Gaffer’s tape – made with a coated cloth backing and synthetic rubber-based adhesive – is an easy removal tape that does not damage or leave residue on application surfaces. It is most commonly used in the arts and entertainment industry, but has a wide range of applications in a variety of industries.
In the arts and entertainment industry, gaffer’s tape is commonly used to tape down cables, spike stage sets, and temporarily label equipment. Black gaffer’s tape is typically used in these types of applications because it blends in well with dark theater stages and sets. Its non-reflective backing also prevents light reflection, allowing the tape to blend in seamlessly. While black is a good staple color to have in your toolbox, some applications may require gaffer’s tape in different colors or with different backing finishes.
A wide variety of colored gaffer’s tape gives users different options for application surfaces and projects. Wires can be camouflaged easily to match their background surface or they can be labeled using different colors to keep them organized. Photographers can use different colors to label equipment and cords as well as mark spots on their sets. Actors and stage directors can also use it to spike props or mark blocking positions that can’t be seen by the audience.
Florescent and glow-in-the-dark gaffer’s tapes are additional options for specialty applications. Florescent gaffer’s tape can be used for any color-coding or marking application to organize or increase visibility of objects or areas – which is especially important in television, photography, stage prep, and motion picture industries. Glow-in-the-dark gaffer’s tape is most commonly associated with safety marking by marking safety or critical equipment, exit and directional signage, tripping hazards and stairs, and handrails in dark venues.
Another benefit of colored gaffer’s tape is that the lighter shade allows the tape to be written on in a standard, dark ink without blending in to the background, making labeling easy. Colored, florescent, and glow-in-the-dark options make gaffer’s tape a versatile and easy-to-use tool for a variety of applications.
