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Move over, duct tape, there’s another tape that has nearly as many uses. Double-sided tape can be used to adhere any two surfaces a user wants to stick together tightly—without the need for glue or nails—in crafting, household, industrial, or manufacturing applications.
With so many products to choose from, it can be hard to select the best double-sided tape for a project. We’ve done the legwork with this comprehensive review, aiming to help shoppers make the right purchase.
- BEST OVERALL: Gorilla Tough & Clear Double-Sided Mounting Tape
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Phinus Clear Waterproof Double-Sided Mounting Tape
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Hitlights Heavy-Duty Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape
- BEST REMOVABLE: Scotch Removable Double-Sided Tape Dispensered Roll
- BEST FOR CARPET: XFasten Double-Sided Tape
- BEST FOR FABRIC: Scotch Essentials Wardrobe Tape Strips
- BEST FOR PAINTED WALLS: Scotch-Mount Indoor Double-Sided Mounting Tape
- BEST FOR CRAFTS: AJ Sign World 164-Foot Premium Double-Sided Adhesive
How We Chose the Best Double-Sided Tapes
To build our top picks list, we researched all the top double-sided tape brands available across several categories. Our recommendations cover a range of specific uses for the best double-sided tapes, each offering unique qualities to suit a household task or project.
Our top picks are available in a variety of colors and lengths. We made sure to include a varied selection of adhesive strengths, from options that can be easily removed and repositioned to others capable of holding up to 15 pounds of weight. Our list also includes a range of both thick and thin tapes, which are better suited to different tasks.
Our Top Picks
Double-sided tape can work in a variety of scenarios if the right option is used. The ones listed here were selected for their quality and price to help shoppers find the best one for their projects.
Best Overall
Gorilla Tough u0026 Clear Double-Sided Mounting Tape
Gorilla’s double-sided tape is great for projects where traditional fasteners won’t work. The tape works on a variety of surfaces, including stone, concrete, glass, metal, bricks, tile, plastic, and wood. However, because it’s a permanent tape and features a strong adhesive, it’s not recommended for delicate surfaces such as painted drywall.
This mounting tape holds 1 pound per 4 inches of tape. It’s good for both indoor and outdoor applications and it won’t yellow over time. The tape is moisture- and heat-resistant up to 194 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gorilla tape offers a wide range of mounting, repairing, and bonding applications. For those who need a permanent tape that mounts in an instant with a long-lasting, weatherproof bond, Gorilla’s product is a solid choice.
Products Specs
- Length: 60 or 150 inches long by 1 inch wide; 48 inches long by 2 inches wide
- Color: Clear
- Features: Weatherproof, 12- to 37.5-pound hold (depending on tape length)
Pros
- This weatherproof tape is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors
- Easily bonds to a wide variety of materials; both smooth and rough surfaces
- Transparent color is ideal for use on glass without creating unsightly tape marks
Cons
- Removing the backing can sometimes be quite tricky for some users
Get the Gorilla double-sided tape at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.
Best Bang for the Buck
Phinus Clear Waterproof Double-Sided Mounting Tape
A budget-friendly option, this double-sided tape by Phinus works best on smooth surfaces, such as glass, metal, plastic, ceramic tile, and marble. Because it has a strong acrylic adhesive base, it’s not suitable for delicate surfaces such as wallpaper, painted surfaces, or broken walls.
The tape is flexible and leaves no residue when removed from proper surfaces. It has a cold/heat resistance of -4 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and is resistant to moisture and solvents, making it useful outdoors as well as inside the home.
Products Specs
- Length: 10 feet long by 0.75 inches wide
- Color: Clear
- Features: Nonresidue, weatherproof
Pros
- Suitable for a variety of surfaces, including glass, metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, and marble
- Waterproof, weatherproof, and multipurpose; solvent-resistant; can handle high temperature
- Nonresidue adhesive formula leaves no sticky residue behind once removed
Cons
- Strong adhesive base isn’t suitable for use on delicate surfaces, like wallpapered or painted walls
Get the Phinus double-sided tape at Amazon (2-pack).
Best Heavy Duty
HitLights Double Sided Tape
This industrial-strength, high-bond acrylic foam tape is suitable for most applications, including outdoor use. It works on a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, glass, and plastics.
HitLights is a heavy-duty double-sided tape that grabs a firm hold immediately. The bond created by this permanent tape actually strengthens over time, and the product truly shines in cases where waterproof adhesion is required.
Products Specs
- Length: 32 feet or 100 feet long by 0.39 inches wide
- Color: Black
- Features: Foam core
Pros
- Additional foam layer provides flexibility for installation on more difficult surfaces
- Thicker tape is ideal for installing LED strips on multiple surfaces
- Provides an excellent permanent bond that typically strengthens over time
Cons
- Tape is difficult to remove once applied; specialist removal products may be required
Get the Hitlights double-sided tape at Amazon or Hitlights.
Best Removable
Scotch Removable Double-Sided Tape Dispensered Roll
This removable tape features a unique adhesive that holds paper securely but is easy to reposition or remove if needed or desired. This ability makes Scotch’s tape a terrific option to use in small projects, such as photo albums and scrapbooks. (The tape is acid-free and archival, so it will not yellow or damage either photographs or papers.)
For light-duty mounting needs, this double-sided tape is a fine option, not least because it comes in an easy-to-use tape dispenser that allows the tape to glide off the roll smoothly.
Products Specs
- Length: Various, including 200 inches long by 0.75 inches wide, 250 inches long by 1 inch wide, 300 inches long by 3 inches wide, and 450 inches long by 1 inch wide
- Color: Clear
- Features: Removable, dispenser included
Pros
- Removable aspect of this tape makes it ideal for small projects like scrapbooking
- Tape comes in the included dispenser; provides smooth rolling and easy cutting
- Adhesive is gentle enough to not damage delicate surfaces such as painted walls
Cons
- Removability sacrifices adhesive strength; not suitable for heavy-duty projects
Get the Scotch removable double-sided tape at Amazon, Target (3-pack), Staples, or Office Depot.
Best for Carpet
XFasten Double Sided Carpet Tape
XFasten’s durable carpet tape is a top solution for keeping area rugs and runners firmly in place. If the rug may need to be moved later, no worries—the tape can be removed easily by hand without leaving a sticky residue behind.
Surfaces must be dry and free of debris before application, but the tape is safe for use on hardwood, vinyl, and tile, as well as on carpeting of all types.
Products Specs
- Length: Various, including 15 yards long by 3 inches wide, 20 yards long by 2 inches wide, 20 yards long by 4 inches wide, and 30 yards long by 2 inches wide
- Color: White
- Features: UV-, heat-, and moisture-resistant
Pros
- Can easily stick to most surfaces while still able to be removed without residue
- Sticky enough to hold most rugs in place; no more sliding around
- Resistance to heat, moisture, and UV light helps this tape last longer than other options
Cons
- Unless installed carefully, rugs may still curl up in the corners
Get the XFasten double-sided tape at Amazon or XFasten.
Best for Fabric
Scotch Essentials Wardrobe Tape Strips
Wardrobe malfunctions always seem to happen at the worst possible time. Whether for a lost button or the hem on a skirt, Scotch’s wardrobe tape strips offer a temporary, no-sew solution. Use them to secure necklines, blouse gaps, hems, and more. In a pinch, the product also works as a lint remover.
The double-sided tape strips are precut and come in a small portable container that fits easily into a pocket or purse.
Products Specs
- Length: Each strip is 3 inches long by 0.5 inches wide
- Color: White
- Features: Gentle on skin and fabric, portable container
Pros
- Adhesive formula is skin- and fabric-friendly; great for keeping clothing in the right place
- Ideal for sewing novices; can be used to hem pants
- Also suitable for removing lint and fuzz without ruining the clothes
Cons
- May be less effective if used to attach material to material
Get the Scotch Essentials double-sided tape at Amazon.
Best for Painted Walls
Scotch-Mount Indoor Double-Sided Mounting Tape
Not all double-sided tapes like to adhere to painted surfaces, but Scotch’s foam mounting tape delivers a strong, permanent bond in 30 seconds flat and is able to hold 1 pound per 5.5 inches of tape up to a maximum of 15 pounds when using 80 inches of tape.
This product is ideal for mounting pictures and decorations, not least because it can be used on most types of walls, including ceramic tile and wood surfaces that are clean, dry, and smooth. However, this tape is not recommended for use on wallpaper or delicate surfaces. For the best results, apply when the temperature is between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Products Specs
- Length: Various, including 55 inches long by 1 inch wide, 125 inches long by 1 inch wide, and 350 inches long by 0.75 inches wide
- Color: White
- Features: Industrial-strength adhesive holds up to 15 pounds
Pros
- Suitable for most common uses around the home, like repairing damagedpicture frames
- The impressive hold strength can comfortably tackle most DIY projects
- Thick and pliable tape can work well for mounting electronic equipment and wires
Cons
- Mounting heavier objects using this tape may start to fail over time
- Removing the tape may inadvertently peel some paint off the wall
Get the Scotch-Mount double-sided tape at Amazon (125 inches), Ace Hardware (350 inches), The Home Depot (55 inches), or Lowe’s (350 inches).
Best for Crafts
AJ Sign World 164-Foot Premium Double-Sided Adhesive
AJ Sign World’s acid-free tissue tape excels in all types of arts and crafts applications. It’s easy to tear by hand—no scissors required—and it’s transparent, which makes the tape more versatile. This 1-inch wide tape is only suited for use on smooth surfaces. Note also that this is a permanent tape. Once it’s on, it’s on for good.
Those who are looking for a thinner version of this AJ Sign World tape may want to consider the 0.5-inch-wide version.
Products Specs
- Length: 164 feet long by 0.5 or 1 inch wide
- Color: Clear
- Features: Ultrathin, tearable by hand
Pros
- Relatively affordable price point considering the very long 164-foot length
- Tape is very thin and easy to tear; great for art projects with the family
- Backing is easy to remove compared to most other tape brands
Cons
- Adhesive is quite strong and doesn’t remove easily; may tear paint from walls
Get the AJ Sign World double-sided tape at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Double-Sided Tape
Double-sided tape is a versatile, economical alternative to glue. It has pressure-sensitive adhesive exposed on both sides of the tape which allows two items to be bonded together. The adhesive lies on top of a carrier material, which can range from film as thin as a fraction of a millimeter up to a thick foam several millimeters thick.
Unlike single-side tape, double-sided tape creates an invisible bond between two objects. Moreover, there’s little time required for the bond to form—simply peel and stick. The tape is often used to hang signs or temporary displays, attach foam to wall panels or flooring underlayment to floors, secure and hold carpets in place for major events or trade shows, and much more. The type of double-sided tape required depends on the application.
When shopping for double-sided tape, consider the tape type, adhesive level, thickness, width, application setting, and other factors. Below are some common characteristics to take into account when picking the right double-sided tape for a particular project.
Type
There are several types of double-sided tape with various carrier materials, each serving a specific purpose. Double-sided tape types fall into one of the below categories:
- Tissue tape is the most common type used for light bonding tasks. It’s mostly used for stationery, art, crafting projects, office, and general applications. Double-sided tissue tape is easy to tear, and is thin enough that it can adhere to irregular surfaces. It’s also inexpensive and a good alternative to glue.
- Acrylic tape is primarily used in industrial environments. It’s stronger than tissue tape and is weather-resistant, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Acrylic double-sided tape should only be used when permanent bonding is needed.
- Polyethylene tape, also known as foam double-sided tape, provides thick cushioning and insulation. Double-sided polyethylene tape is well-suited for uneven surfaces.
- Floor tape is used on floor surfaces, like carpet, to hold items like area rugs or runners in place. They have medium adhesion, which allows for removal without residue.
- Double-sided tape has either acrylic or rubber adhesives. Acrylic adhesives are stronger but more expensive and rubber adhesives are generally cheaper but less suited for long-term applications. Acrylic adhesive is also more heat- and light-resistant than rubber.
Thickness and Width
Double-sided tape has either thick or thin bonding systems. Tapes with thick bonding systems adhere well to unusual, non-uniform, or highly patterned and textured surfaces. This type of tape usually has a foam carrier layer. Thin bonding systems are significantly thinner. Sometimes the carrier layer is so thin that they are pretty much an adhesive on top of a silicone liner. These tapes are best suited for light adhesion applications.
Width varies quite a bit with double-sided tape. Rolls are available in widths less than 1/4-inch to several inches wide. Each type of tape will have several width options to suit specific projects.
Bonding Surfaces
The right double-sided tape for a project depends on the surface of the two objects that the user wants to stick together. Surface energy is the degree of attraction or repulsion force a material exerts on another material. Double-sided tape works best on surfaces with a high surface energy, like glass, glazed tile, and bare metals. The surface energy of plastic can vary quite a bit, but in general, it’s best to use a stronger tape. Then there’s silicone, which has such low surface energy that conventional adhesives won’t stick to it. Silicone needs a very tacky adhesive, or one specially formulated to adhere to it.
For flat and smooth surfaces like glass, aluminum, and PVC, thinner tape works well. For rougher surfaces like wood, cement, brick, and stucco, thicker tapes work best. Painted or coated surfaces need thicker, stronger tape as well.
Environment
The environment plays an important role in the adhesion of double-sided tape. Is the tape for indoor or outdoor use? Some tapes are not designed to hold up in outdoor environments.
For outdoor tapes, the weather impacts adhesion quality. The cooler the temperatures, the weaker the resulting bond will be. But high heat isn’t good for adhesion either—it can cause the adhesive to melt and loosen the bond.
Dust, grease, or moisture can also compromise the bond between two surfaces. Cleaning the surface with rubbing alcohol and making sure it’s completely dry before application will guarantee a stronger bond.
Object Weight
Double-sided tapes are rated by the maximum load they can hold. In general, thicker tapes hold more weight. Additionally, tapes with acrylic-based glue will hold more weight. However, the strength of the bond depends on the surface and weight of the object.
The load capacity is determined by the tape’s adhesive viscosity. Adhesive viscosity is similar to liquid viscosity— if it flows easily, it has low viscosity; if it does not, it has high viscosity. However, the viscosity rating for double-sided tape basically determines how well it binds to uneven surfaces. For rough surfaces, a viscous tape is preferable because it will spread into all the nooks and crannies of the uneven surface. Smooth surfaces do not need tape that is as viscous.
In some tapes, viscosity increases as the tape cures on the surface, strengthening the bond.
Pick a tape that best matches the surface energy of the items and consider the maximum load rate.
Longevity
Double-sided tape is either removable or permanent. The removable variety is meant for temporary use and is easily removed. Permanent tapes are used mostly in industrial manufacturing, but strong tapes are also available for home use. These tapes are typically used in lieu of glue or nails to permanently hold two objects together.
The longevity of the bond depends on how strong the adhesive is, as well as the environment. In climate-controlled environments, most double-sided tapes will hold a bond until the user removes it. In outdoor environments, the bond is subjected to heat, cold, and moisture, which will eventually cause the bond to deteriorate.
Removal
There may come a time when it’s necessary to remove double-sided tape. Thankfully, for most of them, a little heat will cause the adhesive to melt and break the bond. A blow dryer or a heat gun can be used to warm the surface and slightly melt the adhesive. Sometimes the tape will release from one side but hold fast to the other. In that case, it may be necessary to apply more heat to break the bond.
If heat does not remove the adhesive, try commercial residue cleaners. These products work by dissolving the sticky adhesive on the tape, making it easier to remove. Pour some of it on the tape and let it soak in for a few minutes, then scrape it off.
FAQs
Now that you have read through the characteristics of double-sided tape, you may still have a few questions. Read on to see some of the commonly asked questions about double-sided tape.
Q. How do you prepare a surface for tape application?
The surface must be free from dust, dirt, and oil, and be completely dry before application. Use rubbing alcohol to wash away any residue and dry with a tack cloth before applying the tape.
Q. What is the ideal temperature for applying double-sided tape?
The ideal temperature for both the surface and the tape is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, or 18 degrees Celsius.
Q. What is the strongest double-sided tape?
VHB tape, such as the Hitlights double-sided tape, is the strongest double-sided tape available for consumers.
Q. Can double-sided tape be removed?
Yes. Typically applying heat to the surface will cause the adhesive to melt and release the bond.
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