A Complete Guide to Copper Tape

Copper tape is simply a thin strip of copper which is backed with an adhesive. It is a popular product and is widely available, largely thanks to its versatility and suitability for an extensive variety of tasks. It is also highly flexible and can easily be shaped to fit desired uses and install environments.

It is a conductive material but is available in two common types, known as conductive and non-conductive. Conductive tape can conduct electricity on both the top and bottom of the tape, whereas non-conductive copper tape is only conductive on the one side. This makes each of the different types best suited to varying applications.

Copper tape uses are varied and can include tasks such as:

• Electromagnetic shielding
• Slug and snail deterrent
• Creation of paper circuits
• Wrapping wire or cables
• Crafts and domestic applications

Copper tape works similarly to other standard types of tape. However, the key difference is that it possesses an adhesive backing which needs to be removed for the tape to be stuck onto a surface.

Typically available in rolls of varying lengths, copper foil tape can easily be cut to size using a standard pair of scissors or specialist cutting tools to give a finer, more precise cut. Depending on the intended application, copper tape can work in various ways. It is primarily used for its conductive properties, yet it is handy and easy to apply in a range of situations.

Due to its versatile nature, copper foil tape can be used in a wide range of applications and environments. It is used by professionals and hobbyists alike, across a spectrum of uses including electro-magnetic shielding, slug repellent, and DIY crafting.

Some of the most common uses are covered in the sections below:

Copper Tape for Soldering

It is possible to solder copper tape, a practice which is largely used when working with non-conductive tape types. Separate strips can be soldered together, creating a strong join and a more reliable path for electrical connection to flow through multiple lengths.

Soldering is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to solder safely and ensure the correct equipment and soldering iron tip is used to create a secure join. Safety is essential so always make sure you are fully prepared for the task before using soldering equipment.

Copper Tape for Shielding

Electro-magnetic interference (EMI) can be problematic in certain situations. It can damage delicate components and cause excess electronic feedback, so shielding is an important way to safeguard and protect a range of equipment. Shielding essentially works by creating a conductive, grounded enclosure (a Faraday cage) around the component/s.

Copper foil tape can be used to shield components in a range of applications and environments. This could include everything from RF shielding to shielding a guitar pickguard to protect the instrument’s electronics from outside interference.

Copper Tape for Plant Pots

Copper tape for plant pots is primarily used by gardeners to keep slugs away from plants. Slugs are pests which can ruin plants if left unchecked, and many gardeners choose to use copper foil tape to deter slugs and keep plants at their best.

The process is simple – merely sticking a strip of copper tape around the plant pot, just below the rim, to act as a barrier. There is discussion around the effectiveness of this method and whether copper tape does actually deter slugs, but many gardeners prefer to try using copper foil as opposed to less environmentally-friendly alternatives like certain slug and snail repellents.

Copper Tape for Stained Glass

Copper tape can also be used in the craft space for working with stained glass. Hobbyists creating stained glass artwork can use copper foil to wrap the pieces, creating a handy guideline to follow when soldering separate pieces together into the final image. Different thicknesses of copper tape are also available, making it easy to select a tape width that suits the size of your stained glass project.

To use, simply peel the tape and place it on the edge of the first piece of glass. Press it firmly down around the edge of the shape, taking extra care if the glass is sharp or jagged. Ensure that each new section of tape you apply overlaps with the last to avoid any gaps.

Copper Tape for Walls

Although copper tape is not intended specifically for use on walls, some people have adopted it as a means of creating attractive, decorative wall art. Due to its high levels of versatility, copper foil can easily be adapted and shaped to suit a variety of patterns and designs.

Geometric designs are common, but there are certainly no restrictions on your creativity! Alternatives include the use of washi tape or simply using masking tape to enable precise, accurate lines between different colours or shades of paint on a wall.

Copper Tape for Crafts

As previously mentioned, copper tape can be incorporated into a selection of different crafts and DIY projects. This can include stained glass artwork and wall art, as explored above, but it can also include a wide range of innovative craft ideas.

Just a few examples include adding a shiny border to artwork, creating textured pieces of art, or combining with other types of tape to create bespoke, metallic creations.

Copper Tape for Paper Circuits

Paper circuits are low-voltage electrical circuits that can easily be created using a selection of common materials. They are often used in DIY or domestic settings, often to teach children about circuits and electrical conductivity.

Copper tape is used to provide the current from one part of the circuit to another. There are numerous different circuit designs you can use for activities like this, but copper tape makes a great addition and is ideal for conducting low levels of electricity around the circuit.

Does Copper Foil Tape Conduct Electricity?

Conductive copper tape is designed to conduct electricity. However, depending on the adhesive tape backing used, it may only conduct on the copper end rather than both sides of the tape.

Is Copper Tape Conductive on Both Sides?

It is possible to purchase copper tape that is conductive on either one side (the copper end) or both sides, including the adhesive copper foil backing. This provides a greater degree of flexibility and allows you the freedom to choose the most suitable conductive tape for your project requirements. Additionally, copper tape with non-conductive adhesive is the most commonly available variety.