in a short period of time causing signs to expand or contract and pull away from the wall and fall off, with the 4085 I never have that problem, but each persons application and environmental variables will be different and you have to use what works for you. My being in an extreme environment makes my situation unique.
Joe, my advise is to start with the more affordable suggestions and if that doesn't work then you at least have some alternatives. BTW, I order my 3M products through www dot rshughes dot com.

[Joe Kace]

I have been using 3M 444 double sided tape, it has been rising in price over the last year and was just looking for alternative's. I am paying $106.00 for 2 rolls from Uline now. I am only using it for electrical panel tags and signs, I don't do trophy's or plaques.

[Mark Sipes]

and I thought $26 a roll for 2" was expensive..........$53 wow

[Mike Null]

Joe

What width are you using?

[Joe Kace]

I am using 2" width.

[Mike Null]

Joe

Single rolls of the Gold Line from JDS are 23.50 with a very good discount for buying 6 rolls. This stuff is incredible. I've used it for years and will not change.

[Joe Kace]

Mike,

That is just the lead I was looking for when I posted it, thank you so much it is a HUGE savings.

Joe

[Mike Null]

Joe

I gave you last years price. It is up $1 this year and 6 rolls are 20.50 each.

[Paul Phillips]

Mike, I might have to give that a try since it comes so highly recommended, thanks for the info.
Joe, I think we all feel your pain on all the various materials that have steadily risen in price over the last few years, and that's what makes this forum so great, if it can help some of us find a good deal and save a few $.