Vinyl Tape
Vinyl tape is a general purpose item made from durable,
flexible plastic. It is often used for
color coding, car detailing, decoration, repairing, bundling, splicing,
sealing, palletizing and strapping. In
an industrial setting, vinyl tape can be used for marking floors for safety or
hazards, or labeling, since it can be written on with permanent markers. It helps keep hard to see objects such as
switches, steps and emergency exits more visible in a dark environment. It comes in just about every color
imaginable, as well as two-toned, striped, transparent neon and
glow-in-the-dark. Because of the wide
color range, areas can be marked in OSHA or hazard colors. Vinyl tape retains its color even under heavy
abrasion and scuffing, doesn't leave residue or chipped paint behind, and has excelled
dead stretch. It is resistant to UV
rays, water, oil, fungus, chemicals and abrasions.
Like most tapes, those made from vinyl are composed of a
backing, made out of pigmented or transparent PVC backing, and a rubber
adhesive. The standard length for rolls
is 36 yards, the thickness is usually 6 mils and it has a width between ¼ and 4
inches. Vinyl tape is long lasting,
adheres to irregular or smooth surfaces immediately, and has a temperature
range ranging from 40 degrees F to 170 degrees F. However resistant, vinyl tape should not be
exposed to ketones, chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters found in lacquer thinner,
degreasers or paint strippers, as this will cause the plastic backing to swell
or curl. Also, it should always be
applied at normal temperatures.