Figuring out how to hang things throughout a home can feel impossible sometimes. Do you want to try using double-sided tape for your art and hanging decor but don't know if it will damage your walls? Well, we've done plenty of digging and have the answer here for you. Let's get right into it.
For the most part, double-sided tape shouldn't cause any damage to your walls. Considering that double-sided tape is typically clear, this means you won't have to deal with residue or marks left behind, which is perfect for those renting.
Furthermore, double-sided tape is a great alternative to nails or screws, as it doesn't require a hole in the wall, so we recommend it.
As we begin, we will cover all things double-sided tape and discuss how to keep your walls damage-free. Whether you rent or just need an idea for temporary hanging, we're here to offer some help. With that said, let's dive into this topic!
Is Double-Sided Tape Removable?
Yes, double-sided tape will be removable. This specific tape will often come in two options: removable or permanent, although both will come off your walls.
As we said, double-sided tape is a great alternative to traditional screws and nails, so if you don't want to patch up your walls later, it's certainly worth checking out.
On top of that, double-sided tape comes in various sizes and strengths, so you should be able to find the perfect option for any project.
Is Double-Sided Tape Easy To Take Off?
Depending on the brand of double-sided tape you use, it could be challenging to take off. For example, you can remove 3M double-sided tape cleanly from most surfaces, while other bargain brands might leave a sticky residue behind.
Remember, at the end of the day, you are working with tape, which is sticky. That said, you shouldn't need to do much more than wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove residue, so worst case, you'll need to do some scrubbing.
3M Heavy Duty Mounting Tape
This tape is foam material, works indoors and outside, holds 90 pounds per inch, won't damage walls, and comes in a few sizes.
Follow this link to see it on Amazon.
How Do You Remove Double-Sided Tape Without Damaging The Wall?
When the time comes to take the double-sided tape off your walls, it's important to be careful. With that said, we recommend using either a blowdryer or iron and heating the tape on your wall.
If you want to use a blowdryer, hold it about an inch away from the tape, turn it on high, and keep it there for about one minute.
If you prefer to use an iron, grab a towel and place it between your iron and tape. Then, move your iron around the area for 1-2 minutes, and you should be able to take off the double-sided tape with no problem.
That said, you don't want to use so much that the tape melts onto your walls, so try not to go overboard.
Does WD-40 Remove Double-Sided Tape?
Although this can be a bit tougher than using heat, WD-40 is one way to remove double-sided tape. If you can't find a blowdryer or iron, grabbing a can of WD-40 and a towel is what you'll want to do.
To remove your tape, spray a generous amount of WD-40 onto your double-sided tape and wait about five minutes before removing it. You can also try to soak a towel in WD-40 and hold it on the tape you wish to remove, so there are a couple of ways to do this.
Should You Peel Off Double-Sided Tape From The Wall?
If the tape you're using is removable (not permanent or heavy-duty), you should be fine to peel it off the wall. Like we said earlier, double-sided tape tends to come in two grades: removable and permanent, with permanent options being harder to take off.
With that said, if you try using one of our methods above, you should be able to peel off your double-sided tape, regardless of strength, so we recommend that.
Furthermore, you might also want to try using a scraper to remove the tape without necessarily peeling, although this could damage your walls and paint.
Is Double-Sided Tape Reusable?
In general, you should be able to reuse double-sided tape. Of course, this can depend on how long it's been on the wall and if there is dust or debris on it, so resuing your tape might not always be possible.
That said, if you want to try and reuse your tape, we recommend grabbing a hairdryer and turning it on high for about 60 seconds. Doing this should help your double-sided tape regain some of its stickiness, so it's certainly worth trying.
You might also want to try wetting your double-sided tape if it's covered in dust/debris and then using a blowdryer to speed up the drying process, so there are a couple of ways to do this.
How Long Does Double-Sided Tape Last?
Although there isn't technically an expiration timeframe for double-sided tape, you can usually expect it to last 12-24 months. For example, 3M double-sided tape products typically advertise a two-year shelf life, although this can vary depending on storage, weather, and tape quality.
When it comes to how long double-sided tape lasts on the wall, this could be anywhere from 1-3 years, but everyone will be different.
Does Double-Sided Tape Work In Humidity?
Yes! Double-sided tape should be able to hold out, even in humidity. Typically, double-sided tape products for indoor/outdoor use will work best for those in humid climates, so try to keep an eye out for those options.
With that said, we recommend finding heavy-duty tape if you're worried about humidity, as it will hold out better than basic options, so the stronger, the better.
Gorilla Tough & Clear XL Mounting Tape
This double-sided mounting tape works indoors and outdoors, holds 38 pounds, is weatherproof, and won't yellow over time.
Check out this tape on Amazon here.
How Much Weight Can Double-Sided Tape Hold?
Typically, double-sided tape will be able to hold up to 30 pounds. Although this can vary by brand and tape strength, it's most common to see companies advertise between 25-50 pounds of strength.
For example, the heavy-duty Gorilla tape we tagged above has a 33-pound holding capacity, while brands like 3M offer double-sided tape that promises to hold closer to 45. Again, this comes down to whether the tape you purchase is permanent or not, so not all options are the same.
Can Double-Sided Tape Hold A Mirror?
Yes, you should be able to use double-sided tape to hold a mirror on the wall. In general, as long as the mirror you have is around four millimeters in thickness, it should hold onto the tape well, so make sure to double-check those measurements.
On top of that, you also want to make sure the double-sided tape you use is heavy-duty, and you have enough to use behind the border of your mirror to ensure it doesn't fall off the wall and shatter.
Who Makes The Best Double-Sided Tape?
When it comes to which brand offers the best double-sided tape, you want to choose either Gorilla, Scotch, or 3M. According to a list of the best double-sided tapes made by Bob Vila, 'Gorilla Tough & Clear Double Sided Mounting Tape' tops the list in terms of quality and reliability, so that's a good choice to go with.
The list also shouted out 'Scotch Indoor Double-Sided Mounting Tape' for being the best overall for painted walls, so if you're concerned about damaging your paint, that may be a great alternative.
3M also makes a highly rated 'VHB Double-Sided Mounting Tape' that works well for heavier pieces, so there are plenty of options to consider.
Scotch Indoor Double-Sided Mounting Tape
This tape works well for painted surfaces, is a cell-foam material, holds up to 15 pounds, is easy to apply, and comes in a few sizes.
Is Double-Sided Tape Reliable?
Overall, we would agree that double-sided tape is a reliable option. Considering that using tape is a great mess-free alternative to nails or screws, it's ideal for renters or even those wary of creating tons of holes in their walls.
On top of that, there are endless options for double-sided tape, ranging in size, strength, and use, so you're sure to find some for any project. That said, double-sided tape will never be as strong as using an actual screw or nail, so in that way, it's not going to be as effective.
To Wrap It All Up
Whether you want to try double-sided tape for the first time or have used it for years, figuring it how to keep your walls intact can be tricky. From what we found, double-sided tape won't usually damage walls, although this can vary depending on its strength.
That said, there are two main categories of double-sided tape: removable and permanent, with the permanent options being better for heavy/bulky items. You can also try using outdoor tape inside the house if you live somewhere humid, so you might need to research.
Regardless, make sure to apply some heat to your double-sided tape before removing it, and don't be afraid to try using WD-40 for peeling it off if you can't find a blowdryer or iron.
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