Cracks and leakages around the home happen too frequently for you to always call the repairman. However, the best tape for outdoor use is a handy alternative to fixing such issues when they occur to save your surface and equipment from further deterioration. The tapes are handy for DIY projects, repair, and installations. They are considerably-priced to work in different weather conditions without losing their strength, stickiness, and integrity. Read on for our top picks of the best tape for outdoor use and our buyers guide for a valuable purchase.
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Contents
Factors to Consider Before Buying Tape for Outdoor Use
The Material
Outdoor tapes are available in different materials and designs. However, whichever you choose should be sturdy and flexible for longer use without losing its performance. If it is waterproof tape, it should not be too thin or thin. You can look for a waterproof tape made from rubber or special fabric. Regardless of the material, the tape should be designed to provide some measure of protection against water and sun. This way, it won’t yellow when exposed to the sun and won’t lose its stickiness if exposed to water. Some of the tapes we have reviewed above take water-resistant to a new level as they are washable and reusable without losing any of their sticky qualities.
The Type
Non-slip surface tapes: Tapes with non-slip surfaces are perfect for use on steps, ramps, and other walking surfaces. If you intend to fortify a surface from slipping, you should buy tapes with resilient and strong adhesives that grip surfaces and prevent moisture penetration. The tape’s outer surface comes with a textured grip that grabs items and equipment to ensure a solid hold.
Gaffer tapes: Gaffer tapes are mostly used for heavy-duty applications like industrial construction. It features a cloth-cotton material that is pressure-sensitive and easy to remove without leaving residues on the surface. As a result, the tape is handy for use on clean surfaces, and they are known for their strength, weather-resistant, and durability. Not just this, but the tapes are heat and UV-resistant and perform impressively against rapid weakening or deterioration.
Duct Tapes: Duct tapes are water-resistant tapes with a thick texture e and adhesive. They can be used for different applications as they are versatile and durable. They are also easy to use, and most of the tapes have the same width.
Ease of Use
You need to consider the ease of use before buying a tape for outdoor use. Since the tapes have adhesives, it can be quite difficult to cut them either with knives or scissors without sticking to the blade. You can look for products that are easy to cut either horizontally or vertically by hand without retaining your fingerprint. If you can, look for tapes you can split with your hand conveniently. You will effectively avoid the hassle of cutting it and getting it stuck on the blade. You can also look for a product that won’t consistently stick to your hand but to the targeted item. This way, you won’t waste time and energy cleaning markings off your blade.
Ease of Removal
Besides use, you also need to consider the ease of removing the tape from the surface, especially if it is a painter’s tape. Regardless of the type, the tape should be considerably easy to remove after application without leaving sticky residue all over the place. If the tape is easy to remove, you won’t waste time and effort cleaning residues left behind.
Top 12 Tapes for Outdoor Use
ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape
A single roll of the ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape is handy for protecting your walls, tiles, windows, etc., while painting. The multi-surface tape is easy to sticky on for different applications and comes off easily. Not just this, but it can stay on a surface for up to 14 days without losing strength. It also comes off quickly and neatly without leaving any sticky residue. As a result, it helps to protect the surface while you play with paint for as long as you desire. The tape is UV and sun-resistant, so it won’t lose its adhesive if used outdoors.
Pros
- Clean and non-sticky removal
- Sunlight-resistant
- Medium adhesive
Cons
- Some buyers prefer a stronger adhesion.
Gorilla Crystal Clear Duct Tape, 1.88” x 9 yd, Clear
The Gorilla Crystal Clear Duct Tape measures 1.88” x 9 yards and is designed for all-purpose use. Thanks to its heavy-duty design, the tape is air-tight, waterproof, and you can tear it with your hands without the need for a scissor or knife. The crystal clear tape is ideal for different household needs as it sticks to almost all surfaces. As a result, you can use it to patch, seal, and protect a smooth, rough, and uneven surface. It is also UV-resistant; hence, it won’t yellow in the sun. The temperature-resistant feature makes it a great choice for outdoor and indoor repair. A heavy-duty adhesive layer and a waterproof backing ensure reliable and durable performance.
Pros
- Easy to tear by hand
- Flexible and conforms
- Works underwater
Cons
- Grabs fingerprints easily
EZlifego Double Sided Tape Heavy Duty(16.5FT/5M)
Another tape that you should consider for outdoor use is the EZlifego Double Sided Tape Heavy Duty. The multi-purpose wall tape features transparent adhesives that promise durable, strong, and transparent performance. Not just this, but removal is traceless with no residue. It works in different temperatures and is washable. Since it is transparent and easy to remove, the tape won’t stand out on any surface and won’t damage your wall during the removal. The double-sided tape sticks to different surfaces, and you can use it to fix different items.
Pros
- Machine-washable and reusable.
- Double-sided adhesion
- Strong adhesion
Cons
- Super sticky and not easy to cut
Gorilla 6009002 Weather Tape, 1-Pack, Black
If you don’t want a clear or transparent tape, you can always switch your choices for the Gorilla 6009002 Weather Tape. Gorilla’s waterproof tape works in different weather conditions and will stand up to extreme weather without losing its permanent bond. It features an extremely strong butyl adhesive and a water-resistant shell for durable performance. You can use it in cold and hot temperatures, provided it is between -400 and 2000 F. The adhesive resists cracking, peeling, and drying caused by moisture, cold, heat, and direct sunlight. By implication, you can use the tape on roofs, tarps, vents, and much more.
Pros
- The tape can be submerged.
- Works in cold and hot temperatures.
- Low tack, strong adhesives
Cons
- The black color stands out.
T-REX Ferociously Strong Tape, Duct Tape
Not that we expected anything less, but the T-REX Ferociously Strong Tape, Duct Tape is a product handy for different DIY fixes. Designed with high-tensile construction and premium adhesive, the tape sticks durably to surfaces and won’t rip as a paper would. It also features a heavy-duty knit cloth for lasting repair applications. A durable waterproof backing protects your fixes from extreme temperatures and water. Plus, UV-resistant materials protect the tape by blocking and preventing UV rays from weakening the tape. Three-distinct layers combine to create a ferocious tape with extreme durability in cold temperatures and wet conditions.
Pros
- High-tensile woven scrim for durability.
- Waterproof backing
- Holds strong on rough surfaces.
Cons
- Some buyers had trouble getting it off the roll and cutting the tape.
Scotch General Use Masking Tape for Basic Painting
The Scotch Masking Tape is a professional’s choice for projects that require higher adhesion tapes. It has a medium-high adhesion that makes the tape ideal for coated and non-damageable surfaces. Although it has sufficient adhesion, the stickiness is not too strong to prevent damaging your surfaces during removal. Nonetheless, the tape has an exceptional staying power and bonds delicately but aggressively to surfaces. It holds for up to three days on surfaces and comes off gently without leaving any sticky residues. You can use it on plastic, metal, carpet, and vinyl.
Pros
- Heavy-duty and wide
- Peels and applies easily
- Eco-light and disposable
Cons
- It doesn’t tear straight across most times if you try to by hand.
Transparent Duct Tape, Ultra High Performance Weather Resistant Tape
The Transparent Duct Tape, Ultra High Performance Weather Resistant Tape, is another handy tape to make our list of the best tape for outdoor use. The clear premium tape is strong and versatile, with a transparent design for discreet adhesion and restoration. Since it is clear and transparent, it is a perfectly subtle repair tape for home and office use. The weather-resistant tape is engineered as a see-through tape that can withstand storms, rains, humidity, and sweltering summer days. The tape sticks to rough and uneven surfaces of different types and is an ideal greenhouse tape. It is also easy to handle and tears evenly for quick workability.
Pros
- Biaxially-oriented propylene backing
- Tears easily into strips
- Comes off easily
Cons
- The edges sometimes come off loose.
Starrey Flexible Reflective Tape
Reflective repair tapes are handy for two purposes; repair and identification. As expected, the Starrey Flexible Reflective Tape goes well on cars for automotive safety and is handy for minor repairs around the home. It features PET highly reflective material, one of the brightest in the market, for singling you or an item out in the night. It is durable and has a long service life of more than three years. To prove this, the tape is weather-resistant, waterproof, and does well against diesel, gasoline, and other solvent types. It is also flexible and easy to apply as it sticks quickly on most surfaces.
Pros
- Wash and weather-resistant
- Complete size options
- Enhances visibility
Cons
- Peeling it off can be challenging.
Duck 286373 Indoor/Outdoor Carpet Tape
The Duck 286373 Indoor/Outdoor Carpet Tape is made of durable fiberglass material for durable performance. It is designed for permanent carpet installation and offers excellent adhesion to rough and smooth surfaces. You can use it on different outdoor and indoor carpet materials to fortify it against heavy foot traffic. High-strength fiberglass construction fortifies the carpet against mildew and moisture, and an easy-to-remove liner for easy application. The tape has a double-sided adhesive and a hot melt adhesive for a permanent bond.
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- High-strength construction
- Easy to remove the liner
Cons
- The yellow backing tape is hard to remove
3M No Residue Duct Tape, 1.88 inches by 20 yards, 2420-A, 1 roll
The 3M No Residue Duct Tape is available in a single roll; however, the roll is enough to get you through your projects. Thanks to the trusted 3M science, the tape is ideal for use in challenging weather conditions since it is waterproof. It is also ideal for temporary and long-term holds for keeping things in place. Apart from this, its residue-free design lets you remove the tape without damaging the surface or leaving sticky residues. Instead, it is designed for versatile and easy application as you can hand-tear it conveniently. Put simply; it offers powerful performance and won’t leave residues.
Pros
- Handy for permanent and temporary repairs.
- Tears horizontally and vertically.
- Durable and versatile
Cons
- Not best for cold surfaces
VERSAF Heavy Duty-1/2″10′ Acrylic Strong Adhesive Removable Double-Sided Mounting Tape
The Heavy Duty Acrylic Strong Adhesive Removable Double-Sided Mounting Tape by VERSAF offers an extremely strong viscosity with no odor or environmental impact. As a result, you can use it without worry about damages to the environment. Not just this, but the acrylic clear double-sided tape is coated with permanent adhesive for durable and strong adhesion. However, we recommend you tear carefully and gently. The material does not have any effect on the appearance as the tape offers a crystal-clear appearance. However, it features a red backing that aids peeling and convenient application. Plus, you can also remove it without damaging our walls or leaving residues.
Pros
- Highly transparent exterior
- Strong acrylic adhesive
- Waterproof and weatherproof
Cons
- The tape is very sticky after removing the red paper.
3″ x 25 yd 7.5 Mil Thick White Duct Tape PE Coated Weather Resistant
The PE Coated and Weather-Resistant 3″ x 25 yd 7.5 Mil Thick White Duct Tape has a white appearance that goes well on surfaces. Although it is not clear and transparent, the white appearance won’t stand out obnoxiously. The thick cloth duct tape has a PE-coated backing that makes it weather-resistant and waterproof. Apart from this, it is efficient in different temperatures and features natural rubber adhesive. The tape is ideal for a general repair, wrapping, protecting, and sealing.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Tough and versatile
- Wide with great adhesion
Cons
- A little hard to tear straight across
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will My Gorilla Tape Stop a Water Leak?
Gorilla tapes are one of the sturdiest tapes designed for outdoor use. Unlike many, they work well underwater thanks to their thick adhesives and waterproof design. The tape is also flexible as they go round surfaces and conforms to shapes easily. Combine this with their ultra-thick nature and waterproof abilities, and you won’t find many other tapes that can work for outdoor use. Besides, the tape is also fortified to withstand the sun and prevent disintegration and peel off.
What Is the Best Tape for Outdoor Use?
There is no one answer or way to single out the best tape for outdoor use. However, there are general criteria that tapes in that category must fulfill. For example, the best outdoor tape should be waterproof since it will be exposed to humidity, moisture, and rain. Hence, it will be able to stop water from entering and protect the surface. Apart from waterproofing, it must be weather-resistant to prevent damages from the sun, ice, wind, and cold. Waterproof and weather-resistant tapes that are durably sticky, tough, and flexible rank high on the list of the best tape for outdoor use.
What Can Cause My Tape Not to Work?
The tackiness of a tape often depends on the temperatures. As a result, a cooler temperature might weaken the bond, while a high temperature might melt the adhesive. It can also be a result of improper storage. For example, tapes should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Conversely, if you store it in a moist, dirty, hot, or cold environment, it might deteriorate and lose its adhesion. A dirty surface will compromise the bond between the tape and the surface. This is why it is best to wipe the surface clean before applying the tape. More importantly, if you don’t test the tape before buying it, you might end up with a tape that won’t stick. Check that the tape will work for the surface before buying it.
Are Double-sided Tapes Any Good?
Double-sided tapes come in handy and offer a wide variety of use where pins and glues are impractical to use. The tape lets you join two materials without leaving visible marks on the material’s surface. They are also economical to purchase, unlike most bonding solutions, and thanks to their double-sided design, they can bond to objects with dissimilar textures and uneven surfaces.
Conclusion
Regardless of the weather conditions, outdoor tapes are designed to provide strong adhesion to objects and surfaces. They are easy to apply on different surfaces and detach from the objects. They also won’t leave marks on your fingers or objects and are durable to withstand the outdoor environment. More importantly, their brands are recognized as some of the best in the business.