Tapes

Which tape do I need?

Sealing everyday parcels: self-adhesive paper tape, 48mm, plain or printed ‘FRAGILE’
Sealing boxes on a busy bench: gummed paper tape, 48mm to 72mm, with a dispenser
Sealing picture frame backs: framers tape, 24mm to 48mm
Painting, decorating and temporary labels: masking tape, 25mm low tack
Heavier cartons and wide seams: 75mm self-adhesive paper tape or 72mm gummed tape

Adhesives compared

Water-activated (gummed tape): bonds into the carton surface; tamper-evident; needs water or a dispenser
Hotmelt: strong initial grab for fast box sealing; solvent-free
Natural rubber: strong instant grab on cardboard
Solvent: sticks to itself so strips can be layered; copes with temperature extremes; used on framers tape
Low tack (masking tape): holds an edge then peels away cleanly from most surfaces

Choosing a width

24mm and 25mm suit frame backs and masking. 36mm and 38mm suit wider frame seams and light boxes. 48mm is the standard parcel tape width and fits a standard tape dispenser. 70mm to 75mm covers wider seams on heavier cartons.

Tape for fragile parcels

Two printed tapes mark parcels for careful handling while they seal them: a 48mm paper tape printed ‘FRAGILE HANDLE ME WITH CARE’ with a natural rubber adhesive, and a 48mm framers tape printed ‘FRAGILE’ with a solvent adhesive. Both are self-adhesive and come on 50 metre rolls.

Paper tape and recycling

Kraft paper tape and gummed tape are paper with an adhesive, so a cardboard box sealed with them can usually go in household cardboard recycling where kerbside collections accept cardboard. Check your local council’s guidance.

Trade and workshop packs

Framers tape comes in packs of up to 36 rolls, paper tape in packs of 6, and gummed tape on 200 metre rolls for busy benches. For repeat or larger orders, contact us.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gummed tape and paper tape?
Gummed tape has a water-activated adhesive that bonds into the box. Self-adhesive paper tape sticks on contact with no water.

What width parcel tape do I need?
48mm for most parcels. Choose 70mm to 75mm for heavier cartons.

Does paper tape fit a normal tape gun?
The 48mm self-adhesive rolls fit standard dispensers. Gummed tape needs a water-activated dispenser.

Which tape is tamper-evident?
Gummed paper tape: removing it tears the carton surface.

Which tape should I use on picture frames?
Framers tape, usually 24mm wide, with a solvent adhesive that sticks to itself at the corners.