What is duct tape?
Adhesive tape prepared by cotton or scrim coated with polyethylene is referred to as duct tape. A variety of duct tape is available depending upon preparing method and materials used. Some types are easy to remove leaving surfaces clean while some are hard to remove and also spoil the surface somehow. Temperature is another factor that divides it into classes. All duct tapes are not good for using in heating atmosphere so special heat resisting tapes are created and used for sealing and adhesive purpose in heating environments. Mostly these are found in black or grey color but also offered in other colors.
Origin:
In starting duct tapes were invented to wrap steel cables or electric conductor for resisting against corrosion. These were consisting of a long cotton stripe that was used to décor dresses and shoes. Gradually duct tapes with adhesive coating were introduced that were used in different fields for different purposes such as in hospitals these were used for dressing of wounds. Cotton, polyester, nylon, and rayon or fiberglass stripes laminated with low density polyethylene is used in manufacture of modern duct tape. Variety of sizes is also offered for duct tapes but 1.9”, 2” and 3.78 inch sizes are commonly used.
Types of Duct Tape:
- Cotton tape: Rolls of cotton covered with adhesive material on one side are used for medical purposes as it is stiff in sticky nature and binds tightly.
- Masking tape: These are the paper based tapes having adhesive coat on one side. These are widely used in medicine as it has mild adhesive and provides good grip with easy and clean removing.
- Scotch tape: Another cellophane base with bonding agent coating is referred to as scotch tape. It is transparent and extensively used for household purposes such as repair of domestic items or making electric wire connections safe.
Common Uses:
These are mostly used in situations that demand flexible, strong and very sticky tape. Some duct tapes are long lasting and weather resisting that’s why are used in the situations that’s needs no sticky residue on removing such as in theatre and motion picture industries. Due to variety of colors it is also used in races to repair racing vehicle’s fiberglass body parts temporarily and is famous with name of racer’s tape.
Use In Household:
These tapes are useful in houses for repair of domestic items such as door handles, holes in wooden walls and children toys etc. in warehouse these can be used for binding the tools and keeping things save in boxes. Tools can be wrapped in duct tapes for prevention against weathering. Many domestic items can be saved from damage by wrapping in duct tape.
Duct Tape Occlusion Therapy or Duct Tape for Warts:
Duct tapes are used for the treatment of wart through a process called Duct tape occlusion therapy (DTOT). In this process warts are covered with duct tape for extended period that helps in the removal of warts. It is considered more beneficial rather than medication although has not any strong evidence.
Use In DIY Projects:
As duct tapes are good adhesives and are offered in variety of colors, these are used in many DIY projects. Plenty of objects can be created using them. These can be utilized for creation of beautiful platforms for decoration items. Statues can be covered with duct tapes for securing against climatic changes and for beautifying purpose. Different articles can be produced using duct tape as base material such as wallets, covers, table mats, caps and many more such unique and creative items.
Duct Tape Creative Uses:
As duct tape is available in multiple colors it can be used to create flowers, décor items and many other purposes. Use of designed and color duct tape can convert ordinary items into marvelous art pieces. This has emerged a new craft field that is duct tape craft that includes the vast range of items created by use of duct tape. Duct tape wallets, flowers, trees, photo frames and posters are few examples. Spaceman’s suit is another unique item that is created by grey duct tape proves a good imitation of original.
For Emergency Repairs:
These tapes are serving good in emergency conditions for repair. In public places tags or sign boards are often damaged these can be immediately repaired with duct tape. These can be used to repair bicycle seat, hanging knobs, book binding, bird’s home roof, repair of pedestal fan body or join it to a stool to raise it high levels. Duct tapes has become multipurpose now you may use them as per your need their strong adhesive help you to attain your desired goal.