When it comes to DIY, decorating, construction, and repairs, choosing the right type of tape can make or break your project. From masking and painter’s tape for crisp decorating edges to duct tape for heavy-duty fixes and electrical tape for safe wiring, there’s a specialised tape for virtually every task. Whether you're sealing plasterboard joints, bundling materials, insulating pipes, or simply hanging decorations, understanding the different types of tape and what they're used for is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we break down over 20 common types of tape, highlighting their unique features and best uses across home improvement, renovation, plumbing, electrical work, and even medical or industrial applications. If you’ve ever asked, “What is that tape used for?” – this is the ultimate reference you need to get the job done right, safely and efficiently.
DIY, Renovation & Construction Tapes
1. Masking Tape
Use: Protects surfaces during painting; peels off cleanly without damaging walls or trim.
Features: Easy to tear, low adhesion (some are UV-resistant for outdoor use).
2. Painter’s Tape
Use: A premium version of masking tape for cleaner paint lines.
Features: UV- and moisture-resistant; removes cleanly even after days.
3. Duct Tape
Use: Temporary repairs, sealing, bundling, general-purpose fixes.
Features: Strong, water-resistant, fabric-backed; adheres to most surfaces.
4. Gaffer Tape
Use: Common in film/theatre/TV for temporarily securing cables or gear.
Features: Strong like duct tape but leaves no residue and tears easily.
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5. Plasterboard/Jointing Tape
Use: Covers seams between plasterboard sheets before skimming.
Types: Paper tape, mesh tape, FibaTape.
6. Corner Joining Tape
Use: Reinforcing and sealing internal or external corners in plasterboard, drywall, or jointing applications.
Features: Flexible, pre-creased or mesh-backed for corner shaping; improves strength and crack resistance. Often used with joint compound or adhesives.
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7. Bitumen Waterproofing Tape
Use: Sealing overlaps, joints, and penetrations in waterproofing membranes and tanking systems.
Features: Bitumen-based, self-adhesive, flexible; creates a watertight bond on concrete, plastic, or metal surfaces.
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8. Drywall Tape (USA)
Use: Reinforces drywall joints to prevent cracking.
Features: Works with joint compound; often self-adhesive mesh.
9. Double-Sided Tape
Use: Mounting items, carpets, signs, and craft materials.
Types: Foam, tissue, or film-backed.
10. Carpet Tape
Use: Secures carpets or rugs to floors temporarily or permanently.
Features: High-tack adhesive on both sides; may be removable or permanent.
Electrical & Plumbing Tapes
11. Electrical Tape
Use: Insulating electrical wires and connections.
Features: Stretchy vinyl or rubber; colour-coded for identification.
12. PTFE / Thread Seal Tape (Plumber's Tape)
Use: Sealing pipe threads to prevent leaks.
Features: Thin, white, non-sticky tape for use on threaded fittings.
13. Self-Amalgamating Tape
Use: Waterproof sealing of electrical and plumbing joints.
Features: Fuses to itself when stretched; no adhesive.
Packaging & Industrial Tapes
14. Packing Tape / Parcel Tape
Use: Sealing cardboard boxes and parcels.
Types: Clear, brown, reinforced, or printed.
15. Filament Tape
Use: Heavy-duty bundling, palletizing, or reinforcing packages.
Features: Fibreglass filaments for extra strength.
16. Floor Marking Tape
Use: Marking out walkways, hazards, or work zones.
Features: Highly visible, durable under foot traffic.
17. Aluminium Foil Tape
Use: HVAC, insulation sealing, and vapour barriers.
Features: Reflective, heat-resistant, strong adhesion.
Decorating & Surface Tapes
18. FrogTape®
Use: Professional paint masking with super-sharp lines.
Features: PaintBlock® technology to prevent paint bleed.
19. Mounting Tape
Use: Securing objects to walls without nails or screws.
Features: High-strength adhesive; indoor and outdoor versions.
Medical & Personal Use Tapes
20. Medical Tape
Use: Holding dressings, securing bandages.
Types: Micropore (breathable), fabric, waterproof.
21. Kinesiology Tape
Use: Muscle and joint support during sports or recovery.
Features: Stretchy, skin-friendly, waterproof.
Specialty Tapes
22. Heat-Resistant Tape (Kapton Tape)
Use: Electronics manufacturing, soldering, 3D printing.
Features: Withstands high temperatures.
23. Anti-Slip Tape
Use: Improves grip on stairs, ramps, or slippery surfaces.
Features: Gritty, abrasive surface; adhesive backing.
24. Grip Tape
Use: Skateboards, tools, sports gear for enhanced grip.
25. Reflective Tape
Use: Safety marking for vehicles, clothing, or signs.
Features: Highly visible at night.
Tape Types Reference Table
| Type | Primary Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Masking Tape | Painting, protecting surfaces | Easy to tear, low tack, peels off cleanly |
| Painter’s Tape | Clean paint lines | UV-resistant, clean removal, precision lines |
| Duct Tape | Temporary repairs, sealing | Water-resistant, strong, multi-surface adhesion |
| Gaffer Tape | Theatre, events, cable management | No residue, matte finish, hand-tearable |
| Plasterboard Tape | Sealing plasterboard joints | Mesh or paper, works with joint compound |
| Drywall Tape | Strengthening drywall seams | Reinforces joints, reduces cracking |
| Corner Jointing Tape | Reinforcing plasterboard corners | Flexible, pre-creased or mesh-backed, used with joint compound |
| Double-Sided Tape | Mounting, crafting, carpet installation | Adhesive on both sides, removable or permanent |
| Carpet Tape | Securing carpets/rugs | High tack, double-sided, repositionable |
| Electrical Tape | Insulating wires | Stretchy, colour-coded, flame-resistant |
| PTFE Tape | Sealing pipe threads | Non-sticky, waterproof, used on threaded pipes |
| Self-Amalgamating Tape | Waterproof electrical/plumbing seals | Fuses to itself, no adhesive |
| Packing/Parcel Tape | Sealing boxes | Strong adhesion, clear/brown |
| Filament Tape | Heavy-duty bundling | Fibreglass reinforced, tear-resistant |
| Floor Marking Tape | Walkway/hazard zones | Durable, high visibility |
| Aluminium Foil Tape | HVAC and insulation | Reflective, heat- and moisture-resistant |
| FrogTape® | Professional paint masking | PaintBlock® tech, sharp lines |
| Mounting Tape | Wall mounting without screws | High bond strength, indoor/outdoor use |
| Medical Tape | Securing dressings | Breathable, hypoallergenic |
| Kinesiology Tape | Muscle/joint support | Stretchy, water-resistant, skin-safe |
| Heat-Resistant Tape | Electronics/soldering | Withstands high temperatures |
| Anti-Slip Tape | Slip prevention on stairs | Abrasive grip surface |
| Grip Tape | Skateboards, tools | Textured for grip |
| Reflective Tape | Night-time safety marking | Highly visible under light |
| Bitumen Waterproofing Tape | Sealing joints in waterproofing membranes | Bitumen-based, self-adhesive, watertight for tanking & foundations |
