Applying Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tape: Best Practices to Maximize Efficiency and Reliability
Pressure sensitive adhesive tape, also known as PSA tape, plays a critical role in various industries, providing solutions for bonding, sealing, mounting, packaging and more. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, it is essential to apply pressure sensitive adhesive tape correctly.
Before the application process can begin, it is important to understand what makes PSA tape different than other adhesive solutions, its advantages in industrial applications, and considerations for how to select the right pressure sensitive adhesive tape to meet your needs. Our adhesive engineering experts explore that and more below.
What is Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tape?
PSA tape is a versatile and easy-to-use tape that forms a strong bond with surfaces when light pressure is applied, typically without the need for additional substances like heat or water. Depending on the specific tape, it can be either removable – often without leaving residue behind - or permanent, creating a long-lasting bond.
While we offer an extensive line of standard pressure sensitive adhesive tape solutions, as a custom engineer and manufacturing company, H-O Products can also develop proprietary formulations. We are able to combine different materials or add special treatments to meet specific industry standards or customer needs, such as flame retardance or UV resistance.
Do Some Tapes Require Heat for Optimal Adhesion?
While most PSA tapes adhere to surfaces with minimal pressure alone, some do require the use of heat for proper bonding. These are commonly known as heat-activated (HA) or heat-assisted pressure sensitive tapes. HA tapes have a specific adhesive formulation that requires the application of heat to activate and enhance the adhesive properties. The heat softens the adhesive, allowing it to flow and create a stronger bond with pressure is applied. This can be especially helpful on surfaces with irregular texture or with low surface energy.
Five Tips for Ideal Application of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tape
From surface preparation to post-application care, understanding the best practices for applying PSA tape can make a significant difference in achieving optimal adhesion results. Let’s explore five important guidelines that can help ensure your tape application is efficient, reliable and long-lasting:
- Tape Selection
You want to be sure you are using a PSA tape that best matches the needs of your specific project. Consider these questions when working with a PSA tape manufacturer:
• What materials will be tape be adhered too? Are their factors such as chemical resistance or temperature tolerance that must be addressed?
• What stress, load or environmental conditions might the pressure sensitive adhesives tape need to withstand?
• What level of bonding strength and longevity of performance is required, as various adhesive types, such as silicone, rubber and acrylic, offer different adhesive options.Speak with our pressure sensitive adhesive tape manufacturing professionals for additional guidance in selecting the appropriate materials for your application.
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Surface Preparation
Before applying PSA tape, proper surface preparation is critical to the success of the application. Following these initial guidelines for optimal adhesion:
• Thoroughly clean the surface to remove dust, dirt, oil and other contaminants that could hinder adhesion
• Ensure the surface is dry and free of moisture to prevent tape slippage or adhesive failure
• If necessary, use a suitable primer to enhance tape adhesion of challenging surfaces
Of note, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the PSA tape manufacturer. Our experts have created the video featured on this page to provide you with some visual tips on how best to apply pressure sensitive adhesive tape. Watch and learn! - Temperature Considerations
Temperatures can significantly impact the performance of PSA tape, so it’s important to consider any temperature variations that might occur in the application environment. Follow the PSA manufacturer’s recommended temperature guidelines for application and operation. If required, pre-hear or pre-cool the surface to an appropriate temperature before applying the tape.
See our blog post, “Tips to Select Ultra High Temperature Tapes” for more insights from our manufacturing experts.
- Proper Application Technique
Following these best practices can help achieve optimal adhesion:
• Cut tape to desired length, ensuring sufficient coverage while minimizing waste
• Avoid stretching or distorting the tape
• Begin applying the PSA tape from one end, gradually pressing down with even and consistent pressure
• Use a roller or squeegee to firmly press the tape onto surface, eliminating air bubbles
• Watch edges and corners, and make sure they are properly adhered to prevent peeling or lifting in the future - Post-Application Care
It's not just “set it and forget it” once the application is complete. Allowing sufficient time for the tape to bond and cure according to the PSA tape manufacturer’s recommendations before subjecting it to stress or load, as well as avoiding harsh chemicals that could comprise product integrity, can help contribute to longevity and reliability. Regularly inspecting the tape for any signs of damage or wear-and-tear means that any issues can be addressed quickly and efficiently to prevent any further damage or failure.
Advantages of PSA Tape
Pressure sensitive adhesive tapes offer several benefits in OEM applications:
- Versatility – PSA tape comes in a wide range of formulations, thickness, backing materials and adhesive strength, allowing OEMs to choose tapes that are tailored to their specification application requirements
- Ease of use - a convenient solution in many industrial applications, as the tape can be easily cut to the desired length, and adheres upon contact with light pressure, eliminating the need for complex tools and equipment
- Lightweight - its design can be advantageous in OEM applications where weight reduction is a priority, such as in aerospace or transportation industries, and often contributes to improved fuel efficiency and performance
- Reliable performance - pressure sensitive adhesives tapes are designed to provide excellent adhesion for a wide variety of substrates, including metals, plastics, composites, and more, and offer high initial tack and bond strength
- Excellent impact and vibration resistance – known for their ability to absorb vibrations and provide impact resistance, they are particularly valuable in OEM applications where machinery, vehicles or equipment may be subject to shocks, vibrations and movement, and can help maintain the integrity of bonded components
- Efficient and clean assembly – pressure sensitive adhesive tape eliminates the need for additional steps like drilling holes, applying additional adhesives, or waiting for curing, and minimizes the number of components required, time consuming clean-up associated with liquid adhesives, and can lead to cost savings
- High flexibility – PSA tapes often provide greater design freedom and the ability to bond in challenging areas where traditional fasteners may be difficult to use, such as irregular surfaces or applications with complex geometries
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tape from the Experts at H-O Products
At H-O Products, we understand that every customer has specialized needs, and our team can help you select the right adhesive materials or customize an option that meets your specific requirements. Our material selection for the development of pressure sensitive adhesive tape includes butyl rubber, acrylic, silicone, and more. Adhesives datasheets can be found here.
Just some of our standard and custom engineered PSA tapes include:
- Poly-Seal AF Butyl Tape (aluminum)
- Poly-Seal CR Butyl Tape (coating ready)
- Medium Density PVC Foam Tape
- Low Density PVC Foam Tape
- AFTC HA7308 Heat Activated Tape
- 25# PVC Glazing Tape
If you are searching for a different material, reach out with your technical specifications and our experts are ready to help design a product tailored to meet your needs.
Over 60 Years of Expertise in Custom Engineered Tapes, Pads and Gaskets
If you need guidance on the application of pressure sensitive adhesive tape, require assistance with custom options, or need technical advice on adhesive properties, the team at H-O Products is here to help. With an extensive selection of substrate materials, adhesives and films, we manufacture products tailored to the unique requirements of more than 20 industries. Contact us and let’s talk about your pressure sensitive adhesive tape specifications.
About H-O Products
Our engineered products – including foam, rubber, polymeric and composite tapes, pads and gaskets – offering reliable sealing, cushioning, mounting and assembly in harsh environments, while minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. From prototype through final product, our customers can be confident in performance, reliability, and the continued support of our expert team. Learn more about H-O Products and how we can give your company a competitive edge in today’s global marketplace.
