Safety Tape Application Temperatures

Let’s talk tempe­ratures, specifically Heskins safety tape application tempe­ratures, why we state them and how they affect our products. 

What temperature should you apply tape? / How is the bond of adhesive tape affected by temperature?

We normally suggest a minimum application temperature of over 10°C for our materials, one can apply at lower temperatures but plus 10°C is a great indicator. One question we get asked is why?

Safety Tape Application Science

Our safety materials are self-adhesive. Self-adhesives are held in a semi-liquid state under the protective liner. When the liner is removed, the anti-slip tape is then pressed down onto the surface. At the point that pressure is applied (our adhesives are officially categorised as Pressure Sensitive Adhesives, PSA) the adhesive ‘wets out’. The adhesive is forced onto the application surface. Inside the adhesive are small globules of resins along with chains of acrylic. The resins grab, and the acrylic starts to move and slowly bond onto the surface.

The application temperature is a critical element. If the temperature is too low, the resins are too rigid and cannot be readily pressed onto the surface resulting in possible initial grab failure. The acrylic, which provides a strong long-term bond, cannot flow as its viscosity has increased, so cannot correctly hold, resulting in a weaker long-term grip.

Surface Temperature

One must factor in that the anti-slip tape application is not merely dependent on the air temperature, but mainly on the surface temperature, this is what it is will adhere on to. One possible solution is to raise the surface temperature prior to adhesion. This can be achieved with the use of heat guns etc. Once correctly applied the temperature can safely vary without any problems within certain parameters. For example, our H3401N black standard anti-slip tape can happily cope with temperatures between -30°C and up to +70°C. If a customer requires higher temperatures there are alter­natives; H3406 is highly temperature resistant (being metal foil based). Different plastics and adhesives can be used. 

Does Temperature Affect Tape?

Both cold and hot temperatures affect tape and its adhesive properties, so be mindful when of this when applying tape. Some conditions may be too hot, making your chosen tape unsuitable for use, but you can avoid this by getting in touch with Heskins, the leader of anti-slip solutions.

Condensation is another factor when trying to apply tape in extreme temperature-related conditions, as material wetness will negatively impact the adhesive bond.

Does Tape Stick in Cold Weather?

Tapes adhesive layer is affected by temperature, hardening and losing tackiness, obstructing the tape’s ability to adhere to the surface. Therefore, keep in mind the air temperature but also the application surface temperature., especially if you’re applying anti-slip tape to metal.

Does Heating Tape Make it Stick Better?

Heating up tape can make it stick better as adhesive is in a liquid form and sticks when wet. You increase the fluidity of the tape by heating it, allowing it to conform to more obscurely shaped objects. The heat may affect the time it takes for the tape to adhere to the surface, as it will need to cool. Note that Heskins use different adhesives for the vast tape range, so effects may vary from tape to tape.

For more information on safety tape application, you can contact the sales team by phone, live chat or alter­natively fill out the contact us form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.

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