Complete Guide to Packing Tape

Packing tape can be tricky. At home, it seems you never have it until you need it — and need it immediately. At work, you may have it on hand, but how confident are you in the tape's performance and design?

Businesses need a constant supply of tape that ensures their products reach customers in perfect condition. When your package arrives, you want your customers to be able to identify their purchase and open it with ease.

This complete guide to packing tape covers the different and best types of packing tape — both standard and custom — for your business. It'll also provide tips for using and designing packing tape to the best effect.

Custom Packing Tape

Some companies prefer the aesthetic of personalized custom-printed tape to standard kraft or solid-colored tape. Your custom packing tape can have almost anything printed on it. Create original custom designs, or use branded logo tape to make every package look professional.

A strong brand is crucial. It promotes trust and customer loyalty and enhances recognition. Additionally, custom logo tape makes each shipment into a mini-advertisement, keeping your name in front of customers and anyone who sees your package. Your brand becomes part of the unboxing experience— it is the first thing a customer sees when your long-awaited product arrives in the mail.

Tape Jungle has been the market leader for custom-printed tape for many years. We can produce your tape to your specifications at the desired volume. In addition to the printed design, you can customize the color, size, and materials of your tape. You can purchase tape made for machines or tape designed for handheld dispensers as well.

Designing Your Custom-Printed Tape

Tape Jungle's tape customizer provides options for tape material, size, and design and shows you a 3D rendering of your tape before you complete your order.

The materials for custom-printed tape are standard, premium, paper, and full-color.

Standard tape: PolyPro (polypropylene) with a glossy finish.
Premium tape: PVC with a flat finish.
Paper tape: A reinforced, water-activated gummed tape that needs a dispenser.
Full-color tape: A full-color reinforced, water-activated gummed tape that also needs a dispenser.

Each of the materials above comes in different grades: general purpose, heavy-duty, and industrial. The thickness varies, and each type of tape can support different weights.

Take these steps to make a custom-designed tape based on your branding, logos, message, or graphics:

Figure out what you want to put on your tape, such as a logo, message, or image.
After you have a rough idea of what you want your tape to look like, navigate to the custom-printed tape tool.
Select standard, premium, paper, or full-color tape, then choose from general-purpose, heavy-duty, or industrial grade. Other options will include thickness, tape transparency, and finish.
Choose between a width of 2–3 inches and select the length.
You'll be sent to the design page, where you will choose the tape background and color. You can select up to three colors.
Upload your image design or use a template.
Choose your desired quantity.
Review the virtual proof.
Approve the virtual proof and place your order.
A physical proof will arrive in the mail for your approval.
If you like what you see, approve the proof.
After physical proof approval, your nonrefundable order will be placed, and you'll receive your tape in the mail.

PolyPro, PVC, or Water-Activated Paper Tape

Compare PolyPro, PVC, and paper tape and choose your packing tape material, keeping in mind your company's budget, schedule, and packaging requirements. Here are a few things to consider:

The only material for branded tape that can be applied mechanically and manually is PolyPro, the most affordable option.
PVC is a good mid-tier choice for packages that need more flexibility or those that will be exposed to harsher environments.
Elegant paper custom tapes, in contrast to the other two materials, do not have a self-activating adhesive. These paper tapes need a unique dispenser to moisten the tape as you apply it.

Our paper tape is digitally printed with no additional printing-plate costs.

Plate Printing vs. Digital Printing

Tape Jungle uses plate printing to create personalized PolyPro and PVC tapes. We produce physical plates for each color after receiving your design. Production and setup take a long time and require a lot of labor. The resulting tapes are reasonably priced and have sharp designs, but it's very difficult to change a design once it's been made.

Our new digital printing method, however, prints your image directly on paper tape. A full-color palette is available, and you can adjust designs as necessary. A shorter wait time for your packing tape is arguably the most beneficial aspect. Orders for digitally printed tape are processed quickly and shipped out within five business days of the final proof approval.

Give our tape customizer a try. Creating branded tape is quicker and easier than you might think.

Different Types of Carton Sealing Tapes

Packing tape is a pressure-sensitive tape, meaning that it sticks to a surface when applied with pressure. It doesn't require any solvent or heat to activate its adhesive.

Most packing tape is about two to three inches wide to cover and secure the edges of your packages, but you can find a range of widths to suit all your needs. This carton-sealing tape comes in different materials and with different strengths of adhesive. Businesses often choose types that incorporate brand elements or reveal potential tampering.

No matter which of the following types of packing tape you choose, high-quality tape will help your packages arrive safely. Note that not all combinations of length, width, thickness, and color are available.

Custom shipping tape from Tape Jungle

Polypro Tape

Polypropylene is a soft, flexible type of plastic that is often used in packaging. Manufacturers have developed a range of PolyPro tapes to fit all kinds of packing, storage, and transportation conditions.

Alanson Products

Miami-based Alanson Products produces hundreds of different tapes for different purposes and industries. Their packing tapes include options for cold-weather storage and a selection of bright colors.

Carton Sealing Tape Acrylic Solvent Based Adhesive (36XX)

This all-purpose carton sealing tape guarantees an end to annoying pop-offs. It uses solvent-based acrylic adhesives and comes in a variety of widths, thicknesses, and lengths.

For more demanding packages, choose the 3.6 mil tape. With its premium-grade solvent and greater thickness, it strongly adheres to cardboard and provides high tensile strength to keep bulging or heavy packages intact.

This tape comes in thicknesses of 2.7 mil and 3.6 mil and lengths of 55 yards and 110 yards.

Available widths are:

½" (12 mm)
¾" (18 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)

Available colors are:

Clear
Tan

Carton Sealing Tape Natural Rubber Adhesive (3418)

Tape with natural rubber adhesive will adhere better to rough-surface or recycled cartons. It will also maintain its hold in cold temperatures, making it ideal for cold-room or refrigerated storage.

This tape comes in a thickness of 1.8 mil, 2 mil, 2.5 mil, and a length of 110 yards. The width is 2" (38 mm)

Color Carton Sealing Tape 2.0 Mil (6120)

When you need to both secure and identify boxes, colored carton sealing tape provides an easy solution. This moderate-strength 2.0 mil tape uses a water-based acrylic adhesive and can be used for color-coding and tabbing in addition to splicing and sealing.

This tape comes in a thickness of 2.0 mil and lengths of 55 yards and 110 yards.

Available widths are:

⅜" (9 mm)
½" (12 mm)
¾" (18 mm)
1" (24 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)

Available colors are:

White
Black
Yellow
Orange
Red
Blue
Green
Purple

Carton Sealing Tape 2.0 Mil Machine Grace - Colored (6120)

Alanson's colored carton tape also comes in machine-grade rolls. The tape is 2" (48 mm) wide and 2.0 mil thick. It comes in rolls that are 1,000 yards long, and it's available in all the colors above.

Talon

Produced by Holland Manufacturing, Talon Tape offers sealing tape in economy rolls as well as heavier-duty options.

Carton Sealing Tape Economy Grade Acrylic (3515)

This budget option with a water-based acrylic adhesive features moderate to high strength and suits many applications. It should be stored at room temperature.

This tape comes in a thickness of 1.6 mil or 1.8 mil and a length of 55 yards or 110 yards.

Available widths are:

2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)

Available colors are:

Clear
Tan

Carton Sealing Tape Industrial Grade Acrylic (3520)

This industrial-grade acrylic tape offers more tensile strength and temperature resistance than the economy option.

This tape comes in a thickness of 2.0 mil or 2.6 mil and a length of 55 yards or 110 yards.

Available widths are:

⅜" (9 mm)
½" (12 mm)
¾" (18 mm)
1" (24 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)
6" (144 mm)

Available colors are:

Clear
Tan

Carton Sealing Tape Heavy Duty Acrylic

For long shelf-life and reliable performance under extremely demanding conditions, Talon has created this heavy-duty carton tape.

This tape comes in a thickness of 3.2 mil and a length of 72 yards.

Available widths are:

½" (12 mm)
¾" (18 mm)
1" (24 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)

Available colors are:

White
Clear
Tan

Intertape

Intertape Polymer Group specializes in high-quality adhesives, and its carton tapes put this stickiness to good use.

Premium Packaging Tape (IP191)

Premium packaging tape is designed to work in all temperatures and resists UV light, aging, and yellowing. With high clarity, quick-stick performance, and a controlled unwind, the tape is easy to use and lasts once applied.

This tape comes in a thickness of 1.91 mil and a length of 100 yards. The color is tan.

Available widths are:

2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)

Intertape USA QT Machine Grade Packaging Tape (IP751)

Intertape also offers this machine-grade version for medium-weight cartons. It can be used at room temperature and in colder environments. Rolls are 1,000 yards long, tan, and come in widths of either 2" (48 mm) or 3" (72 mm).

PVC Tape

Packing tape comes in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as well as polypropylene. Wondering which is better? Differences between the plastics suit them for different functions. PolyPro tends to be less expensive and has greater tensile strength, but PVC is more flexible and resistant. Many people prefer thick PVC for heavy-duty shipments.

At Tape Jungle, you can find a range of PVC tapes, including the following carton sealing tapes.

Alanson Products

In addition to PolyPro tape, Alanson Products makes both colored and plain PVC packing tapes.

Carton Sealing Tape PVC (9532)

This 2.2 mil PVC tape uses a solvent-based natural rubber adhesive. It's printable, heat-shrinkable, and quiet as you unwind it.

This tape comes in a thickness of 2.2 mil and lengths of 55 yards and 110 yards.

Available widths are:

¾" (18 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)

Available colors are:

White
Clear
Tan

Colored Carton Sealing Tape PVC (9535)

This tape comes in a thickness of 2.0 mil and lengths of 55 yards and 110 yards.

Available widths are:

½" (12 mm)
¾" (18 mm)
1" (24 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)

Available colors are:

Clear
Tan
White
Black
Dark blue
Light blue
Dark green
Light green
Orange
Yellow
Fluorescent orange

Alanson PVC tape comes in a thicker 2.4 mil version in multiple colors.

Paper Tape

For environmentally-conscious companies, paper tape is the only eco-friendly tape option. Paper tape uses a natural or synthetic rubber adhesive. The tape is biodegradable and easily recyclable, so there is less waste.

Paper tape can be used for:

Carton sealing
Manufacturing
Packaging
Fabric bonding
Scrapbooking
Hobbies
Art projects
Mounting
Sealing off air and moisture

Both kraft tan and white versions of kraft paper tape are acceptable for use in packaging by the U.S. Postal Service. They are also approved by UPS. Under most circumstances, the reinforced, lightweight tape adheres quickly and keeps its hold. Use it for cartons 20 pounds or less.

Tape Jungle also offers non-reinforced tan tape and reinforced kraft paper tape. Both tapes come in 167-yard rolls.

Paper tape is available in gummed (water-activated) kraft paper tape and reinforced kraft paper tape, as well as the options below.

Double-Coated Paper Tape 6.7 Mil 54317

This white paper tape is coated on both sides with an acrylic adhesive that is solvent-free and water-based. The resistance to temperature ranges from minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 248 degrees Fahrenheit. It is resistant to ultraviolet light, water vapor, and aging. This tape can be used for joining, holding, laminating, and attaching applications.

This tape comes in a thickness of 6.7 mil and a length of 36 yards. The color is white.

Available widths are:

1/4" (6 mm)
⅜" (9 mm)
½" (12 mm)
¾" (18 mm)
1" (24 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)
39" (1,000 mm)

Double-Coated Flat Back 7.0 Mil Paper Tape 52307

Bleached flat-back paper tape is coated with a strong natural rubber resin adhesive on both sides. This adhesive bonds to most surfaces. It is suitable for heavy-duty applications. Applications include joining, mounting, bonding, splicing, and holding. This paper tape can be used for golf club wrapping, manufacturing, and carpet installation.

This tape comes in a thickness of 7.0 mil and a length of 36 yards. The color is off-white.

Available widths are:

1/4" (6 mm)
⅜" (9 mm)
½" (12 mm)
¾" (18 mm)
1" (24 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)
6" (144 mm)
12" (300 mm)
56" (1422 mm)

Double-Coated Paper Tape 3.5 Mil 54309

This cream-colored double-coated paper tape is a white paper coated with a modified solvent-free water-based adhesive. This tape adheres to nearly any surface or material, including difficult surfaces and materials such as films and foam. It has good resistance to ultraviolet light, temperature, water vapor, and aging and can be used for nameplates, bonding, mounting, splicing, and laminating.

This tape comes in a thickness of 2.0 mil and a length of 36 yards. The color is cream.

Available widths are:

1/4" (6 mm)
⅜" (9 mm)
½" (12 mm)
¾" (18 mm)
1" (24 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)
39.4" (1,000 mm)

Colored Flat Back Tape 27546

Many other paper tape options are white-colored or cream, but these colored flat-back tapes come in red or black. They can be used for color coding, packaging, identification, decorative edging, or bookbinding. They have either a synthetic or natural rubber adhesive.

This tape comes in a thickness of 7.3 mil and a length of 60 yards.

Available widths are:

1/4" (6 mm)
⅜" (9 mm)
½" (12 mm)
¾" (18 mm)
1" (24 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)
6" (144 mm)

Available colors are:

Black
Red

Printable Colored Flat Back Tape 27515

Printable flat-back tapes are available in red, orange, white, light blue, or yellow. This tape is coated in a natural rubber resin adhesive. It is a flat tape, making it easily printable.

This tape comes in a thickness of 5.8 mil and a length of 60 yards.

Available widths are:

¼ (6 mm)
⅜" (9 mm)
½" (12 mm)
¾" (18 mm)
1" (24 mm)
1.5" (36 mm)
2" (48 mm)
3" (72 mm)
4" (96 mm)
6" (144 mm)

Available colors are:

White
Yellow
Orange
Red
Light Blue

Kraft Gummed Paper Tape – Water Activated

This natural kraft paper tape has the standard water-activated starch-based adhesive. This is an economical, light-duty paper tape that is used to strip-seal the tops and bottoms of cartons that weigh up to 20 pounds. It works well on recycled cartons. Kraft paper tape works well in moist environments and outdoors.

The tape is reinforced with fiberglass in the machine direction and polyester in the cross direction. Colors can be kraft brown or white and reinforced or non-reinforced. Non-reinforced tape is available in kraft brown only.

Use kraft paper tape for:

Carton sealing
Repairing small rips in cardboard materials
Packing
Splicing
Straight line masking
Labeling
Arts and crafts projects
Picture framing
Screen printing

Paper Tape Dispensers

Don't forget paper tape dispensers, including handheld dispensers. Both manual and electric tape dispensers work well with gummed paper tape.

MARSH Water-Activated Tape Dispenser (MFTD-M)

The MARSH water-activated tape dispenser is a reliable and economical manual water-activated tape dispenser. It dispenses tape for permanent tamper-evident carton sealing.

Features:

70 oz. water bottle — the largest water bottle in the industry
Rubber valve reduces spills
Adjustable tape channel guides
Open basket design allows for the sight of remaining tape
Easy drop-in loading
Can accommodate a roll up to 1,000 ft long

Gum Electric Tape Dispenser

The Gum Tape Dispenser (TDE) is an electronic water-activated tape dispenser for quicker dispensing.

Features:

Electric operation makes taping speedy and accurate
Keypad with 20 programmable tape lengths of 5" to 99"
Continuous tape feeding
Available in 110V/120V or 220V/240V

Custom logo tape from Tape Jungle

Definite Length Electronic Tape Dispenser (DA080)

The DA080 definite-length electronic dispenser is a heavy-duty electric tape dispenser that dispenses almost any kind of tape. This machine is designed for continuous industrial use.

Features:

Accepts tape widths from 0.375" to 3.15"
Cuts tape lengths from 2" to 394"
Rolls can be up to 9" outside diameter
Adjustable feed intervals
Safety interlock

Tamper-Evident Tape

Also known as security tape, tamper-evident tape reduces shipping losses and gives your customers peace of mind. Its adhesive and design make it difficult for would-be thieves to realign the tape properly once disturbed.

The English and Spanish Tamper Tape ensures that speakers of both languages can understand. Its message pairs stop signs with a caution not to accept damaged packages, alternating the two languages.

Tape Jungle Tamper Evident Packaging Tape

Some businesses require a more robust warning system, which the Tamper Evident Packaging Tape provides. As the tape is removed, it leaves a message on the package's surface — the word "open" in several languages.

The tape comes in red, red/white, and blue, and it may particularly appeal to producers whose customers have hygiene or safety concerns.

Packing Tape Application

A faulty application can undermine even the mightiest tape. Follow these tips to create a proper seal and minimize waste:

Pick the right packing tape dispenser. If you're sealing cartons by hand, make sure that your dispenser can accommodate both the width and the strength of your tape.
Use enough pressure. Most packing tape is pressure-sensitive. You need to press down firmly to secure the length of your tape.
Leave a tab on both sides. There should be a few inches of tape that extend past the seam and down both sides of the carton. But don't use more than you need, or you'll need to reorder often.
Buy the right tape. In addition to picking the right material, make sure your tape is wide enough to seal packages. In most cases, 2–3 inches is ideal.

Let Tape Jungle Handle All Your Packing Tape Needs

We pride ourselves on the quality of all our products and can help you find the right tape for you. Reach out to our team if you need help with custom orders or have additional questions.

Or shop our curated selection of carton sealing tape. We'll help you get the premium products you manufacture into the hands of your grateful customers.