When it comes to fixing things, we've come a long way from the days of messy glues and cumbersome nails. For countless applications, the search for a powerful, clean, and reliable bonding solution leads to one of our best-selling products: double-sided acrylic foam tape. This isn't just any tape; it's a high-performance adhesive that's changing the game for industries and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Ready to experience the power of a truly high-performing adhesive? Click here to buy now or give us a call on 01268 768 768 to discuss your requirements.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this remarkable product. We’ll explore what makes it so strong, its many applications, and how it measures up against other bonding methods. Whether you're assembling vehicle bodies, putting up signage, or tackling a project at home, you'll see why this adhesive tape is the superior choice for a lasting bond.
At Indigo Supplies, we’ve been a trusted partner for industrial solutions since 1998, so we know a thing or two about quality products. Let's get into why this tape is a staple in our inventory and a favourite among our customers.
What is Double-Sided Acrylic Foam Tape?
At its core, double sided gel tape is a type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape made from a high-performance acrylic foam. Unlike standard tapes, which have adhesive coated onto a backing material, the foam core of this tape is the adhesive. This construction gives it unique properties that allow it to bond to a wide variety of surfaces with incredible strength.
Often referred to as VHB (Very High Bond) tape, this product creates a permanent seal that is resistant to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. It’s essentially a chemical weld in a roll, offering the strength of traditional fasteners without the fuss. Our tape features a crystal-clear acrylic foam with a distinctive red release liner that you simply peel away. Once applied, the bond is virtually invisible, making it perfect for applications where aesthetics matter.
The "gel" or "jelly" like quality of the foam allows it to conform to irregularities and textures, ensuring full contact with the substrate. This flexibility means it can create a powerful bond even on uneven or mismatched surfaces, distributing stress evenly across the entire bond line.
Key Benefits of Using VHB Acrylic Tape
When you choose a very high bond double sided tape, you're not just getting a sticky strip. You're investing in a sophisticated bonding solution that offers numerous advantages over traditional fixing methods.
Unmatched Strength and Durability
The primary benefit is its incredible bonding strength. This tape can often replace mechanical fasteners like rivets, screws, welds, and liquid adhesives. The viscoelastic nature of the acrylic foam absorbs shock and impact, making the bond resilient and durable over the long term. This durability extends to its performance in harsh environments, holding strong against UV light, temperature cycles, and moisture.
Superior to Traditional Fasteners
Why drill holes or deal with messy liquid glues when you don’t have to?
- No Damage: Using nails, screws, or rivets means drilling holes, which permanently alters and can weaken the material. VHB tape preserves the integrity of your surfaces.
- Clean Application: Forget the drips, spills, and curing times associated with liquid glues. Tape is a clean, instant solution.
- Aesthetic Finish: It creates an invisible bond line, perfect for transparent materials like glass or acrylics, and for any project where appearance is crucial. The result is a smooth, clean look that fasteners can't match.
Versatility for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Our double sided foam tape is designed to perform reliably whether it's used inside a climate-controlled office or on the exterior of a vehicle exposed to the elements. Its resistance to a wide range of temperatures, from freezing cold to intense heat, ensures that the bond remains stable and secure. This makes it a go-to choice for everything from mounting signs outdoors to assembling components in demanding industrial settings.
Conforms to Uneven Surfaces
The soft, conformable foam core is a game-changer for bonding to textured or irregular surfaces. While rigid fasteners or liquid adhesives might struggle to achieve full contact, the foam tape fills gaps and creates a complete, uniform bond. This ensures maximum surface area contact, which is critical for achieving that "very high bond" strength.
Comparing with Top Brands: 3M and Tesa
When discussing high-performance adhesive tapes, names like 3M and Tesa often come up. These companies are pioneers in the industry and have set high standards for quality and performance.
The term "VHB" was originally coined by 3M, and their range of 3M VHB tapes are renowned globally. Products like the 3M very high bond 4910, 4950, and 5952 series are benchmarks for performance in applications ranging from electronics assembly to architectural panel bonding. Tesa, another industry leader, offers its ACXplus range, which provides similar high-strength acrylic foam bonding solutions.
At Indigo Supplies, we offer our own high-performing double sided vhb tape that provides comparable performance to these leading brands, often at a more competitive price point. We also stock genuine 3M tapes for customers who require specific product lines for their projects. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible solution for your needs, backed by our price-beater guarantee. If you find the same product cheaper elsewhere in the UK, we'll do our utmost to beat it.
Common Applications
The versatility of double-sided acrylic foam tape means it finds uses in a vast array of industries and projects. Here are just a few examples of where this powerful tape excels:
Signage and Display
This is one of the most popular uses. The tape's ability to bond securely to materials like metal, plastic, and glass makes it ideal for mounting signs, letters, and graphics. The invisible bond line ensures a professional finish without visible screws or brackets, and its weather resistance means signs stay put, rain or shine.
Automotive and Transportation
In the automotive industry, VHB tape is used for attaching trim, emblems, and body side mouldings. Its ability to withstand vibration, temperature extremes, and washing makes it a durable choice. It's also used in the construction of commercial vehicles, caravans, and even aircraft to bond panels and components, reducing weight and eliminating potential corrosion points from drilling.
Construction and Architecture
Architects and builders use this tape for bonding architectural panels, decorative trim, and mounting glass in window and door assemblies. Its strength allows for sleek, modern designs without the interruption of mechanical fasteners. It provides a reliable seal against water and air, contributing to the building's overall energy efficiency.
Electronics Manufacturing
The tape is used to bond components within electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and displays. Its thin profile, insulating properties, and shock absorption are critical in these compact and sensitive applications.
DIY and Home Use
Beyond industrial applications, this is an incredibly useful product to have around the house. You can use it for:
- Mounting mirrors or pictures without drilling into walls.
- Securing rugs or floor mats to prevent slipping.
- Repairing items where a strong, invisible bond is needed.
- Attaching LED strip lights under cabinets or behind TVs.
How to Get the Best Results
To achieve the "very high bond" this tape promises, proper application is key. Follow these steps for a secure and lasting hold:
- Surface Preparation is Crucial: The surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from oil, grease, and dust. Use an isopropyl alcohol and water solution (50:50) to clean the surfaces thoroughly. Do not use household cleaners, as they can leave behind a residue that interferes with the bond.
- Apply with Firm Pressure: This is a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which means it needs firm, consistent pressure to create an initial bond. Use a roller or press down firmly along the entire length of the tape to ensure full contact.
- Mind the Temperature: For best results, apply the tape at a temperature between 20°C and 40°C. The bond strength builds over time, typically reaching about 50% of its ultimate strength in 20 minutes, 90% after 24 hours, and 100% after 72 hours.
- Choose the Right Thickness: Our tape is available in various thicknesses. Thicker tapes (like 2mm) are better for rough or mismatched surfaces, as the foam has more give to fill in gaps. Thinner tapes (1mm) are ideal for smooth, flat surfaces where a low profile is desired.
Find the Right Tape for Your Project
At Indigo Supplies, we understand that every project is different. That’s why we offer our high-performance double sided adhesive tape in a wide range of sizes. You can get it in standard rolls or as pre-cut discs for specific applications.
Our available sizes include:
- 1mm Thickness: In widths of 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm, and 50mm on 33-metre rolls.
- 2mm Thickness: In the same widths on 16.5-metre rolls.
This variety ensures you can find the perfect dimensions for your needs, minimizing waste and maximising efficiency.
Your Partner for Industrial Supplies
Choosing the right adhesive is a critical decision. With our Double-Sided Acrylic Foam Gel Tape, you're choosing a product that delivers exceptional strength, durability, and a clean, professional finish. It’s a modern solution that outperforms traditional fasteners in countless scenarios.
Since 1998, Indigo Supplies has been dedicated to providing top-quality industrial products with unrivalled customer service. We’re more than just a supplier; we are your partner in getting the job done right. If you have any questions or need advice on the best product for your application, our friendly team is here to help.
Ready to experience the power of a truly high-performing adhesive? Click here to buy now or give us a call on 01268 768 768 to discuss your requirements.