Paper Tapes

Manuel Adams
13 min readApr 12, 2024

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Welcome to our roundup of the latest and greatest in Paper Tape. In this fascinating article, we’ll be exploring the many ways in which this versatile product has become an essential part of everyday life. From its traditional uses as a writing surface to the innovative ways it’s being reinvented for the modern age, we’ve got you covered. Dive in and discover the world of Paper Tape like never before!

The Top 10 Best Paper Tapes

  1. Reinforced Standard Grade Paper Packaging Tape for Heavy Tasks — Reinforced strapping paper tape for heavy tasks and permanent adhesion, offering strong sealing for 20–40 lb boxes.
  2. PackageZoom 8 Rolls Reinforced Gummed Kraft Paper Tape — Upgrade your packaging game with PackageZoom’s 8 rolls of high-quality, water-activated, reinforced kraft paper tape, boasting a tamper-evident seal and eco-friendly design.
  3. Shurtape Flatback Paper Tape (1 inch x 60 yards) — White — Shurtape FP-227 Flatback Paper Tape: Versatile, adhesive Kraft paper for marking, labeling, industrial applications, suitable for full-web flexographic printers or hand labeling, offers higher adhesion than most artist console tapes.
  4. 3M Water-Activated Paper Tape for Easy Carton Sealing — Effortlessly seal cartons with 3M Water Activated Paper Tape 6145, featuring a 3-way fiberglass reinforcing pattern for extra strength and durability.
  5. OWLKELA Colored Paper Tape Rolls — 6 Packs, Rainbow Rainbow Colors — Bring color and creativity to your daily life with Owlkela’s 6 roll, rainbow-colored masking tape, perfect for kids and grown-ups alike!
  6. Wod Tape Kraft Flatback Paper Packaging Tape (1/2 inch x 60 yards, Brown) — WOD Tape Kraft’s resilient and versatile packaging tape offers a durable solution for sealing and mending, perfect for heavy-duty applications and easy to mark up with a sharpie.
  7. TooCust Biodegradable Paper Packing Tape (55 yd x 2 in) — TooCust biodegradable brown paper tape offers strong and eco-friendly sealing for various applications with a 55 yard x 2 inch roll.
  8. High-Tensile Strength, Roughened Surface Paper Joint Tape for Drywall — Experience unmatched joint strength with this versatile, wafer-thin paper tape, engineered for seamless application and exceptional bonding power.
  9. Washi Paper Strawberry Fields Paper Tape Set — Elevate your stationery game with Rifle Paper Strawberry Fields Paper Tape, inspired by traditional Japanese washi, offering a reusable, tearable, and customizable solution for any envelope or wrapping paper.
  10. Kraft Fltbk Paper Tape — Kraft Fltbk Sealing Tape 9341: Reliable 2-inch x 60-yard paper tape with natural rubber adhesive, ideal for moisture resistance, reducing package weight, and ensuring excellent sealing performance.

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Reviews

Reinforced Standard Grade Paper Packaging Tape for Heavy Tasks

Reinforced Standard Grade Paper Packaging Tape for Heavy Tasks | Image

This versatile kraft tape, measuring 2.8 inches by 125 yards, is a great choice for securing your packages with strength and durability. Reinforced with fiberglass, this standard grade tape ensures a firm hold on any heavy tasks, making it perfect for bundling items. Its gummed brown color adds a touch of elegance to your packaging.

Although it requires a bit of water to seal, making it a bit more time-consuming than its non-gummed counterparts, this tape offers a permanent adhesion for an unmatched seal. With an impressive 4.5-star rating from 393 reviews, this standard grade paper packing tape is a top pick for those in need of a robust, dependable packaging solution.

PackageZoom 8 Rolls Reinforced Gummed Kraft Paper Tape

PackageZoom 8 Rolls Reinforced Gummed Kraft Paper Tape | Image

PackageZoom’s 8 rolls of Reinforced Gummed Kraft Paper Tape provide a reliable and secure way to seal your packages. Measuring 2.75 inches by 375 feet, each roll is perfect for keeping your items safe and secure.

The water-activated adhesive ensures a strong and tamper-evident seal, while the high-quality kraft paper used in the tape is both durable and eco-friendly. With a weight holding capacity of 60–70 lb, this tape is reinforced for added protection and is suitable for all packaging environments.

Users give it a solid 4.8 rating with 4.0 reviews, proving its effectiveness and reliability.

Shurtape Flatback Paper Tape (1 inch x 60 yards) — White

Shurtape Flatback Paper Tape (1 inch x 60 yards) - White | Image

In my quest for a reliable paper tape for a project I was working on, I came across the Shurtape FP-227 Flatback Paper Tape. This versatile tape made my marking and labeling tasks a breeze, offering clean removal adhesive properties. Its compatibility with full-web flexographic printing equipment or hand labeling applications was impressive. However, I noticed that the adhesion was stronger than most artist console tapes, making it perfect for bundling and binding purposes.

One of the most notable features of this tape was its rubber-based surface, making it ideal for paper use. Another highlight was the 1/2-inch width, which worked great for my quilting needs. I was, however, slightly disappointed with the lack of a 1/4-inch width option. Despite a minor setback, my overall experience with the Shurtape FP-227 was enjoyable, and it certainly met my marking and labeling requirements.

3M Water-Activated Paper Tape for Easy Carton Sealing

3M Water-Activated Paper Tape for Easy Carton Sealing | Image

The 3M Water Activated Paper Tape 6145, a reliable and cost-effective choice for your carton sealing needs, boasts an impressive 5.0 rating. This versatile tape is designed to handle a variety of basic carton sealing tasks, thanks to its 3-way fiber glass reinforcing pattern in the backing, which adds strength in all directions.

With a length of 450 feet and a width of 72 mm, this tape makes it easy to seal with just a few wraps. Boasting a thickness of 5 mil and an adhesive made from water-activated modified cornstarch, this tape is ideal for light-duty tasks.

OWLKELA Colored Paper Tape Rolls — 6 Packs, Rainbow Rainbow Colors

OWLKELA Colored Paper Tape Rolls - 6 Packs, Rainbow Rainbow Colors | Image

The Owlkela Colored Masking Tape is a versatile crafting tool designed for a wide range of applications. The 6 rolls of rainbow colors provide a visually stunning touch to your DIY projects, wall murals, and party decorations. With a high-quality textured paper, this tape is environmentally friendly, odorless, waterproof, and easy to tear, making it suitable for many purposes.

The self-adhering tape can stick securely to any surface without leaving sticky residue; however, it is worth mentioning that the adhesive is not particularly strong and may struggle on specific materials. The tape’s narrow width can also limit its suitability for certain tasks, such as masking trim during painting.

Though some have expressed disappointment with the tape’s size, others have praised its convenience and ease of use for their intended purposes. It serves as a bright and colorful addition to crafting supplies and a useful tool for creating more engaging activities for children while also being budget-friendly.

Wod Tape Kraft Flatback Paper Packaging Tape (1/2 inch x 60 yards, Brown)

Wod Tape Kraft Flatback Paper Packaging Tape (1/2 inch x 60 yards, Brown) | Image

The WOD Tape Kraft Flatback Paper Packaging Tape is a versatile and reliable option for your packaging needs. This half-inch brown tape offers excellent performance in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for heavy-duty use. The tape’s ability to stick to different materials like wood, metal, cardboard, and plastic without coming off easily makes it ideal for various applications.

Its self-adhering feature ensures easy installation after pulling off the roll and ripping. Not only is it great for packaging, but it also allows you to make notes with sharpies or markers on its writable surface. With its weather and abrasion resistance, and its ability to maintain its performance in various temperature and humidity conditions, this WOD Tape is an excellent choice for your packaging requirements.

TooCust Biodegradable Paper Packing Tape (55 yd x 2 in)

TooCust Biodegradable Paper Packing Tape (55 yd x 2 in) | Image

The TooCust Writable Paper Packing Tape is a versatile and environmentally friendly option for various packing and sealing needs. Made of strong and durable brown paper, this tape can be used for securing boxes and parcels, covering old labels, protecting artworks, and engaging in creative activities. Its biodegradable nature ensures minimal environmental impact, and its adhesive properties work well with various surfaces like paper, cardboard, wood, metal, and glass.

With a roll size of 2 inches by 55 yards, it’s suitable for daily use and provides enough length for your packaging needs.

High-Tensile Strength, Roughened Surface Paper Joint Tape for Drywall

High-Tensile Strength, Roughened Surface Paper Joint Tape for Drywall | Image

This is a top-rated Sheetrock Joint Tape, stretching out at an impressive width of 2.06 inches, and running at a lengthy 250 feet. It boasts impressive features like wafer-thin construction for smoother treatment, a roughened surface that enhances bonding, and accuracy with a center crease for optimized corner treatment. Its tensile strength is a major highlight, boasting the ability to resist tearing, stretching, and distortion.

Known to work seamlessly with various taping machines and systems, and possesses the capability to enhance the durability of joints and corners through its precision-machined build. Its pre-creased design brings in an added advantage, making it a breeze to apply, a reason why it garners such positive reviews from users.

Washi Paper Strawberry Fields Paper Tape Set

Washi Paper Strawberry Fields Paper Tape Set | Image

These Rifle Paper Strawberry Fields paper tapes are a joy to use in my daily life. The hand-painted illustrations and lettering created by Anna Bond make them stand out, adding a touch of whimsy to any piece of stationery.

Made from traditional Japanese washi paper, they’re sturdy and reusable, making them ideal for customising, fixing, or simply decorating envelopes. Unlike some other paper tapes, they tear easily by hand, which is a nice feature for those who appreciate a little extra convenience.

However, I have noticed that the adhesive can be a bit hit or miss — sometimes it works great, other times it feels like the tape just doesn’t want to stick. Overall, I’d say the pros outweigh the cons, and these paper tapes are a delight to use.

Kraft Fltbk Paper Tape

Kraft Fltbk Paper Tape | Image

As someone who has worked in packaging, I find the Kraft Fltbk Sealing Tape to be a game-changer. This tape is designed for where weight savings are crucial without compromising on quality. It’s been a lifesaver for reducing shipping costs while maintaining the integrity of packages.

The adhesive is non-repulpable, made from natural rubber, and the moisture-resistant flatback kraft paper gives it an extra edge for those handling situations. It works wonderfully on a variety of surfaces, making our packages secure and professional-looking.

But, it’s not without its flaws. At times, the tape can be a bit stubborn and difficult to tear, which can slow us down a bit. However, overall, it’s a reliable tool in our packaging arsenal and we recommend it for anyone looking for a reliable solution.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to our buyer’s guide section for Paper Tape. In this guide, we will discuss important features, considerations, and general advice about the product category to help you make an informed decision when purchasing Paper Tape.

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Types of Paper Tape

There are several types of Paper Tape available, each with their own specific uses and benefits. Some common types include Masking Tape, Duct Tape, Painter’s Tape, and Packing Tape. Each type has unique characteristics, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs. For example, Masking Tape is ideal for protecting surfaces during painting, while Duct Tape is suitable for temporary repairs and securing objects.

Adhesive Strength

The adhesive strength of Paper Tape is crucial, as it determines how well the tape will stick to various surfaces. Look for tapes with strong adhesives, such as silicone-coated or rubber-based adhesives, for better performance. Additionally, consider the climate and environment where the tape will be used, as extreme temperatures or humidity can impact the tape’s adhesiveness.

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Width and Length

Paper Tape comes in various widths and lengths, so it’s essential to choose the right size for your project. Consider the size of the surface you need to cover and the ease of application when deciding on the width. As for the length, choose a tape that provides enough coverage without excessive waste. Some common widths include 1/2 inch, 1 inch, and 2 inches, while lengths usually range from 25 yards to 500 yards.

Ease of Application and Removal

The ease of application and removal is an important factor to consider when choosing Paper Tape. Look for tapes with low-to-medium tack adhesive for easy application and removal without damaging surfaces. Additionally, consider the type of backing, as some tapes have a more tear-resistant backing for better control during application.

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FAQ

What is Paper Tape?

Paper tape, also known as perforated tape or manual tape cartridges, is used as an input medium for handheld and desktop thermal printers. It consists of paper strips that are perforated with small holes at regular intervals, facilitating paper feeding through the printer’s mechanism. Paper tape is available in various widths, lengths, and colors to cater to different printing applications and preferences.

While paper tape is a basic and widely prevalent input medium, it is also eco-friendly and cost-effective compared to more expensive and cumbersome alternatives like thermal labels or rolls. For this reason, paper tape remains popular in both professional and personal environments for printing barcode, receipt, and label information.

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What are the benefits of using Paper Tape?

Paper tape offers several advantages over other input media. Its affordability and versatility make it suitable for a broad range of applications. For businesses, it can be a cost-efficient solution for printing receipts, invoices, and barcode labels, while also contributing to a more environmentally friendly environment. In addition, paper tape is easy to handle, which is particularly appreciated in busy retail or logistics environments where streamlined processes are a top priority.

Furthermore, since paper tape can be easily cut and marked up, it allows for quick adjustments and customization during printing. This is especially useful for last-minute changes or testing purposes. Furthermore, it does not require any specialized skills or equipment, making it a convenient and accessible choice for users of all experience levels.

What factors should I consider when choosing Paper Tape?

When selecting paper tape, the first factor to take into account is the specific printer model, as paper tape for different printers may vary in size, width, and compatibility. It is essential to check the printer’s documentation or manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure that the chosen paper tape fits the printer’s mechanism.

Another important factor is the tape’s application: its thickness, roll length, and color should be appropriate for the intended purpose. Thicker paper tape is generally more durable and resistant to wear and tear, while custom roll lengths and colors provide individualized design and branding opportunities. Additionally, considering the compatibility of the tape with your printer’s ribbon or ink type can ensure optimal print quality and longevity.

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Are there any disadvantages to using Paper Tape?

One of the main drawbacks of using paper tape is that it may not offer the same durability and tear resistance as thermal labels or rolls. Over time, paper tape can wear down and become less legible, particularly when exposed to harsh conditions or heavy-duty use environments. Also, paper tape often requires manual feeding into the printer, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors in high-volume operations.

Additionally, users may find cutting paper tape to the right length and width a somewhat tedious task, especially when producing a large number of labels or printing continuous barcodes. To address this challenge, some thermal printers come with built-in auto-cut and paper-tear features, but they may not always be available or accessible.

What are the alternatives to Paper Tape?

Alternatives to paper tape include thermal labels printed on polyester, mylar, or other synthetic materials, as well as rolls of thermal tape. These options provide increased durability, tear resistance, and ease of feeding through the printer mechanism. Thermal labels are ideal for applications where a professional and long-lasting label is required, such as labeling shipping containers, tracking inventory, or producing price tags for products. In contrast, rolls of thermal tape offer a reusable alternative, which is cost-effective when printing continuous barcode information or serial numbers.

For users seeking an even more eco-friendly solution, there are also thermal labels made from recycled polyester and PVC. These options reduce plastic waste and contribute to a greener working environment without compromising print quality or durability. However, they may require specialized equipment or printing settings to ensure optimal results.

What is the future of Paper Tape?

As technology advances, paper tape might face greater competition from innovative alternatives capable of providing higher durability, better tear resistance, and more streamlined print processes. For example, smart barcode labels that can communicate with RFID-enabled devices or software systems, as well as advanced roll printing systems, may eventually overshadow paper tape in certain applications.

Nevertheless, considering the widespread availability, affordability, and versatility of paper tape, it is unlikely to disappear entirely from the marketplace. Paper tape will continue to maintain its importance in low to medium volume operations, budget-sensitive environments, and situations where a simple, straightforward input medium is needed.

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