What is packing tape?
Packing tape is an adhesive designed for sealing boxes, packages, and parcels. It’s pressure-sensitive, meaning the adhesive takes a firmer hold when someone pushes on it, and is used for sealing moving boxes — for example, for students moving to college.
Packing tape comes in different adhesive strengths. For heavier packages, a stronger packing tape with a larger width is recommended. Wider tape offers more adhesive coverage and a stronger hold.
6-inch-wide clear packing tape
3-inch clear packing tape
2-inch clear packing tape
1-inch clear packing tape
What type of packing tape do I need?
The right packing tape depends on the purpose. For sealing small, light-weight items, like parcels, 1-inch-wide packing tape can be sufficient. Large boxes that weigh more may require a wider adhesive with broader coverage.
There are many reputable packing tape brands for consumers to choose from.
3M clear packing tape
Clear Scotch packing tape
Duck clear packing tape
Is packing tape waterproof?
Packing tape is water-resistant, meaning it will repel moisture; however, it isn’t 100% waterproof. It’s important to keep packages, parcels, and boxes sealed with packing tape dry. Excessive moisture can cause the adhesive to disintegrate and damage boxes.
What’s the difference between packing tape and shipping tape?
Packing tape uses adhesive designed to withstand extreme temperatures over extended periods and is designed for sealing boxes for moving, delivery, and storage. Shipping tape is designed for short-term adhesive strength, created with a hot-melt adhesive that can withstand high pressure but doesn’t hold up well in the face of extreme temperatures in the long term.
What’s the best way to tape moving boxes?
When using packing tape for moving boxes, experts recommend the “H” method. This involves sealing the box along the long, horizontal side first and then taping two shorter pieces of tape along the vertical sides of the same flap for extra support.