Automotive Tape Buying Guide

There’s a wide range of tapes you can use for many purposes when working with vehicles. Depending on the job at hand, the level of protection or marking required and how long tapes need to last, the type of tape you should use will vary. From widespread masking tape for general applications in or outside your home to tapes used for wiring, painting, sandblasting applications, repairing damage to car exteriors and interiors, and tapes used for safety purposes when on the road. The options available are endless and can be confusing, but a specific kind of tape will be best suited to a particular job. Here, I’ll guide you through the main types of tapes used in vehicle preparation, repair and general safety, and which to choose for your job.

Automotive Tape Types

Masking Tape

Although general-purpose masking tape can be used in various automotive settings; brands offer specialised automotive masking tape when it comes to getting the most out of professional-looking paint jobs. Automotive masking tape is easily formed, to get the best edges and when working around tight corners, such as exterior mirrors or door handles. It has good adhesion, so sticks easily to all bodywork for longer periods without deforming. It is easily applied by hand, and yet peels off smoothly, to give a clean, residue-free surface. Automotive masking tape is used in combination with masking film or paper to seal off larger surfaces, like windows, when applying paint. Fine line masking tape is used for creating fines lines in two-tone painting projects.

Double-Sided Tape

A foam-based tape widely replacing fasteners and glue in bonding different parts together. The tape has adhesion on both sides that sticks securely to a variety of surfaces and materials in vehicle exteriors and interiors, like aluminium, steel, plastics, acrylic and wood. Door and window seals, cladding and inlays, roof rails and panel mouldings are just some of the places where this tape comes in handy.

Electrical Tape

A PVC-based tape used in a range of wiring applications like cable bundling and insulation. It has good adhesive properties so it sticks easily, is non-flammable, and it’s durable enough to be used in engine bay wiring and interiors.

Blasting Tape

Generally used in refinishing projects involving sandblasting body panels and parts. Abrasive blasting tape has an elastomer or rubber base, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive that sticks well. It is easily removed when work is done. It is also extremely durable, able to protect underlying parts from intense blasting pressure. Similarly, you’ll also find heavy-duty automotive plating tape, used in protecting different areas of metal body parts in electroplating.

Reflective Tape

Used on vehicles to enhance visibility during the day or night. There are three properties to consider in reflective tape: reflectivity – tapes should be bright and vivid, meaning it’s easy to spot from different angles and in all situations; adhesion – tapes need to stick to vehicles permanently without coming loose or peeling off; and durability – tapes need to last for longer periods in all driving and weather conditions. Most types of reflective tape are diamond-rated, meaning they provide the best adhesion, durability, and heat and weather resistance.

Reflective tape is applied easily by hand on pre-cleaned surfaces and forms a continuous bond. You can find reflective tape in standardised width but in varying lengths for a wide range of vehicles. Strips are either one piece that stretch along the length of the vehicle at both sides and at the rear, or can be cut to form and applied to uneven surfaces, like bolts and screws, using tape punchers.

Mostly white tape is used, but it is also available as red, yellow, yellow/green ‘fluoro’ tape and combinations in red and white, red and yellow, and yellow and black. Reflective tape is often applied to larger vehicles, like trucks and trailers, emergency vehicles including fire trucks and ambulances, and safety vehicles. It is available from a range of tape manufacturers. A popular choice is 3M diamond grade reflective tape. Though not mandatory, 3M diamond grade reflective tape can be a functional safety addition in a wide range of industries and applications. For fitting additional reflectors and markings on Australian vehicles, see here.

What to Look for in Automotive Tape

Tapes used specifically in the automotive industry share some common physical properties:

• Adhesion – All automotive tapes have some level of adhesive properties. The tape must stick to the applied surface for the required duration of your job without physically deforming. The tape must also be removable and leave minimal or no residue. Adhesion levels vary across different tape types.
• Tensile Strength – Automotive tapes are durable enough to withstand temperature extremes, working equally well in cold and hot conditions. They will last through prolonged exposure to various chemicals, are water and corrosion resistant, and able to cope with impact from vigorous work.
• Conformability – Tapes need to conform to the shape of surfaces to which they are applied. This means they need to be flexible enough to retain shape in bends and curves.
• Ease of Use – Automotive tape is easy to tear by hand. Minimal effort is needed when it is applied. Surfaces should be cleaned beforehand for a nice fit.

Automotive tape can be found in most hardware stores, automotive stores, and stores specialising in packaging products. Prices vary among different types. Some brands have a comprehensive lineup to suit any job. To find the tape for your intended use, an online search will show the nearest available retailers. Shop around to find the best deals.