Beyond Gaffer Tape: Specialized Solutions for Event, Stage, and Production Crews

Gaffer tape has long been the go-to adhesive for events and productions. Crews use it for everything from stage marking to securing equipment and fixing props. While gaffer tape is an excellent solution for a wide range of film and stage applications, no single tape works for every production-related need.

Professional crews rely on many different specialty tapes for indoor and outdoor safety, labeling, mounting, and more. Using the right tape saves significant time and effort, which can make all the difference when you're on a tight production schedule. At Tape Jungle, we provide event and stage professionals with a range of adhesive solutions, from traditional gaffer and reflective marking tape to carpet-safe and double-sided adhesives.

Gaffer Tape - The Crew Essential

There's a reason that gaffer tape is the most popular professional stage tape. It's strong and adheres quickly to many surfaces. During production, gaffer tape offers the advantage of a matte, non-reflective surface that won't detract from your set lighting. When removed, it leaves no residue, which makes it easy to take down at the end of your project. Behind the scenes, use fluorescent gaffer tape for label visibility in dim backstage spaces.

Tape Jungle offers high-quality Standard Grade Gaffer's Tape and Fluorescent Gaffer Tape (67680F), formulated to provide optimal hold on smooth surfaces in indoor environments. While gaffer's tape offers unique advantages for events and stage productions, it does not perform well on uneven or outdoor surfaces. For these types of applications, consider gaffer tape alternatives like vinyl or duct tape, which are designed for hard wear and extreme environments.

Spike Tape - Precision in Positioning

Spike tape is an event production tape crucial for marking lighting and camera setups, as well as stage positions. Throughout rehearsal and production, these positioning markers need to be visible and easy to move without leaving residue behind.

This is where Tape Jungle's highly visible Fluorescent Gaffer Tape shines. Available in four vivid colors and narrow widths, our fluorescent gaffer tape provides optimal visibility under bright stage lights and dark backstage areas. The adhesive also comes away from surfaces cleanly, so you can easily remove and reposition marking tape between scenes and takes.

Double-Sided & Mounting Tapes - Fast Fixes and Temporary Installs

When you need more holding power for signs and set dressing, look to Tape Jungle's Double-Sided White Polypropylene Tape (51511) or Double-Sided Polyester Fabric Tape (55215) for easy setups and quick teardowns.

Like gaffer tape, this double-sided tape for stage productions uses residue-free tape that doesn't stick to surfaces. This makes it perfect for securing props and keeping rugs or carpets in place under heavy foot traffic. With double-sided tape, you don't have to worry about messy tape loops or edges compromising your set's visual integrity.

Double-sided mounting tapes are also an excellent way to post temporary signs related to your production. Two-sided adhesive makes for a lower profile in narrow walkways and backstage areas, while quick, residue-free removal helps you take down signage after your production run.

Carpet & Floor Protection - Safety Underfoot

Reliable floor coverings, both onstage and behind the scenes, must be secured to avoid trip and fall hazards. In venues and event spaces, it's equally important to make sure mats and rugs don't fold or wrinkle where they can trip patrons. Tape Jungle's Double-Sided Carpet Tape consists of cotton/polyester cloth coated on both sides with a rubber-based adhesive. It is highly flexible and conforms to irregular surfaces, including flooring and carpeting. The natural rubber adhesive sticks quickly, but is completely residue-free when removed.

For areas like stairs and ramps, use floor marking tape to identify trip hazards and meet venue safety standards. Tape Jungle offers both vinyl and PVC Floor Marking Tapes, including Laminated Striped Safety Warning Tape and SPVC Striped Safety Warning Tape, in a range of OSHA-compliant colors and patterns.

Reflective, Anti-Slip, and Safety Tapes - For Crowd and Backstage Zones

Navigating backstage areas can be chaotic, with cords, props, and steps hidden by dim back-of-house lighting. To enhance visibility and meet safety regulations, consider applying Tape Jungle's Reflective Safety Tape to particularly hazardous areas throughout the venue, such as:

Stairs, aisles, and doorways
Stage edges, amps, and machinery
Floor drop-offs and low overhead ledges
Posts, barriers, and humps in the walkway
Wire and cable harnesses and electrical equipment

If your venue or production space has stairs or ramps with treacherous footing, strategically apply Anti Slip Tape to reduce the potential for slip and fall accidents. For instance, if you expect damp or snowy weather, apply anti-slip tape on entryway floors and other areas with high foot traffic from outdoors.

Our Anti Slip Tape and Reflective Safety Tapes come in a range of OSHA-approved colors and designs to help you meet regulatory standards.

Weather-Resistant and Touring Environments

Not all production occurs in a controllable studio environment, and outdoor production operations are usually too challenging for standard cloth-based gaffer tape. When your tour or filming shoots take you outside, rugged tapes can help keep your operation running smoothly.

Tape Jungle offers a variety of heavy-duty tapes ideal for withstanding UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and moisture that make gaffer's tape less effective. We recommend Vinyl Tape, Polyethylene Tape, or Duct Tape for production in extreme conditions.

Each weather-resistant tape comes in a range of colors and strengths, from general use to heavy-duty and industrial-grade, so you can choose the best option for your production needs.

Build Your Professional Tape Kit

If you're preparing for a new production, start your project on the right foot with a professional tape kit. We've compiled a list of your must-haves for any stage production or event:

Gaffer's tape, both standard and fluorescent
Spike/colored tape for cues and labeling
Double-sided tapes for mounting signs, props, and backdrops
Carpet and reflective safety tapes for floor hazards
Slip-resistant and heavy-duty tapes for slippery indoor floors and outdoor use

Instead of creating a new kit for each production, consider establishing standardized "crew kits" for each venue or production type. This approach saves you time and money with advanced preparation and bulk tape pricing. Explore Tape Jungle's full selection of professional event and production tapes to build your own kit.

Specialized Tape Solutions for Your Events and Productions

Whether you're running a small film studio or producing a large-scale stadium event, your success depends on professionalism, down to the smallest detail. Don't let the wrong kind of tape diminish your set's authenticity or your venue's safety. Audit your tape inventory to see how your current tapes fall short in different production environments. Then, visit TapeJungle.com to select the right combination of tapes for your next show or event.