FOIL TAPES

Aluminum Foil

Lead Foil

Foil - Skrim - Kraft

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ELITE TAPE IS YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR FOIL TAPES

Elite Tape offers Heavy-duty Foil Tapes for E-Coat Masking, Vapor Barrier and High Heat Reflection applications. Our Aluminum Foil Tape & Lead Foil Tape are available with either an aggressive, UV resistant acrylic adhesive for outdoor applications or super tacky rubber based adhesive for heavy duty plating. These malleable foil tapes conform well to irregular and curved surfaces. Excellent performance at both low and elevated temperatures. Elite’s Aluminum & Lead Foil Tapes are provided with a release liner for easy dispenser cutting and die cutting. We stock our Aluminum and Lead Foil Tapes in log roll format and can slit from 1/8” up to full log width of 47” on the Aluminum Foil Tapes and 20” on the Lead Foil Tapes. Elite Tape offers the highest quality, malleable foil tapes, custom and stock sizes, quick 2-3 day lead times, expert recommendations and intelligent pricing.

For more information on Foil Tapes, see our article:

Some of the more common foil masking tape applications:

  • Waterproof Sealing
  • Vapor Barrier
  • Air Leakage protection
  • Heat Reflection/dissipation
  • Masking in Paint Stripping and Electroplating
  • Can be applied at low temps
  • Acrylic psa can withstand temps up to 250F (Long Term) to 300F (Short Term)
  • Rubber psa can withstand temps up to 175F

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FOIL TAPES

What is Foil tape used for?

Foil tape is a type of adhesive tape that has a thin, metallic foil backing. It is commonly used for a variety of purposes due to its unique properties.

  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Foil tape is extensively used in HVAC systems for sealing and insulating. It is used to seal joints and seams in ductwork, providing an airtight seal and preventing air leaks. The reflective surface of the tape also helps in thermal insulation by reflecting heat and cold.
  • Insulation: Foil tape is used in insulation applications where a vapor barrier is required. It is often applied to seal the seams and edges of insulation materials, such as fiberglass or foam board insulation. The tape helps to prevent moisture penetration and enhances the overall insulation performance.
  • Electrical applications: Foil tape is used in electrical applications that require shielding or grounding. It is employed for wrapping and grounding electrical cables and shielding sensitive electronic components from electromagnetic interference. The conductive properties of the metallic foil backing help in achieving effective grounding and shielding.
  • Automotive repairs: Foil tape finds use in automotive repairs and maintenance. It can be used to temporarily patch exhaust pipes, seal leaks in cooling systems, or repair damaged wiring harnesses. The heat resistance and durability of the tape make it suitable for these applications.
  • Packaging and shipping: Foil tape is sometimes used in packaging and shipping applications. It can be employed for sealing cartons, boxes, or packages that require an extra layer of protection against moisture or to provide a tamper-evident seal.

Foil tape’s properties, such as its metallic appearance, heat resistance, reflectivity, and ability to conform to irregular surfaces, make it a versatile solution for many applications. It provides a durable, easy-to-use, and effective means of sealing, insulating, and protecting various materials and components.

What is the difference between Aluminum foil tape and Lead foil tape?

The main difference between aluminum foil tape and lead foil tape lies in the material used for the foil backing but there are a few other key distinctions.

  1. Material
  • Aluminum foil tape has an aluminum foil backing
  • Lead foil tape has a lead foil backing
  1. Properties
  • Aluminum foil is lightweight, flexible, and has good thermal conductivity. It offers excellent resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation. It is also non-toxic and safe for general use.
  • Lead foil is denser and heavier than aluminum foil. It provides superior resistance to radiation, including X-rays and gamma rays. However, lead is toxic, and caution must be exercised when handling lead foil tape.
  1. Applications
  • Aluminum foil tape finds widespread use in HVAC systems, insulation, electrical applications, automotive repairs, and packaging. It is suitable for applications that require general sealing, insulation, and heat reflection.
  • Lead foil tape, with its superior radiation resistance, is primarily used in specific applications that involve radiation shielding or containment. It is commonly employed in medical, nuclear, and industrial settings, where protection from X-rays or gamma rays is necessary.
  1. Safety considerations
  • Aluminum foil tape is considered safe for general use and does not pose significant health risks.
  • Lead foil tape can present potential health hazards due to the toxicity of lead. Precautions must be taken to prevent ingestion or inhalation of lead particles and to ensure proper handling, disposal, and use in accordance with safety guidelines.

What is Foil Skrim Kraft tape?

Foil Skrim Kraft (FSK) tape is a type of adhesive tape that is commonly used in the insulation industry. It is specifically designed for sealing and joining insulation facing materials, such as fiberglass duct board, flexible duct, and reflective insulation.

FSK tape consists of three main layers:

  1. Foil Layer: The outermost layer is made of aluminum foil, which provides excellent heat and moisture resistance. The foil layer also adds strength and durability to the tape.
  2. Skrim Layer: The middle layer is a reinforcing skrim, which is usually made of fiberglass. The skrim provides structural support to the tape and prevents it from stretching or tearing. It enhances the overall strength and stability of the tape.
  3. Kraft Paper Layer: The innermost layer is a kraft paper backing, which is typically coated with an adhesive. The kraft paper provides additional strength and serves as a bonding surface for the adhesive.

The combination of these three layers makes FSK tape highly resistant to temperature changes, moisture, and vapor transmission. It is commonly used to seal seams and joints in insulation systems, preventing air leakage and improving energy efficiency.

FSK tape is also known for its easy application. It can be torn by hand, allowing for quick and hassle-free installation. The adhesive backing ensures a secure and long-lasting bond when applied to various insulation materials.

Overall, FSK tape is widely utilized in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) installations, as well as other applications where a strong, heat-resistant, and moisture-resistant sealing tape is required.

Is Foil tape removable?

Foil tape is typically designed to provide a strong and durable bond, which means that it may not be as easily removable as some other types of adhesive tapes. The adhesive used on foil tape is often pressure-sensitive and designed to create a long-lasting bond with the applied surface.

While it is possible to remove foil tape, the process may require some effort and may leave residue behind. The ease of removal can depend on various factors, including the specific adhesive used, the duration of the tape’s application, and the surface it was applied to.

Which is strongest: Aluminum foil tape, Lead foil tape or Foil-Skrim-Kraft tape?

When comparing the strength of different types of foil tapes, it’s important to consider the specific characteristics and intended uses of each type.

Aluminum Foil Tape: Aluminum foil tape is known for its strength and durability. Aluminum foil itself is a relatively strong and tear-resistant material, making it suitable for applications that require robust performance. The adhesive used in aluminum foil tape also contributes to its overall strength, as high-quality adhesives can provide strong bonds to various surfaces.

Lead Foil Tape: Lead foil tape is generally thicker and denser than aluminum foil tape. This added thickness can provide some additional strength and durability. However, it’s important to note that lead foil tape is primarily used for its radiation shielding properties rather than its strength alone. The adhesive used in lead foil tape should also be considered for its strength and bonding capabilities.

Foil-Skrim-Kraft Tape: Foil-Skrim-Kraft tape, or reinforced foil tape, features a thin fabric mesh (skrim) sandwiched between layers of adhesive and foil. The skrim provides additional reinforcement and strength to the tape. The exact strength of skrim foil tape can vary based on the type and quality of the skrim material used. Fiberglass and polyester skrim are commonly used, with fiberglass offering higher strength and resistance to tearing.

Overall, in terms of raw strength, aluminum foil tape and lead foil tape may provide more inherent strength compared to foil-skrim-kraft tape. However, the specific requirements of your application, such as thermal resistance, radiation shielding, or flexibility, may dictate which type of foil tape is the most suitable choice.

Consider factors such as the intended use, environmental conditions, and required properties beyond strength when selecting the appropriate foil tape for your application.

Is foil tape stronger than duct tape?

When comparing the strength of foil tape and duct tape, it’s important to consider the specific characteristics and intended uses of each type of tape.

  • Foil Tape: Foil tape is typically made with a backing of aluminum foil, which provides strength and durability. Aluminum foil is known for its tear resistance and ability to withstand harsh conditions. Foil tapes often feature high-quality adhesives that create strong and long-lasting bonds to various surfaces. The combination of the strong foil backing and adhesive strength makes foil tape generally robust and suitable for demanding applications.
  • Duct Tape: Duct tape, also known as cloth tape, consists of a cloth or fabric backing typically made of woven cotton or polyester, coated with a layer of adhesive. While duct tape is versatile and widely used, its strength may not be on par with foil tape. The fabric backing of duct tape provides flexibility and conformability but may not have the same tear resistance and structural integrity as aluminum foil. The adhesive used in duct tape can vary, and while it can provide good initial bonding strength, it may not offer the same long-term durability and performance as the adhesives used in foil tapes.

In terms of raw strength, foil tape is generally considered to be stronger than duct tape due to the sturdiness of the aluminum foil backing. However, it’s important to note that duct tape offers its own advantages, such as flexibility, ease of tearing, and versatility in various applications.

The choice between foil tape and duct tape ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the task at hand. If strength and durability are the primary considerations, foil tape may be the better choice. However, if flexibility, conformability, and general-purpose usage are more important, duct tape may be preferred.

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