FAQs - Gaffer Tape
What sizes and color does your gaffer tape come in?
What is Gaffer Tape used for?
What’s the difference with Gaffer tape and duct tape?
I’m looking to use this tape outdoors, how will the weather effect it, i.e. what if it gets wet?
Is it waterproof?
Will the gaffer tape stick to my ceramic bathroom tiles?
Can you re-use the tape after it’s been peeled off?
Can I apply the tape to my garden hose? Will it leak?
Can you use this gaffer tape on an outside vinyl awning and does it have UV protection?
Can the tape be used in cold temperatures/snow?
Where is the tape made from?
Can I use my gaffer tape to repair a frayed/split (cracked) computer cord?
Can I use my gaffer tape to cover my computer camera?
Can you use it to repair damage on a leather sofa?
I have the tape and I have items, like my racketball racket that I want to apply tape on, but before I do I am wondering will the glue seep out?
I want to use the tape to hold pieces of stained wood together while the glue dries. Will the tape affect the staining or leave adhesive on the wood?
Will gaffer tape remove paint?
Can gaffer tape be used as electrical tape?
What removes gaffer tape residue?
How strong is gaffer tape?
Why should I gaffer tape my camera?
Does gaffer tape catch fire?
How do I use gaffer tape on my drums?
Why do I need gaffer’s tape on my hula hoop?
How do I clean gaffer tape?
I have a question that’s not answered here, can I contact you?
What is gaffer tape?
Strong and versatile, gaffer tape is a heavy-duty tape used often in entertainment and media productions, including theatre, film, television and photography work. Gaffer tape is cloth-based, as opposed to vinyl-based, and the adhesive itself is easy to remove. For ease of use, gaffer tape comes in many colors to allow for multiple set-ups and uses in a single production.
What sizes and color does your gaffer tape come in?
You name it, we’ve got it. Our gaffer tape collection includes over 20 different colors.
What is Gaffer Tape used for?
A mainstay in the entertainment industry, gaff tape is a versatile tool for stage, lighting, audio and video crews. Most commonly, it is used for:
- Marking off areas on a stage for actors like sight lines or stage centres
- Labeling and/or securing sound boards and cables
- Indicating light placements
- Repairing props, curtains and other stage components on the fly
- Ensuring adjustments to microphones and sound packs are kept in place
- Affixing camera accessories like external flashes
Considering it’s easy to rip off the roll and leaves no residue when removed, gaffer tape can be used as a quick substitute as well in many other situations.
What’s the difference with Gaffer tape and duct tape?
It’s just as strong and powerful but gaffer tape leaves no sticky residue and can be easily removed from whatever it’s taped to. Check out the comparison in our video section.
I’m looking to use this tape outdoors, how will the weather effect it, i.e. what if it gets wet?
If the tape is applied to a clean, dry surface its perfectly suitable for the outdoors. Once the tape is applied, its okay if it gets wet. Just remember though we don’t recommend using gaffer as a permanent solution.
Is Gaffer Tape it waterproof?
We prefer using the term weather resistant. Water will not penetrate the tape, however if the tape is exposed to excessive amounts of water, inevitably the adhesive will lose its grip.
Will the gaffer tape stick to my ceramic bathroom tiles?
Yes, as long as the ceramic bathroom tiles are completely clean and dry before you apply the tape.
Can you re-use the tape after it’s been peeled off?
Yes, you can, that’s what makes gaffer tape so great. But something to keep in mind, for a nice clean look or for something important, it’s best to use a fresh piece of tape. And if you have used the gaffer on carpet etc, it may not be as effective for a second use due to it picking up fluff, dust and fibres.
Can I apply the tape to my garden hose? Will it leak?
As long as you apply a sufficient amount of the tape, making sure the hose is clean and dry when the tape is applied, it is stuck flat without creases, and you don’t turn the tap on full, then it should be okay. Just remember that gaffer isn’t intended as a permanent fix.
Can you use this gaffer tape on an outside vinyl awning and does it have UV protection?
There is no UV protection but the tape will definitely stick to a vinyl awning.
Can the tape be used in cold temperatures/snow?
The cold and snow shouldn’t affect the tape. As long as it’s applied to a clean, dry surface, once the gaffer has been applied with a strong seal then it will hold firm and is okay to get wet. Just remember that gaffer isn’t intended as a permanent fix, but it will last for quite awhile.
Where is the tape made from?
Our Gaffer tape is manufactured directly in the US.
Can I use my gaffer tape to repair a frayed/split (cracked) computer cord?
In theory yes, but we suggest having a professional replace the cable, for safety reasons.
Can I use my gaffer tape to cover my computer camera?
Yes absolutely, all of our computers have our gaffer tape on it! Hey, if Mark Zuckerberg does it, we’re doing it!
Can you use it to repair damage on a leather sofa?
Although it will cover the damage and stick to the leather, it depends on how much the sofa is used. Gaffer tape is not meant to be pulled/tugged because this can affect the residue rubbing off, so if the damage is in an area where it will be pulled i.e. when the sofa is sat on, then possibly this will not be the best solution.
I have the tape and I have items, like my racketball racket that I want to apply tape on, but before I do I am wondering will the glue seep out?
You can use it on all sorts of rackets and it will be fine with no glue or residue seepage.
I want to use the tape to hold pieces of stained wood together while the glue dries. Will the tape affect the staining or leave adhesive on the wood?
While there won’t be any adhesive on the wood, we suggest you do a test run on a small, tucked away section of the wood, just double check and make sure you get the results you want for your project. Good luck!
Will gaffer tape remove paint?
It depends more on the paint and the surface than the gaffer tape. If the paint is old and flaky, for instance, the strong bond of gaffer tape may pull some of it away. If you are looking for a tape to use on painted surface, especially if it will stay up for a while, consider using masking or painters tape.
Can gaffer tape be used as electrical tape?
While it can be a substitute for its secondary purposes, such as securing cables down and marking off areas, it should not be used for any sort of electrical project. Electrical tape is made to withstand voltage and temperatures that gaffer tape is not.
What removes gaffer tape residue?
If a light residue is still seen on the surface after gaffer tape has been peeled off, using another piece of tape can help remove the trace. Simply press down a piece of new tape on top of the residue lightly, and then rip off.
If that doesn't work, or if the residue remains, you can also try using WD-40. Spray the WD-40 on an old rag, and let it sit on top of the affected area for a couple minutes, then wipe, applying pressure. This should remove the adhesive. If there is still adhesive visible, repeat, or try applying WD-40 directly on the affected spot and waiting before wiping.
How strong is gaffer tape?
While durable, gaffer tape is meant for temporary use only, and can be torn by hand. It is not meant to be used in the long-term outdoors, especially in inclement weather. It provides a strong bond and can resist higher temperatures, but it is not as strong as duct tape, for example. Consider the job at hand before choosing the tape to use.
Why should I gaffer tape my camera?
Many photographers will use gaffer tape to affix temporary fixes for light leaks, as well protection on the body casing from bumps and scratches. It can be used as well as a makeshift grip. Gaffer tape is a useful tool to have on any photography set as it can help modify lighting panels, tape down wires and more.
Does gaffer tape catch fire?
While gaffer tape is more resistant to heat than its vinyl-type counterparts, it is still flammable under the right (or wrong) circumstances. When exposing any type of adhesive to heat, it’s important to make sure that you do your due diligence to avoid any accidents.
How do I use gaffer tape on my drums?
The sound from your drum kit may need to be muffled if there is too much ringing heard from the drums and cymbals. While duct tape is commonly used for this, gaffer tape is preferred by some. It’s easier to tear and reposition, and does not leave a sticky residue behind.
Why do I need gaffer’s tape on my hula hoop?
While a quick repair to a child’s plaything may come to mind first, many people who enjoy using a hula hoop are using it for exercise! Due to the cloth finish of the tape, it can help stick to the skin and clothing when being used. This provides a better grip while working out. The addition of tape is also a great way to add a custom touch, and people will choose bright colours or other types of tape to add their own flair.
How do I clean gaffer tape?
While gaffer tape is water resistant, the cloth tape can get dirty over time. It’s better to re-apply where possible instead of cleaning it. If there is residue behind, refer to What removes gaffer tape residue?
I have a question that’s not answered here, can I contact you?
It’s our pleasure to answer any questions you may have, you can ask email us at: support@gafferpower.com