From packaging warehouses to DIY projects at home, there are many different types of tape designed for specific tasks. Whether it’s sealing parcels, insulating electrical wires, or helping with decorating, the right option can make a big difference. With so many choices on the market, understanding the main categories helps you select the most suitable solution.

This guide explores the types of tape most commonly used across many industries, from everyday packaging tape to specialist options such as masking tape and duct tape. By learning the strengths of each, you can match the correct tape to the job, ensuring strong, reliable results every time.

What Counts as Adhesive Tape

At its simplest, adhesive tape is a strip of material coated with a sticky surface that bonds to most surfaces when pressed down. The majority are classed as pressure sensitive tape, which means they stick firmly with pressure rather than needing heat or water to activate.

There are different self adhesive types used in tape manufacturing, each offering varying levels of grip and durability. Rubber based adhesive is popular for its quick bond, while acrylic adhesive provides long-lasting hold in changing temperatures. Hot melt options deliver strong adhesion and are widely used for packaging.

Together, these sit under the broad group of industrial tapes, covering everything from everyday packaging tape to specialist products for construction, electrical work, and safety.

Packaging Tape Types

There are several different types of tape used for packaging, each designed to meet specific needs. From everyday packing tape to reinforced options, choosing the right tape ensures parcels are sealed securely and consistently.

Packing Tape and Parcel Tape

Packing tape, sometimes called packaging tape, is the standard choice for sealing cartons and parcels. Available in polypropylene, PVC, and low-noise varieties, it offers excellent adhesion for day-to-day use.

Common sizes include:

• 25mm for light parcels and smaller boxes
• 48mm (2 inch) as the standard option for most packing jobs
• 75mm (3 inch) for heavy-duty sealing

Businesses across many industries rely on this high quality tape to secure shipments quickly and efficiently.

Paper Tapes

Paper tape is a sustainable alternative, ideal for companies focusing on eco-friendly packaging. Options include kraft paper tape, gummed paper tape, and reinforced versions for added strength.

• Self-adhesive paper tape is easy to apply and suitable for general use.
• Gummed paper tape activates with water and creates a strong bond, often used for tamper-evident sealing.

Both are recyclable and help reduce environmental impact while still delivering reliable performance.

Printed and Custom Tapes

For parcels that need clear messaging or branding, printed tapes are ideal.

• Custom printed tape allows businesses to feature their logo, company name, or design, turning every parcel into a marketing tool.
• Printed warning tape communicates handling instructions such as “Fragile” or “This Way Up,” improving safety during transport and storage.

Strapping and Filament Tapes

When a stronger hold is required, strapping tape and filament tape are the best solutions. Reinforced with fiberglass filaments, they deliver high tensile strength and a strong bond, making them suitable for heavy loads and industrial tapes applications.

These tapes are specifically designed for bundling, palletising, and securing awkward or oversized items where standard adhesive options may not be enough.

Specialty and Industrial Tapes

Beyond standard packaging options, there are many industrial tapes designed for specialist environments. These provide added strength, safety, or resistance, making them the correct tape for demanding jobs.

Duct Tape and Gaffer Tape

Duct tape is incredibly versatile, offering strong adhesive for a wide range of uses. It’s commonly chosen for:

• Temporary repairs in workshops and warehouses
• Sealing cartons, containers, or joints
• Creating or fixing stage props
• Outdoor applications where durability is required

Gaffer tape is another reliable option, widely used in theatres, exhibitions, and live events. Unlike duct tape, it offers clean removal, leaving minimal residue on surfaces.

Crossweave and Glass Cloth Tape

For added strength, crossweave tape is reinforced to handle bundling and heavy-duty tasks. It’s designed to resist tearing, making it a dependable choice for securing large items.

Glass cloth tape is made with a woven glass cloth backing, providing excellent heat resistance and flame retardant qualities. It’s often used in electrical and high-temperature applications, where safety and durability are essential.

Reflective and Anti-Slip Tapes

Reflective tape is used for visibility, helping to mark hazards or highlight areas in low-light conditions.

Anti slip tape improves safety by adding grip to flooring, steps, and door frames. It’s a simple way to reduce accidents and provide stability in busy environments.

Electrical and DIY Tapes

Tapes aren’t just for packaging. Many are specifically designed for electrical work, decorating, and home improvement projects. These options deliver performance on specialised tasks where the right tape is essential.

Electrical Tape and PVC Tape

Electrical tape is used for electrical insulation, protecting electrical wires and electrical joints, while helping prevent short circuits. It’s flexible and provides reliable coverage in both residential and industrial settings.

PVC tape is another strong choice, offering durability and stretch resistance. It’s often used where flexibility and long-lasting adhesion are required.

Masking and Painter’s Tape

Masking tape and painter’s tape are everyday favourites for decorating and DIY. They provide:

• Clean lines when painting walls, trims, or door frames
• Easy application and clean removal after use
• Effective results for both professional decorators and home improvement projects

Foam Tape and Friction Tape

Foam tape is ideal for irregular surfaces, filling gaps and bonding two surfaces together securely.

Friction tape adds grip and insulation, commonly used to protect tools or for specialist electrical applications.

Thread Seal, PTFE and Plumber’s Tape

Thread seal tape, also known as PTFE tape or plumber’s tape, is designed for sealing pipe threads. It creates a strong bond that prevents leaks in plumbing systems.

Teflon tape serves a similar purpose and is often chosen for both residential and commercial plumbing work.

Which Tape Is Best for Your Job?

Choosing the correct tape depends on the task at hand. Consider the weight of the package, the type of surfaces involved, and whether it will be used for indoor or outdoor applications. Durability also plays a role, especially for heavy loads or environments exposed to moisture or heat.

Look for excellent adhesion, a strong bond, and good tack to ensure reliable performance. By matching the right tape to your specific needs, you’ll achieve secure results that save time and reduce the chance of failed seals.

For mounting or joining without visible adhesive, double sided tape can be the right tape for the job.

Business Guidance on Using Tape

For companies handling large volumes of packaging, using the right tape can improve both efficiency and costs. A few simple practices help keep supplies working at their best:

• Store rolls in dry areas to protect the adhesive
• Buy in bulk boxes to benefit from cost savings
• Use tape dispenser guns or carton sealing machines for speed and consistency
• Match the tape type to the task, whether making repairs, general packing, or specialist applications

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even high-quality options can fail if used incorrectly. Some frequent errors include:

• Applying the wrong types of tape on rough surfaces or irregular surfaces
• Using light duty tape when heavy packaging requires reinforced strength
• Overstretching PVC tape or vinyl tape, which reduces performance
• Expecting standard options to handle outdoor applications where specialist industrial tapes are required

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll get longer-lasting results and prevent wasted materials.

How Kite Packaging Can Help

At Kite Packaging, we stock a wide range of industrial tapes and accessories to suit every application. From everyday packaging tape to specialist options like gaffer tape, anti slip solutions, and crossweave tape, our range is designed to meet the needs of many industries.

Our team is on hand to provide expert guidance, helping you choose the right tape for packing, sealing, or making repairs. We also supply dispensers and carton sealing machines to improve efficiency in busy workplaces.

Remember: when you buy 10 boxes of packaging tape, we’ll include a free dispenser. For advice or to place your order, contact Kite Packaging at enquiries@kitepackaging.co.uk or call 02476 420080.