There are many ways that you can use tape in your day-to-day life. From sticking to paper or walls to other important applications, the tape can help you in so many ways. However, it is sometimes frustrating if it quickly falls off or not sticking for a more extended period, even if it is new.
But the good thing about it is that there are many ways to solve this problem. So, how to make tape sticky again? Let us find out in this article different techniques to make the tape more effective again.
Rewetting the Tape
If you want to know how to make 3m tape sticky again, the first method you can use is wetting the ineffective tape with water or alcohol. When the tape is new, you can wet it with warm water to make it stickier.
Now, when the tape you are using is a little bit older, it may lose some of its stickiness, especially if it has been unused for a long time. Using alcohol can make it more effective again. All you have to do is scrub a little bit of alcohol into the tape to make it recover its stickiness.
After applying the water or alcohol, expect the tape to regain its stickiness. But after applying water or alcohol, you need to wait for about 30 to 50 minutes for it to dry. After drying, check the tape to see if it gains back its stickiness.
Applying Heat
If you need to learn how to make double sided tape sticky again, applying heat can help if it is done correctly. Usually, the typical application range of self-adhesive products such as tape is 15 to 32 degrees Celsius. Warming a cold surface prior to the application can help the adhesive system bond and improve the tape’s stickiness.
Another way to use heat to enhance the stickiness of the tape is to use iron. Using an iron on low heat can make the tape sticky again. All you have to do is run the iron at the back of the tape for about 60 seconds or until the tape starts to bubble up. This technique should make the tape stickier once it is applied to the surface.
But please note that applying too much heat can cause the tape’s adhesive to degrade and make the tape stretch and distort, resulting in a weaker joint. So, when using heat, make sure to use just enough heat to improve its stickiness.
So, if you ask me if the heat can make the tape stick better, the answer is affirmative only if it is cold outside or inside or if the surface needs conformability. Applying just enough heat can cause the stickiness to improve a little bit.
Nail Polish
Another method that can help make the tape sticky is using nail polish. Fortunately, nail polish can help reactivate the tape’s adhesive to make it stickier when applied to the surface.
What you do is apply only a tiny amount of nail polish to the sticky side of the tape. You can apply a little bit of pressure and let it dry for a few hours. Once it is dry, try to use the tape again and see if it sticks better compared to before applying the nail polish.
Other Things to Remember to Make Tape Sticky Again
Aside from the techniques mentioned above, there are simple things that you can do to make the tape stick well on the surface. If done before the tape application, this simple thing can make it more effective.
First, you need to remember that many different types of tapes are intended for different applications. The first step to maximize the tape’s effectiveness is to use it in its intended application. Choosing the proper tape for suitable materials enhances its stickiness.
Cleaning the surface before the application of the tape is essential too. If you apply the type to a dusty surface, it can reduce its stickiness. When the surface is contaminated with dirt, the tape may stick to the contaminant and not on the actual surface, reducing its stickiness.
So, you need to clean the surface of any dirt or contaminant to enhance the tape’s effectiveness. You can try to use disinfectant or alcohol on the surface to remove all the dirt. But make sure to let the surface dry before applying the tape to the surface.
After cleaning the surface and letting it dry, the tape should be able to stick for a more extended period. Expect the tape to enhance its stickiness once the surface is thoroughly cleaned and free from contaminants.
Conclusion
A tape is very useful, but it can be annoying once it loses its stickiness. Learning how to make tape sticky again is something that anyone can learn. This article presented several techniques to help make the tape sticky again, including things you can do to the surface that will help the tape stick for a more extended period.