A Complete Guide to Foam Tape

Foam tape is a type of pressure-sensitive self-adhesive tape. It is made from foam and one of several different backing materials and can be adhesive on either one or both sides.

Various different lengths, widths, thicknesses, and colours are available, making it a highly versatile product that can easily be adapted to suit a wide range of applications and environments across multiple industries.

Foam tape is primarily used in situations where two surfaces are either uneven or untextured. Due to its spongey, easy-to-shape properties, it can easily hold surfaces like these in place. Double-sided types are ideal for bonding two surfaces together, while single-sided varieties are best suited to tasks such as sealing.

Another simple way to determine the different types is to classify the tape by colour. White is often the most popular choice as it fits well into a selection of environments, but other options are available to suit varying requirements. Typical colour choices include:

• White foam tape
• Black foam tape
• Grey foam tape
• Clear foam tape

It can also be categorised by the type of backing material used. Some of the main types are shared below:

Foam tape is used for tasks including gasketing, insulating, draught-sealing, cushioning or protecting, and sound dampening. These tapes are designed to improve the overall performance and effectiveness of the product, whilst enhancing the appearance of the design.

It is suitable for use across a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction, manufacturing, and electronics. These industries have various uses for the product, but it is a highly versatile adhesive that can offer multiple uses across a range of environments.

For instance, in the automotive industry, foam tape can be used to seal windows and doors, as well as more specialist applications like bonding emblems onto parts. It can also be used in construction as a window and door seal, acting as a draught excluder tape, plugging any gaps and acting as a simple weatherproofing solution. It is also a good alternative to sealant or rubber foam for gasketing applications in a wide range of projects.

There are many foam tape benefits, and it is a versatile product that can offer a wide variety of advantages across multiple applications. Economical and simple to use, it is a reliable solution with a wide range of key advantages.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Acts as an excellent insulator for property insulation
• Impact-resistant characteristics
• Protects and cushions surfaces
• Strong performance when faced with temperature fluctuations
• Helps to reduce sound and features anti-vibration properties
• Suitable for use in interior and exterior environments
• Moisture resistant properties
• Flexibility to be used with a wide range of materials
• Slip-resistant features
• Dust and dirt resistant properties

Is Foam Tape Waterproof?

Some types are waterproof, but not all varieties have these properties, so you will need to check the material and the manufacturer’s instructions for confirmation. Waterproof foam tape will feature a closed-cell material construction, as this type is most effective when it comes to waterproofing requirements.

Waterproof foam tape is ideally suited to construction applications including roofing and sealing letterbox, door and window frames. This is because tape applied in exterior environments must be able to cope with changeable weather and temperature fluctuations experienced throughout the year.

How to Remove Double-Sided Foam Tape?

Understanding how to remove foam tape and learning the best way to remove double-sided foam tape will largely depend on the application and the type of material where it has been applied. For instance, if the tape is on a wall, the simplest way to remove stubborn double-sided foam tape is to apply localised heat to the tape. This should then work to remove the glue residue and make the tape much easier to peel away from the wall.

How Does Expanding Foam Tape Work?

Expanding foam tape is a soft, flexible product which works similarly to standard tape types. However, the key difference is that when the tape is removed on the foam side, it expands out to a certain distance. This tape is primarily used in domestic properties for at-home construction. It is primarily used as a sealant and is ideally suited to application in uneven or difficult to access areas thanks to its flexibility and easy to shape characteristics.