It may shock you to learn that tape has a shelf life. Whether it’s duct tape, water activated tape, or a standard roll of parcel tape; eventually the adhesive begins to degrade and become less effective.
There are ways you can maximize the length of time your tape is suitable for use, below are our 6 top tips to optimise the shelf life of your tape.
Store it at room temperature:
Storing your tape at a standard ambient temperature of 18-22° (unless the manufacturer says otherwise) will help to keep the adhesive from degrading.
Keep it dry:
Though this may seem obvious, keeping your packaging tape dry and away from dampness is essential. Exposure to water may cause the tape to be less sticky, bind together, or become mouldy.
Use it within the recommended shelf life:
Being a few weeks out of date should not significantly hinder the performance; however if using the tape 5 years on you will see a notable decrease in performance.
A general rule of thumb is to use the tape within a year of receiving it, though some tapes have a recommended life of 6 months.
It may help to write the date of receipt on the box, to help stay on top of what to use, and when.
keep it out of direct sunlight:
Keeping the tape out of direct sunlight is one of the most important things to do, to promote a longer shelf life of your tape.
This is because UV Rays can penetrate the tape, and cause damage to its molecular structure.
Direct sunlight can also heat up the tape, which accelerates the degradation process.
Some tapes, such as window tapes, are UV stabilised, and are designed specifically for being in direct sunlight.
Keep it flat
Keeping your rolls of tape flat in storage will ensure their best performance. If the adhesive tape roll has been crushed, it will no longer be circular. This change in shape will reduce its performance in dispensers.
Consider the quality of your tape:
Budget tapes are usually made with cost-cutting ingredients, which will lead to poor performance and less of a shelf life. Selecting a better-quality tape will usually allow for better performance.
Another important consideration for quality is your needs vs the intended use of the tape.
For example, if you apply duct tape to a window and leave it in direct sunlight, the adhesive will bond to the window and be incredibly difficult to remove and leave a residue. However, using a tape designed for long-term use on a window, when removed after 6 months you will find no residue.
We hope this guide has been useful to you. If you have any questions or would like further information, please click here to submit an enquiry.
Important Notice: This guide should not be used instead of the manufacturer’s guidelines.
