Double Sided and Repair Tapes
Double sided tape gives you a clean fix without screws, mess, or waiting about, while repair tape patches, seals, and holds where site gear takes a beating.
When you need to stick trims, signs, panels or protection down fast, double sided adhesive tape saves drilling and keeps the finish tidy. Repair tape is what you reach for when something splits, lifts or needs sealing well enough to keep the job moving. From mounting tape for boards and fittings to repair tape heavy duty for rougher site fixes, this is the sort of kit sparks, chippies, fitters and maintenance teams keep in the van. If you also need Building Tapes, Cloth Tapes, Masking Tapes, Grab Adhesives or Worktop Adhesives, match the tape to the surface and load, then get the right roll ordered.
What Are Double Sided Tape and Repair Tape Used For?
- Fixing trims, cable trunking, signage and lightweight panels where you want a clean finish without peppering the surface with screws or plugs.
- Holding membranes, floor protection, carpet edges and temporary coverings in place so lads are not kicking corners up all day on live jobs.
- Mounting mirrors, number plates, display boards and fittings with double sided adhesive tape where the surface is flat, clean and properly prepared.
- Patching torn covers, split ducting, damaged insulation wraps and site plastics with repair tape heavy duty to keep weather and dirt out until the proper fix is done.
- Sealing awkward joins and quick snag repairs in vans, workshops and site cabins where a fast repair tape fix saves dragging the whole job out.
Choosing the Right Double Sided Tape
Sorting the right tape is simple. Match it to the surface, the weight and how long it needs to hold.
1. Light fixing vs proper mounting
If you are just holding protection sheets, templates or lightweight trims, a standard double sided tape will do the job. If you are fixing signs, mirrors or panels, go for mounting tape with the strength and thickness to cope.
2. Smooth surfaces matter
If the surface is smooth, flat and clean, double sided adhesive tape usually works well. If it is dusty blockwork, rough timber or flaking paint, do not expect miracles. Clean it first or use a different fixing method.
3. Indoor jobs vs wet or rough areas
For dry internal work, most tapes are straightforward. If the tape is going outside, into a bathroom, or onto kit that lives in the van, check for water resistance, temperature tolerance and whether the adhesive is meant for permanent use.
4. Quick patch vs long term repair
If you just need to keep the job moving, repair tape is fine for a fast patch. If the tear, leak or split is on something critical, treat tape as the temporary fix and get the proper repair done after.
Who Uses These on Site?
- Kitchen fitters and joiners use double sided tape for trims, end panels and protective coverings where they need a neat finish and do not want visible fixings.
- Sparkies keep rolls in the bag for holding trunking lids, labelling runs, fixing pads and keeping light materials in place while they sort permanent fixings.
- Shopfitters and maintenance teams swear by mounting tape for signs, panels and quick internal fittings where drilling would crack finishes or waste time.
- Roofers, general builders and site teams use repair tape on torn sheet materials, damaged wraps and temporary weather sealing to stop a small split turning into a bigger headache.
- Van and workshop crews reach for repair tape when linings, covers or ducting get nicked and need holding together well enough to finish the shift.
Tape Accessories That Make the Job Cleaner
A few simple extras save wasted tape, poor adhesion and call-backs when the surface is awkward.
1. Surface Cleaner and Wipes
Dust, grease and release agents are what usually make tape fail, not the tape itself. Clean the surface first and you give double sided tape half a chance of actually staying put.
2. Seam Roller or Pressure Roller
This helps you bed the tape down properly, especially on longer runs or mounting jobs. Far better than pressing with your thumb and finding the ends lifting later.
3. Trimming Knife
A sharp knife gives you clean edges and stops you tearing repair tape ragged when working around corners, trims or awkward patches.
Choose the Right Double Sided Tape for the Job
Use this quick guide to avoid grabbing the wrong roll.
| Your Job | Double Sided Tape or Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Holding floor protection or temporary coverings | Standard double sided tape | Easy peel liner, clean hold, suited to lighter duty internal work |
| Fixing trims, signs or lightweight panels neatly | Mounting tape | Thicker adhesive layer, stronger grab, better on smooth finished surfaces |
| Patching torn sheeting, wraps or covers | Repair tape | Tough backing, quick bond, made to handle rougher site abuse |
| Sealing and patching in wet or exposed areas | Repair tape heavy duty | Better weather resistance, stronger backing, more suitable for temporary external fixes |
| Fixing items where finish matters and screws are not wanted | Double sided adhesive tape | Clean hidden bond, no visible fixings, best on clean flat surfaces |
Common Buying and Usage Mistakes
- Using double sided tape on dusty, damp or greasy surfaces is the big one. The tape gets blamed, but the bond was never going to last. Clean and dry the surface first.
- Choosing light duty tape for a mounting job usually ends with trims or signs sagging off. If the item has weight or stays up long term, use proper mounting tape.
- Treating repair tape as a permanent structural fix causes repeat failures. It is brilliant for patching and sealing, but some jobs still need the proper repair afterwards.
- Not checking whether the tape is suited to heat, moisture or outside use can waste a whole roll. Bathrooms, vans and external jobs need the right adhesive and backing.
- Rushing application and not pressing the tape down properly leaves air gaps and weak edges. Apply firm even pressure so the adhesive beds in across the full length.
Double Sided Tape vs Mounting Tape vs Repair Tape
Double Sided Tape
Best for neat internal fixing, temporary holds and lighter materials. It gives a clean finish, but it is not the one to trust for every heavy or exposed job.
Mounting Tape
This is the stronger option when you are fixing trims, signs, panels or fittings onto smooth surfaces. It handles more weight than standard double sided tape, but surface prep matters even more.
Repair Tape
Built more for patching, sealing and holding damaged materials together than for hidden mounting. It is the better shout for torn covers, wraps and rough site fixes where strength matters more than looks.
Which One Should You Buy
If the job is clean fixing, start with double sided tape. If there is more load involved, step up to mounting tape. If you are patching damage or sealing a split, buy repair tape and get on with the job.
Maintenance and Care
Keep Rolls Clean
Do not leave tape rolls open in the back of a dusty van. Dirt on the exposed edge weakens the bond before you even start the next job.
Store Out of Heat
Too much heat softens adhesives and can deform the roll. Keep tapes in a cool dry box rather than on a dashboard or cooking in site cabins.
Seal the Edge After Use
Press the loose end back down neatly after cutting. It stops the roll unravelling and saves you fighting with a sticky mess next time you need it quickly.
Replace Old Rolls
If a roll has gone hard, lost tack or keeps splitting badly when you pull it off, bin it. Old tape wastes more time than the price of a fresh roll.
Why Shop for Double Sided Tape at ITS?
Whether you need double sided tape UK for floor protection, mounting tape for trims and panels, or repair tape heavy duty for patching rough site damage, we stock the range in one place. That means different widths, grades and tape types ready in our own warehouse, in stock and set for next day delivery.
Double Sided Tape and Repair Tape FAQs
What is double sided tape used for?
It is mainly used for fixing items without visible screws or fasteners. On site that usually means trims, panels, signs, floor coverings, protection sheets and lighter fittings where you want a clean finish and a fast install.
Is repair tape waterproof?
Some is, some is not. Plenty of repair tape will stand up to rain, splashes and temporary outside use, but not every roll is meant for full waterproof sealing. Check the product spec if it is going on exposed jobs, wet areas or anything critical.
What surfaces does double sided tape stick to best?
Smooth, clean, dry surfaces are where it works best. Painted metal, finished timber, glass, plastics and sealed boards are usually fine. Rough block, dusty plaster, oily surfaces and flaking paint are where it starts letting you down.
Will mounting tape hold heavy items properly?
Yes, within reason. A proper mounting tape will hold far better than standard double sided tape, but only if the surface is sound and the weight matches the rating. For genuinely heavy or safety critical items, use mechanical fixings as well.
Can I use repair tape as a permanent fix?
For some patching jobs it will last well, but be honest about what it is doing. It is excellent for sealing tears, covering damage and keeping weather out, but on critical repairs it is usually the get you through today option, not the forever fix.
Why has my double sided adhesive tape failed after a day?
Usually because the surface was dusty, damp, cold or uneven, or because the wrong tape was used for the weight. Most failures come from prep and application, not the roll itself. Clean it, press it down properly and use the right grade.
