Why ATG Tape is a Must-Have for Print Shops & Framing Professionals

Double sided tape can be a hassle. You peel off the backing and hope for perfect placement, only to end up with misaligned edges or a sticky mess.

Don't worry - there's a better alternative. Adhesive transfer gun (ATG) tape is a strong, clear, double sided tape with a removable paper backing. It is carrier-less, meaning only the adhesive is left behind once the backing is removed. ATG tape is applied using an ATG tape dispenser, which removes the lining, spools the tape away, and dispenses it in a single, continuous action.

ATG tape was developed to allow users to quickly apply clean, even strong adhesive strips with virtually zero mess. It eliminates the many frustrations and shortcomings associated with traditional double sided tapes. ATG tape is especially good at bonding lightweight materials together, making it a favorite of professionals, hobbyists, educators, artists and anyone else working with paper and other 2D materials. What's more, the precision and efficiency of ATG tape make it a framing or print professional's best friend.

Read on to learn why countless print and framing professionals rely on ATG tape as an indispensable tool in their kits. This article will also cover the key qualities to look for when choosing the best kinds of ATG tapes to have on hand in your shop.

Key Benefits of ATG Tape

Print and framing professionals prefer ATG tape for a number of reasons.

Strong and Double Sided Adhesion

ATG tape can be used with flat, lightweight materials such as paper, cardstock, film, and fabric. Its double sided glass-stabilized acrylic adhesive ensures quick, durable bonds in contexts like framing and packaging construction.

Clean and Professional Finish

ATG tape is clear and extremely low-profile, with a depth of 0.052 to 0.120 mm. These traits help ensure a seamless, invisible bond between even the most lightweight materials.

Quick and Easy Application

The efficient design of an ATG tape dispenser ensures that the tape stays taut at all times, allowing for quick and precise application. It eliminates the mess and time wasted on misapplication that come with using ordinary double sided tape.

Acid-Free Options for Preservation

Acid-free ATG tapes are compatible with archival printing and framing methods. They preserve valuable artwork, collectibles, keepsakes, and ephemera and ensure that they don't yellow or otherwise damage after bonding.

Common Uses of ATG Tape in Print Shops and Framing

Being a versatile tool, ATG tape has a number of potential uses in the world of printing and framing. Here are some of the most common applications.

Matting and Mounting Prints

ATG tape has a thin profile and carrier-less construction, along with a secure double sided adhesive. All these features make it ideal for matting and mounting tasks. Since it's available in multiple adhesive strengths, widths, and acid-free options, there is always a suitable variety whether you're mounting artwork, photography, posters or other similar materials.

Assembling Frames and Displays

ATG tape is an extremely easy-to-control adhesive, which helps you prevent any mess and allows you to carry out framing tasks quickly and accurately. It's especially useful for fast bonding foam and other lightweight materials to frames or backing boards.

Packaging and Presentation

Print shops specializing in kitting or promotional packaging frequently turn to ATG tapes. The tapes efficiently bond custom components together or temporarily secure marketing materials, like portfolios or promotional gifts, in place.

Choosing the Right ATG Tape for Your Needs

Frame and print shops run into all kinds of bonding challenges every day, but not all ATG tapes are the same. Having the right ones on hand means knowing what's out there and how each one performs. This ensures that you can tackle every bonding condition easily and efficiently.

Find the Right Width and Tackiness Level

ATG tapes are available in a variety of widths and tackiness levels:

• Thin and low-tackiness ATG tape - Ideal for fine detail work and bonding delicate or lightweight materials
• Wide and high-tackiness ATG tape - Best for creating sturdy bonds between large surfaces and for holding together heavier materials like medium-density fiberboard or heavy-duty cardboard

Decide Between Permanent and Removeable ATG Adhesive

Another variable to consider when choosing ATG tapes is the adhesive formulation:

• Permanent ATG tape - Designed for long-term applications like framing artwork and for creating strong bonds that are difficult to break without damage
• Removable ATG tape - Ideal for temporary bonds that need to be removed cleanly, such as for positioning artwork during framing or securing promotional materials during assembly and shipping

Choose the Best ATG Dispenser for Efficiency

ATG tape should be paired with a dispenser of the right size for best results. Look for a dispenser that is made up of high-quality materials and provides clean, reliable re-spooling action. Avoid lower-quality tools since they can jam or gum up over time.

Though you can apply ATG tape without a dispenser, the process can take much longer, as you will need to remove and dispose of the liner paper manually.

Why ATG Tape Is Essential for Print Shops and Framers

ATG tape is a game-changer for print shops and framing professionals, offering unmatched precision, strength, and ease of use. Regardless of whether you're mounting artwork, assembling displays, or securing materials, high-quality ATG tape ensures a professional finish without all the fuss and mess of traditional double sided adhesives. But to get the best results from ATG tape in your shop, you'll need to find a reliable provider of high-quality products.

At Tape Jungle, we offer over 300 types of durable, high-performance ATG tapes, with more than 25 varieties of double sided adhesives. With expert guidance, fast delivery, secure shopping, and a price-match guarantee, you'll have no problem finding the perfect tape for your printing and framing needs.

Upgrade your adhesive game and shop Tape Jungle's ATG tape collection today.