Glass, wood, and plastic

What to keep in mind when applying adhesive tape to glass, wood, and plastic.

If the adhesive surface will be exposed to direct sunlight, for instance if the adhesive tape is adhered to the interior side of a pane of glass, tape with UV-resistant acrylate adhesive should be used.

With unfinished or finished wood, adhesive tapes with as low adhesion as possible (see Sec. 3.2) should be used. Adhesive tapes should be removed in a slow, diagonal pulling motion to prevent tearing of wood grain or finish. In the case of mechanical strain, it may be a good idea to use an additional tape, such as applying PVC tape on top of the lower-adhesion tape (double masking).

In the case of plastic, users need to distinguish between new and old or weathered surfaces.

Experience has shown that due to products given off by the plastic as it decomposes, weathered plastics are critical as surfaces for adhesion.

In the case of plastic surfaces, it is occasionally possible for softening agent contained in the adhesive tape to bond to the plastic and cause discoloration.

In principle, therefore, it is recommended that adhesive tape be applied to plastics for a short time only, and even then, there are still some risks involved. Users should take note of the information contained in the technical data sheets published by the adhesive tape manufacturers with regard to plastic surfaces.

After the tape is removed, there may be superficial changes to weathered plastics. The weathered layer may be removed when the tape is removed. As a result, the surface may have changed color.

Users can achieve a more uniform appearance with remaining areas by cleaning the surface afterward with appropriate cleaning agents. Cleaning of plastic surfaces should therefore be included in the RFP and in the bid. Contractors can then work with principals to determine whether cleaning is needed based on the desired impression.