ATG vs Carpet vs UHMW: Choosing the Right Double Sided Tape

Managing a facility comes with a lot of things to worry about, but not many would consider your tape choice to be one of them. Despite this, the right tape is far more necessary to operations than you might think. Different types of double-sided tape can be better or worse for different high-traffic facilities, and it’s worth it to pick one that actually does what you need it to. This prevents waste and potential accidents as people go about their days. Learn what sets ATG, double-sided carpet, and UHMW tapes apart, as well as explore a few other options that might make your tape even better.

Are Different Tape Types Really That Different?

It may be tempting to conclude that tape is just tape, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. ATG, carpet, and UHMW tapes each have their own strengths, making them suitable for various high-traffic facility needs.

ATG tape, or Adhesive Transfer Tape, is likely the easiest to use and most versatile of your options. It has a thin adhesive layer that transfers directly onto surfaces, making a clean, precise bond without the bulk of traditional tape. It's commonly used for mounting, splicing, and holding, thanks to its quick and efficient adhesion to multiple surfaces.

Double sided carpet tape is designed specifically to keep carpets and rugs securely in place in busy areas. Its strong adhesion minimizes the risk of slips and trips, while its low-residue removal makes it helpful if you’re only looking for temporary setups or need frequent repositioning.

UHMW tape, made from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, is extremely durable and low-friction. It's often applied for tasks requiring low friction, such as on conveyor belts or sliding surfaces. Its toughness ensures it can handle heavy-duty tasks, providing long-lasting performance even with constant use.

Technical Comparison: ATG vs Carpet vs UHMW

As we’ve covered, different tapes have different capabilities. Your facility will run more effectively if you properly choose the right tape for the job. Let's break down how ATG, Carpet, and UHMW tapes stack up in different scenarios.

Adhesion Strength and Durability

ATG tape offers reliable adhesion for lightweight applications, meaning it’s best used for tasks that require a quick bond without the need for heavy-duty support. However, for areas with significant foot traffic, double-sided carpet tape is often your better option due to its more robust grip that prevents carpets from shifting, ensuring a safer walking surface. Its ability to handle constant pressure and movement makes it the preferred choice for retail floors and event spaces. UHMW tape is exceptionally durable, designed to withstand the rigors of industrial use. Its low-friction surface not only reduces wear on moving parts but also extends the lifespan of equipment by minimizing maintenance needs.

Application and Removal

How easy a tape is to apply and remove can make a big difference depending on what you plan to do with it. ATG tape is one of your more user-friendly options, often applied with a dispenser in an even layer with minimal effort. This makes it ideal for quick tasks where time is of the essence. Its removal is just as straightforward, leaving behind little to no residue. Double-sided carpet tape, on the other hand, balances strong adhesion with ease of removal. This makes it a good choice for temporary installations where carpets or rugs need to be repositioned frequently without leaving sticky remnants. UHMW tape demands a bit more precision during application due to its specialized use in reducing friction. However, its removal is generally hassle-free, ensuring that surfaces remain clean and undamaged.

Cost Efficiency and Usage Scenarios

Cost matters, and knowing where each tape is best applied can save money. ATG tape is typically the most economical choice for general applications, such as mounting and splicing, where its efficient use and minimal waste can lead to cost savings. In contrast, double-sided carpet tape may have a higher upfront cost, but its robust adhesion and residue-free removal make it extremely useful for high-traffic areas like retail floors and event spaces. This can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, potentially lowering liability costs and enhancing safety.

UHMW tape, although initially more expensive, offers substantial long-term value, especially in industrial settings. Its durability and low-friction properties can lead to reduced equipment wear and maintenance needs, translating into lower operational costs over time. This makes it a strategic investment for facilities looking to optimize their maintenance budgets while ensuring efficient operations.

Introducing New Colors: Purple and Fluorescent-Blue (SKUs 67665 & 67665F)

Tape doesn’t have to be all business. Sometimes, even the things you use for practical purposes can be just as useful for enhancing a space’s aesthetics. The new purple and fluorescent-blue options for ATG and Carpet tapes are interesting and fun ways to spice up areas. They provide the same functions as normal ATG and Carpet tapes, but in these new colors.

That said, their coloration does still have a functional use, that being improving visibility in certain areas. The purple and fluorescent-blue tapes are useful for marking boundaries or creating pathways, effectively managing foot traffic in busy areas like convention centers or retail spaces. The high visibility of these colors can significantly enhance safety measures, ensuring that key areas are easily identifiable at a glance. Additionally, these colors can be used to align with branding or design aesthetics, offering a cohesive look while maintaining functionality.

Making Informed Decisions for Facility Maintenance

Ultimately, you will need to account for a number of factors to select the best tape for any given situation. Try to consider both the immediate and long-term benefits of each option. ATG tape, for example, is good for quick fixes and versatile applications, making it useful for general maintenance tasks. Its ease of use and clean removal ensure minimal disruption to operations.

High-traffic areas can benefit from double-sided carpet tape, securing safety by providing the necessary grip to prevent accidents. This can give you and others peace of mind in environments like retail spaces and convention centers, as it greatly reduces the likelihood of accidents.

UHMW tape is best used in industrial settings where durability and friction reduction are your goals. Simply applying this tape can help reduce your maintenance costs over time. This can also improve your overall operational efficiency.

To make a well-informed decision, you need to evaluate these tapes in the actual environment where they’ll be used. You can do this by ordering most of our tapes in single rolls from Tape Jungle, so facility managers and teams can test adhesion, durability, and removal in real working conditions before committing to a bulk purchase. It’s much easier to judge which option is best when you’ve had the chance to use it on-site—helping you save time, reduce waste, and improve your facility’s efficiency and safety.

Find the Perfect Tape for the Right Job

The right tape will have different qualities depending on the job it’s meant to do. ATG, double-sided carpet, and UHMW tapes are all effective at different tasks, and all help to contribute to a safer and more efficient facility. Each of them will be better suited for specific uses, however, and facility managers will need to evaluate each option to find the one that’s right for their needs.

For more details on different tape types or to order samples, visit Tape Jungle today. Request a sample kit to explore these tapes and consider bulk purchases for your facility's needs.