Adhesive tape is a tape-fastening used for temporary or, in some cases, permanent adhesion of things. By definition, such single-sided tapes allow sticking when the materials overlap or lap against each other. Double-sided tape (adhesive on both sides) allows adhesion of two items back-to-back.
These tapes are made by applying an adhesive emulsion to a tape that is in turn wound onto a roll.
Manufacture often involves winding large films of material onto a roll and then cutting the roll into convenient widths.
Alternate names or varieties
- 'Sticky tape' (regional names may vary) is normally based on a transparent or translucent tape.
- 'Gaffer tape' is normally based on a heavy fabric or plastic tape. The name derives from its use by gaffers in the entertainment industry among others, to hold down cables particularly to obviate or prevent tripping hazard.
- Duct tape