Every day, we use tape in countless ways. There are so many ways to use the tape, from sticking to papers and walls to other essential applications.
Despite this, if the new product is not sticking for an extended period of time or falls off quickly, it can be frustrating. It’s a good thing this problem has many solutions.
Curious about how to make your double-sided tape sticky again? Discover a few quick and easy tips to rejuvenate its adhesive strength and make it ready for use.
Here Is How To Make Double Sided Tape Sticky Again
Over time, double-sided tape may lose its stickiness due to dust, dirt, or other factors. Here are some steps you can take to make double-sided tape sticky again:
1. Clean The Surface
Before attempting to restore the stickiness of the tape, make sure the surfaces where the tape will be applied are clean and free of dust, grease, or any other contaminants. Use a mild cleaner if necessary.
2. Peel off the Tape
If the tape is already applied, carefully peel it off from the surfaces. Use a gentle, consistent motion to avoid damaging the tape or the surface.
3. Warm the Tape
Heat can help soften the adhesive on the tape. You can use a hair dryer on a low heat setting to warm up the tape. Hold the hair dryer at a safe distance and move it back and forth over the tape for a minute or two.
4. Reapply the Tape
Once the tape is warmed up, reapply it to the clean surface. Press down firmly to ensure good adhesion.
5. Use a Rubber Roller
After reapplying the tape, use a rubber roller to go over the surface. This helps in applying even pressure and ensures good contact between the tape and the surface.
6. Apply Pressure
Place heavy objects on top of the taped area and leave them for some time. This helps in enhancing the bond between the tape and the surface. The longer you can leave the pressure applied, the better.
7. Consider a New Tape
If the tape still doesn’t regain its stickiness, it might be time to consider using a new piece of double-sided tape. Over time, the adhesive on tape can degrade, and there may be limits to how much it can be revived.
Other Things to Remember to Make Tape Sticky Again
You can make the tape stick well to a surface by doing simple things in addition to the techniques mentioned above. It can be more effective if this is done before the application of the tape.
The first thing to remember is that tape comes in many different types and is meant for a variety of purposes.
It is important to use the tape for the intended purpose in order to maximize its effectiveness. In order for tape to be sticky, it needs to be selected for the appropriate materials.
Prior to applying the tape, the surface must also be cleaned. It is possible to reduce the stickiness of this type by applying it to a dusty surface.
Tape may not adhere well when the surface is contaminated with dirt, as it will stick to the contaminant rather than the surface itself.
Therefore, you need to clean the tape’s surface of dirt and contaminants so that the tape will work better.
It is possible to clean the surface with disinfectant or alcohol if all the dirt is visible. Make sure that the surface is completely dry before applying the tape.
If you clean the surface and allow it to dry, you should be able to stick the tape for a longer time period. After thoroughly cleaning and removing contaminants from the surface, you can expect the tape to be stickier.
Why Your Tape Doesn’t Stick – A Checklist
Whenever we hear complaints about adhesives, the single most common is that they don’t stick. All the blame falls on the tape.
We have investigated tape complaints for over four decades and perfected sticky formulas for a wide variety of applications, but we have discovered that problems rarely occur with the tape itself.
You can troubleshoot your sticky issue with this checklist, which describes why your tape doesn’t stick.
Is It Properly Installed?
In order to ensure that the adhesive sticks, it’s important to know how to apply tape properly.
For a good bond, ‘pressure sensitive adhesive’ must be applied pressure across its entire width to get the necessary contact.
The bond will not be strong if there is no good pressure.
Is It The Temperature?
A cold roll or surface will prevent most tapes from sticking.
Is The Tape Too Old?
As with most products, adhesive tapes will age and lose their adhesive properties over time. Have you tried using a fresh roll of tape to solve your problem? If not, throw away that old tape.
Are You Trying To Stick To Cardboard?
It is important to keep in mind that cardboard can sometimes be made from recycled materials, which tend to have a large number of small fibers on their surface that can be broken very easily.
There may be a tape, which is specifically designed for the purpose of covering recycled cardboard, that you need to use.
Could It Be A Chemistry Issue?
There are some surfaces that are particularly difficult to adhere to, such as polyethylene, PVC, and concrete. In the event that a tacky tape does not help, try another roll of tape and see if the problem persists.
In addition to using the tape on a clean, flat surface, you can also use it on a flat metal or glass surface. There is a good chance the problem is not the tape, but the surface.
Was It The Surface Texture?
Is your surface flat and smooth enough to make good contact with the adhesive on the tape? Is your surface rough, requiring a thick adhesive, or does it have a minor degree of contact?
If you want to test the tape’s adhesion, test it on a flat, clean surface (metal or glass are good choices). You may have a problem with a rough surface if this is the case.
How Clean Was The Surface?
Clean, dry, and oil-free surfaces are ideal. Whenever you are unsure, clean the surface with rubbing alcohol and dry it thoroughly.
Have You Tried The Same Tape Before?
The same type of tape may have worked before, but not now, so consider what has changed. Is the weather different – colder, drier, hotter? How did you apply it?
Is The Tape New?
There might be a problem with the tape if it is new and is not sticking.
Final Words
Double-sided tapes may or may not work with these methods, and there may be a variation in the outcome of the restoration process. Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to use a fresh piece of double-sided tape when applying critical applications.
