The Best Double Sided Tapes for Indoor & Outdoor Use. 3M vs Gorilla vs XFasten

Last updated: 18 Sep 2023

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Do you want to hang some picture frames  without  ruining the wall with holes? Do you want a fast solution to your broken glass vase? Do you need something exceptional to put up posters in your retail store? Are you sick of the struggle and mess of nails and screws? If your answer is YES, then you are in the right place. 

To help you out in the decision of choosing the best double-sided tape, we have compiled this buying guide. It will provide you with the answer to all your queries and the detailed information you need to know before buying a double-sided mounting tape. You’ll find out which brand makes the best double-sided mounting tape.

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The Best Double-Sided Mounting Tape Reviews

1. 3M Scotch 411H – Outdoor Double-Sided Mounting Tape

Whether you’re sprucing up your home’s interior or giving your exterior a makeover, the 3M Scotch 411H double-sided tape is an excellent choice. It provides easy and long-lasting adhesion without any hassle. This tape can hold up to 15 pounds of weight, which means you can securely mount picture frames, metal racks, and mailboxes without the need for nails or screws.

 Scotch 411H  is a strong mounting tape featuring 3M industrial strength adhesive. The 4-inch two-sided tape is enough to hold 1 lb. of weight, but 60-inches are required for 15 lbs. Its size is 1-inch x 175-inch. Outdoor activities are its specialty because it is weatherproof and adhere well to all types of surfaces.

Its appliance requires no specific tools so there will be no mess of nails and screws around. Scotch double-sided tape is super convenient and simple to use. It is compatible with metal, ceramic, vinyl siding, acrylic, painted wood, and glass. But, before applying the tape, make sure that the surface is smooth, dry, and clean. In this way, the bond formed will be much resilient.

2. Gorilla Tough & Clear – Clear Double-Sided Mounting Tape

Gorilla has a well-known range of products and is famous for providing foolproof adhesion. Among their amazing products is the Gorilla Tough & Clear Double-Sided Tape. This tape is known for its resilience and toughness, and serves as a reliable alternative to fasteners and nails.

Gorilla can hold up to 15 pounds of weight. It works well in situations where typical fasteners fail, and a clean finish is required. You can use Gorilla tape  inside  as well as  outside  due to its weather-resistant properties. As it is transparent so it will not appear messy. Another fascinating feature is, it won’t get yellow over time.

It can stick to both smooth and rough surfaces, but you should follow the instructions and prepare the surface before applying. It will help to get the best results. Gorilla Tough & Clear forms a tough bond, so you should be clear about the spot of placing it. Because once it is mounted, you cannot take it off.

3. XFasten – Double-Sided Woodworking Tape

As you know, woodworking is all about precision and perfection. So, to address the daunting task of aligning and positioning wood parts, XFasten, a brand known by all and sundry, introduced a double-sided woodworking tape. It made its way to the list of best double-sided tapes due to its incredible strength and quality.

This tape has a unique design that sets it apart from other double-sided tapes. One side of the tape has a thin, semi-permanent yellow adhesive backing while the other side has a repositionable adhesive. This allows for a strong adhesive bond while also making it easy to uninstall, making it a great choice for woodworking projects. Additionally, the tape has a reusable adhesive side, allowing you to use it multiple times.

You can peel off its pieces with your hand as it is super  simple to use . The yellow backing and optimal thickness resist the tangling and curling of the tape. It can hold a significant amount of weight and adheres well to wood surfaces providing an easy and convenient template fastening. In addition to wood, it is also highly compatible with metal, plastic, and paper. XFasten tape is an ideal choice for woodworking professionals and hobbyists.

4. Gorilla Heavy Duty – Weatherproof Heavy-Duty Double-Sided Tape

This is the second Gorilla product on our list. This heavy-duty tape is the toughest industrial mounting tape available on the market. It instantly sticks to both smooth and rough surfaces. Gorilla tape comes to the rescue where typical fasteners fail. It has tremendous strength and can hold up to 30 pounds of weight. However, make sure that the depth of the item should not be more than 0.75 inches.

No matter the task is indoor or outdoor, Gorilla  heavy-duty  adhesive tape is the ultimate choice. It is resistant to heat, rain, and UV radiation. Gorilla adhesive tape has its applications in many bonding, repairing, and mounting jobs. It is super tough yet comfortable to use.

Both sides are covered with adhesive for easy hanging. It adheres well to stones, glass, brick, metal, wood, ceramics, and many more. But, you might not get the expected results against non-stick surfaces like propylene and polyethylene. Gorilla is a strong tape and will probably leave marks upon removal on the surfaces, especially on the painted walls.

5. 3M VHB – Heavy-Duty Double-Sided Tape for Glass, Metal & Car

3M VHB is a product from HitLights, a recognized name in the American LED strip lighting market. It is a strong double-sided foam tape ideal for outdoor installations or any other mounting surfaces. This tape is of industrial strength and can hold up to 90 pounds per inch, making it perfect for heavy-duty applications.

It is much thicker and stickier than standard adhesive tapes and provides you with a more reliable and permanent installation. 3M VHB is best for  exterior applications  where extreme waterproof sticking is needed. But, make sure to clean the surface before applying the tape.

Press and hold the tape firmly against the surface. Viscosity depends on how long you hold it. It resists curling, making your installation process fast and easy. 3M VHB features durable acrylic adhesive having viscoelastic properties. It makes this tape withstand harsh and damp environmental conditions.

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Double Sided Tapes 101: Which is the Better Option for Your Needs?

Double-sided tapes and their benefits

Double-sided tape is similar in appearance to regular tape, but it has a pressure-sensitive adhesive on both sides, making it distinct from ordinary single-sided tape. This unique feature of double-sided tape provides a quick solution to everyday problems, such as attaching a pillow to a couch, fixing a tie in place, joining two pieces of wood, and hanging picture frames or posters. Mounting tape is an excellent alternative to glues, nails, and screws, with the added benefit of not damaging the surface or appearance.

Isn’t it convenient? Below is a heap of benefits in terms of its usage convenience. You can use it anywhere or at any time, even at places where nails and screws become impractical. It provides a reliable adhesion that can be undone when needed. It has its applications throughout the house. From attaching the photo frame and gift wrapping to sticking the carpet and table cloth in its place, nothing is beyond the applications of mounting tape.

Dual-sided tapes leave no visible mark on the surface like nails and glues. You can take it off and reposition it whenever needed. It is super easy to carry and quick to use. No mess of several tools is required to apply it, like typical nails and fasteners. It is also a great money value.

Things you need to consider while buying a double-sided tape

The people who are not satisfied with the quality and feasibility of double-sided tapes are often those who haven’t chosen the right tape for the right job. Every adhesive mounting tape has specific features suitable for certain jobs. You can move with a ONE FIT ALL mentality. 

It is like a tool that functions effectively only for those jobs for which it is intended. Before selecting a double-sided tape, there are few key questions that you should ask yourself:

• Do you want clean removal?
• For how long you want the tape to hold?
• Does your work demand a certain thickness?
• Where you want to use it (indoor or outdoor)?

You should know the answer to all these questions before jumping into the heap of double-sided tapes. Following are the factors you need to consider while choosing. You can also regard these as the answers to your questions. 

Surface Type

Which surfaces do you want to bond? The answer to this question lies in determining the texture and composition of that surface. Thinner bands work quite well on smooth and flat surfaces. While the thick and rough surface requires a thicker solution. Gorilla Heavy Duty is a heavy-duty tape. On the other hand, 3M VHB serves best for smooth surfaces like glass and metal.

Adhesion Time

Adhesion time is very important. If you want a tape for temporary use like sticking the carpet or table cloth, then XFasten tape is a great choice. But, if you want a permanent adhesion to attach a photo frame or nameplate, then Gorilla Heavy-Duty tape and Gorilla Tough & Clear are the best choices for you.

Climate and Temperature

Before choosing a double-sided tape consider the surrounding atmosphere. Temperature affects the performance of these pressure-sensitive tapes. Warm weather is favorable, while the cold atmosphere declines its performance.

So, if you want a tape for damp and humid conditions then go for the one that can withstand harsh weather conditions. 3M VHB is an ideal choice for harsh weather conditions.

Removal Effect

If you don’t want to ruin the wall paint or wooden texture then go for the one that is easy to take off and provides a clean surface upon removal.

Final Thoughts

The double-sided tapes have become a must-have utility of our life. No matter it’s your workshop or home, it is a necessary component. No doubt, it has made our life much faster and easier. In this review, we tried our best to provide you with a complete buying guide for mounting tapes

The products listed above are all incredible in their performance and features. But, 3M Scotch 411H is the winner of our list of the best double-sided tapes. 3M mounting tape is perfect for both indoor and outdoor tasks and offers tremendous strength. It is not compatible with all the surfaces but adheres well to most of the surfaces. It can be an ideal choice for both professionals and home users.

I enjoy finding products that are very affordable and outperformed the more expensive competition. 3M Scotch did just that on both the wood tensile strength as well as the wood shear strength its ability to stick the wood was very impressive. As for a smooth surface like steel, no other tape can simply beat it.

If you find that 3M Scotch 411H double-sided tape is not suitable for your needs, there are other options available on the market. All of the tapes listed in this article are high-quality and effective in their own way. Double-sided mounting tape is a versatile and convenient solution for a variety of everyday problems. We hope that this guide has helped you choose the best one for your needs. Good luck!

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Video Tutorial: How to Remove Double-Sided Tape Without Damaging Surfaces

Video Tutorial: The Right Way to Use Double Sided Tape

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Customer Reviews

John: 3M Scotch 411H double-sided adhesive tape. The molding on the driver’s door of my car is coming off. Before gluing, I wiped the door and molding with a degreaser and glued it with 3M Scotch 411H tape. After gluing, I held the molding for 10 minutes. I have been happy with the result for two weeks now, the molding is holding strong.

Marc: My lovely wife wanted to hang new pictures at home, and I did not want to drill new holes in the wall. I thought of a way to attach the pictures with double-sided tape. I bought Gorilla Tough & Clear at Walmart and fastened all the pictures in five minutes. It was quick and easy.

Dylan: Gorilla Heavy Duty is a great scotch tape and I am very happy with how it works. I recommend it.

Robert: I work in an auto body repair. I often get customers who need to glue a spoiler or other exterior tuning. I have been looking for a long time for a good double sided tape and I found it. My choice is 3M VHB.

Douglas: I am a woodworker. And I can’t imagine my work without XFasten tape. I use XFasten to securely hold items in place while I work.

Ben: Of all the double-sided tape 3M Scotch 411H is the strongest. Holds well. We used it for fixing LED lights. It is impossible to take it off after mounting. Resistant to high temperatures. It is also suitable for the car.

Louie: 3M Scotch 411H double-sided tape is a good thing when it holds, but when it is necessary to remove it – it is a pain. It comes off with the pieces of the wall.

Bob: I use 3M Scotch 411H and have full confidence in it. The main thing before gluing is to degrease the surface and heat it with a construction heat gun. The effect of full adhesion is achieved after 24 hours.

Paul: Gorilla Heavy Duty is great, good price, and is very strong, even for outdoor use.

Peter: XFasten is a very handy and ultra-thin double-sided tape for DIY, home creation, and gift wrapping.

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FAQs

How to take off the double-sided tape?

No doubt, double-sided tapes are very beneficial, but the real problem lies in their successful removal. The methods of removing double-sided tape are dependent upon the type of surface it is present. For example, you can use a hairdryer to remove the stubborn tape from doors and walls.

You can use oil, window cleaner, or a vinegar solution to remove the tape from the glass. Blow-dryer can help to take the tape off the paper. But, be careful while removing it from photographs because the heat may spoil them.

You can try some commercial products such as Goo Gone, Goof Off, and some food-grade oil. They are perfect for glass and plastic surfaces but, don’t use them on paper, cardboard, or fabric surfaces. Acetone and nail polish remover can also help to take off the mounting tape from unpainted surfaces. In the end, use some oil, acetone, or alcohol to remove gunky residue.

Does double-sided tape damage wall paint?

The answer is NO. You can apply double-sided tape on the walls without risking any damage. But, you need to be very cautious while taking it off. Use a putting knife gently to peel it off. If you feel difficulty, then use a blow dryer. Heat can make the tape soft and easy to remove. Any adhesive or commercial product can clean the sticky residue.

Does double-sided tape stick to fabric?

Yes, the double-sided tape sticks well to most of the fabrics although the adhesion may vary depending on the type of tape and the type of fabric. It can sort your little troubles like keeping men’s ties, bra straps, and low-cut tops in place. It adds an extra level of polish to the look.

As discussed earlier, it works well with most of the fabrics, but some like velvet and embellished fabrics can be a little tricky to handle. Wooly and rough fabrics also do not stick properly.

Does double-sided tape stick to wood?

Yes, it sticks quite well to wood. You can use it to paste something on the wood, as well as to hold the two pieces of wood together. It is a perfect companion of the wood and does the intended functions efficiently.

The only trouble is the sticky residue left on the surface. As the bond between the wood and the tape is tight so, sometimes, upon removal, it takes wood fibers with it.

Does double-sided tape stick to concrete?

The double-sided tape rarely adheres to the concrete. Concrete is not something to bond with tape. It requires more adhesive strength due to its porous surface. Some types of double-sided tape are designed to adhere to a wide range of surfaces, including concrete, while others may not stick as well or may not stick at all.

Be sure to choose a tape that is suitable for use on concrete to ensure that it sticks properly. The condition of the concrete can also affect the adhesion of the tape. If the concrete is dirty, dusty, or otherwise contaminated, it may be more difficult for the tape to stick. To improve adhesion, it is a good idea to clean the concrete surface before applying the tape.

What precautions should be undertaken before using double-sided tape?

Before using double-sided tape, it is important to take the following precautions:

Read the instructions. Be sure to read the instructions on the package carefully before using the double-sided tape. This will help you to understand how to use the tape correctly.

Clean the surfaces. Make sure that the surfaces you will be applying the tape to are clean and dry. Any dirt, dust, or moisture on the surfaces can affect the adhesion of the double-sided tape.

Test the tape. It is a good idea to test the adhesive tape on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the desired surface. This will help you to determine if the tape is suitable for your needs and if it adheres properly to the surface.

Use caution. Double-sided tape can be difficult to remove once it has been applied.

Can hot water remove double-sided tape?

Hot water may not be effective at removing all types of double-sided tape, and it may damage some surfaces, although the effectiveness may vary depending on the type of adhesive tape and the surface it is stuck to. To remove the double-sided tape with hot water, you can try the following steps:

Heat water. You can use a kettle to heat water.

Soak a cloth in the hot water. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the hot water and wring it out slightly.

Apply the hot water to the tape. Hold the hot, damp cloth or sponge over the double-sided tape for a few minutes to soften the adhesive.

Gently scrape the tape. Use a flat object, such as a credit card or a butter knife, to gently scrape the softened tape away from the surface. Be sure to scrape in the direction of the tape’s adhesive to avoid damaging the surface.

Repeat as needed. If the tape does not come off easily, you may need to try using a stronger solvent or a specialized sticker remover.

How to choose a strong double-sided adhesive tape?

When choosing a strong double-sided adhesive tape, it’s important to consider the thickness of the tape. The thickness of the tape should be appropriate for the surfaces you want to glue together, especially if the surfaces are uneven. Thicker tapes can help smooth out differences in thickness between the surfaces and achieve maximum coverage.

Additionally, you should look for a tape with a strong adhesive that can hold up under the conditions it will be exposed to, such as heat or moisture. It’s also a good idea to choose a tape that is easy to apply and remove, without leaving any residue or damaging the surfaces.

What can I do to make the tape hold up better?

To make the tape hold up better, there are a few things you can do:

1. Ensure that the surfaces to be joined are clean and free of dust and debris. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the surfaces thoroughly before applying the tape.
2. Apply the tape to a flat and even surface. Uneven surfaces can cause air pockets and weaken the bond.
3. Roll the connection with a roller 2-3 times when applying the tape to a hard material. This helps to ensure maximum contact and adhesion between the tape and the surface.
4. Allow enough time for the adhesive to bond properly. The strength of the bond increases over time as the adhesive in the tape wetters the surface. It is recommended to wait at least 1 to 3 days after gluing before exposing the taped parts to stress or load.

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About Scott Gamron

Scott attended Auburn University where earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Scott likes to research new DIY gear and supplies.

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Reference:

Findanyanswer.com

3m.com

Bobvila.com

Thedrive.com

Reddit.com

Reddit.com

Fossewaytapes.co.uk