When most people think of tape, they envision traditional cloth- or foil-backed tapes. Tapes such as these are undoubtedly common. They offer an inexpensive and effective way to join multiple objects. There are other types of tape available, however, such as adhesive transfer tape.
The Basics of Adhesive Transfer Tape
Adhesive transfer tape is a special type of tape that lacks a separate back layer or carrier. It looks similar to traditional double-sided tape. Rather than a back layer or carrier, though, adhesive transfer tape consists of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a removable liner. It’s known as adhesive transfer tape because it’s designed to transfer the pressure-sensitive adhesive to an object or surface.
How Adhesive Transfer Tape Works
Adhesive transfer tape features a removable liner that’s coated with the adhesive. Installation involves firmly pressing the adhesive-coated side against the desired object or surface. Once the tape is in place, you can then peel away and remove the liner.
The adhesive doesn’t require a separate back layer or carrier. Because it’s pressure-sensitive, it will bond to the object or surface when pressed firmly. You can then press a second object or surface against the exposed adhesive.
Adhesive Transfer Tape vs Double-Sided Tape
Both adhesive transfer tape and double-sided tape offer a dual-sided adhesive, and they are often used for similar purposes. The difference is that double-sided tape has a carrier, whereas adhesive transfer tape does not. The carrier layer may be made of cloth, polyester, foam or other materials.
The carrier consists of a separate layer that holds or “carries” the adhesive. It features adhesive on both sides. You can use double-sided tape by pressing it against an object or surface, followed by pressing a second object against the exposed tape.
Adhesive transfer tape doesn’t feature a carrier layer. Instead, it relies entirely on the adhesive itself to form a bond between two objects or surfaces.
When to Use Adhesive Transfer Tape
You may want to use adhesive transfer tape when bonding materials with tight tolerances. Traditional double-sided tape is thicker because it features a carrier. If you use double-sided tape, the thick carrier layer will sit between the bonded objects or surfaces. Opting for adhesive transfer tape allows for tighter tolerances because there’s only adhesive between the two objects or surfaces.
Adhesive transfer tape also works well with uneven or irregular surfaces. If an object is rough or textured, traditional tape may not offer a strong hold due to the carrier layer. Adhesive transfer tape, on the other hand, will transfer the adhesive across the rough or textured surface to achieve a stronger hold.
