Different Types of Tape: A Complete Guide

When most people need a roll of tape, they assume any kind of tape will do. If it sticks, it’ll get the job done. But that’s not always the case. It turns out tape comes in many highly specialized varieties. There are various levels of adhesion, different materials, and unique functions associated with each type that should always be taken into consideration. Are you looking for the best tape for moving boxes? Or the best tape for shipping boxes? Suffice it to say, the type of tape you choose matters.

To help you find the tape you need so you avoid a tape-induced tragedy, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide that outlines the most common types of packing tape and their intended uses.

Clear Packing Tape

Packing tape is the clear, plastic tape that you’ll find on the outside of just about any box you receive in the mail, and for good reason. This type of tape features a strong, hot melt adhesive that helps boxes stay sealed in transit, even in extreme temperatures. It’s also tear and split resistant. You'll find clear packing tape is best used with a tape gun for easier tearing and faster application.

Best for:

• Sealing boxes for moving, shipping, and storage
• Attaching shipping labels to boxes

Shipping Tape

Shipping tape, sometimes called strapping tape, is like packing tape, only it’s much stronger, both in terms of its makeup and adhesion. Shipping/strapping tape has a high tensile strength due to being reinforced with fiberglass filaments, making it a smart choice when shipping heavy items, as well more commercial use cases like bundling, attaching, or reinforcing large shipments on pallets in conjunction with plastic stretch wrap.

Best for:

• Sealing boxes for shipping, moving, and storage with extra hold
• Strapping/bundling
• Commerical packing and shipping

Duct Tape

You’ve probably heard somewhere that everything can be fixed with duct tape. And while that’s not technically true, duct tape is a strong, all-purpose tape often used as a “quick fix” for all kinds of items. Despite its reputation, duct tape should never be used to seal cardboard boxes. Doing so will result in a poor seal and more than likely damaged goods. Duct tape is much more effective in an industrial setting, given its durability, flexibility, and versatility. It’s also resistant to moisture with above-average hold.

Best for:

• Quick fixes around the house
• HVAC, plumbing, and construction
• Water-resistant applications

Gaffer Tape / Film Tape

Gaffer tape is most often used in the entertainment industry. Any theater, studio, or production environment will likely have plenty of gaffer tape around. This is because gaffer tape is a flexible, pressure-sensitive tape that is useful for bundling cables and sticking (or ‘gaffing’) them to the floor. This tape doesn’t leave behind sticky residue, doesn’t reflect light, and sticks to dusty surfaces.

Best for:

• Gaffing
• Bundling cables and cords
• Specialty applications

Heavy Duty Packing Tape

Heavy duty packing tape is a clear, acrylic tape that uses an aggressive adhesive making it the one of the strongest tapes available. Use it to seal boxes for long-term storage in extreme temperatures, or to seal boxes that need extra support to remain closed for the long haul. This includes recycled boxes and boxes made from recycled material, which don't always mesh well with standard clear packing tape.

Best for:

• Sealing recycled/weak moving boxes
• Long-term storage
• Extreme temperatures

Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is the go-to tape for most projects that involve electricity. Since electrical tape is made from non-conductive and waterproof vinyl, it’s ideal for insulating wires and safely bundling materials that carry electrical currents. Electrical tape can also be made from rubber, plastic, or silicone. Electrical tape is considered non-abrasive. However, like all tapes and products with adhesives, it can leave behind residue and ruin finished objects like oak furniture and painted surfaces if you’re not careful.

Best for:

• Insulating wires
• Electrical repairs

Painter’s Tape

As the name suggests, painter’s tape is for painting. Use it to protect areas in your home like door frames, floor trim and molding, and windows from stray strokes of paint. This tape is highly specialized. Is has weak adhesive so it’s easy to peel off after your project is complete without leaving behind residue. Though, keep in mind that painter's tape can damage wood furniture and painted surfaces if left applied for longer than the manufacturer’s recommendations. As the moving experts, we don’t recommend using painter’s tape for any packing, shipping, or moving applications.

Best for:

• Home projects
• Painting

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What’s the Difference Between Packing Tape and Packaging Tape?

The terms "packing tape" and "packaging tape" are often used interchangeably. However, what truly distinguies them is the material used in the manufacturing process. Tape can be crafted from various materials such as paper, plastic, fiberglass filaments, and others. While many types of tape can be used for sealing boxes, paper packing tape stands out as the optimal choice for moving purposes. Generally, however, the terms “packing” and “packaging” both refer to any type of tape used for sealing boxes and packages.

Choosing Your Packing Tape

Using the right tape for the job is step one. Hopefully, the guide above has helped you see what types of tape are out there. But to make things even easier, we’ve created a helpful cheat sheet to make it clear which packing tape offered by U-Haul you should trust when it comes to moving, shipping, and storage, as well as other common applications.

 

Taping a Moving Box

For the strongest seal when moving, we recommend sealing your boxes with a single strip of tape. For storage and shipping, we recommend using the ‘H’ tape method. That means sealing the seams on the top and bottom, so your tape resembles a capital ‘H’ with a small amount of overhang on all sides. This helps keep pests, dust, and debris from getting inside. Learn more about taping a box for moving.

Packing Tape Dispenser: A Must Have

If you plan to use clear packing tape (standard or heavy duty), you’ll want to use a tape dispenser or tape gun as well. That’s because plastic and acrylic tapes don’t tear by hand. Instead of juggling a pair of scissors as you pack your boxes, use a tape dispenser to apply tape and tear it off in one fluid motion.

To load a U-Haul tape dispenser:

• Gently pull the two wheel-shaped pieces on the rear of the dispenser apart
• Place the roll of tape between the two wheel-shaped pieces
• Note: the tape should be loaded so the adhesive faces away from the teeth
• Maneuver the tape so that wheel-shaped pieces are sitting inside the roll
• Push the push the two wheel-shaped pieces back together until the lock secures

How NOT to Use Packing Tape

Yes, there is a wrong way to use tape. For the most part, this involves applying tape to wooden furniture and other finished or painted surfaces. This can cause damage and leave behind markings that ruin finishes. When moving, we recommend you only apply packing tape to the outside of moving boxes or to shipping supplies. For example, never use a piece of tape to secure a Furniture Pad to a dresser or a Paper Moving Pad to a picture frame.

Packing Mader Easier

Ready to get packing? Whatever supplies you need to get the job done, U-Haul has you covered. From different varieties of packing tape to moving boxes to packing supplies. Order today and choose from Same-Day Delivery or FREE pickup from a U-Haul store near you.

More Articles About Packing:

• Buying Boxes for Moving
• How to Pack Boxes for Moving
• How to Pack Boxes for Shipping