Types of Tape: What You Need to Know

At Robotime, we offer a wide range of 3D wooden puzzles, miniature houses, and DIY kits that bring creativity to life. While assembling these intricate models, you may find that tapes serve as a helpful complement to glue. They can reinforce structures, secure delicate parts, and even provide added protection in certain situations. This guide explores different types of tapes and how they can assist you in your next project.

Tapes go beyond simple household applications like wrapping gifts or sealing boxes. In crafting and model-making, they serve multiple purposes:

• Bonding & Mounting – Use tape on the back of puzzles or dollhouse pieces for extra support.

• Repairs & Sealing – Fix broken parts of your miniature house or book nook seamlessly.

• Electrical Insulation – Protect LED strips and wiring in your models.

• Preserving & Framing – Keep your finished models in pristine condition for years to come.

How to Choose the Right Tape

Selecting the best tape for your project depends on several factors:

• Adhesion Strength – Strong adhesive ensures pieces stay intact.

• Surface Compatibility – Some tapes work best on smooth surfaces, while others grip uneven textures.

• Temperature Resistance – If your model is exposed to heat, cold, or humidity, choose a tape that won’t degrade.

• Flexibility & Thickness – Thicker tapes provide durability, while thinner options work better for intricate details.

Types of Tape and Their Uses

With so many types of tape available, choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging. Whether you need a temporary adhesive for drafting, a strong seal for packaging, or a specialized tape for electrical or HVAC applications, each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

This table provides a quick and clear comparison of various tape types, helping you find the best option based on your specific requirements.

Drafting Dots

Drafting dots are small, pre-cut adhesive circles designed to temporarily secure drafting paper, blueprints, and other lightweight materials to a work surface. They provide a firm hold without wrinkling or tearing the paper and can be easily removed without leaving residue. Drafting dots are commonly used by architects, engineers, and artists as a cleaner, more convenient alternative to drafting tape. They come in dispenser rolls for easy application and are ideal for holding paper in place during drawing, tracing, or drafting tasks. They are ideal for architectural models, attaching texts or logos, and making quick fixes on your Robotime miniature house. While convenient, they tend to be more expensive than other tapes.

Office Tape

Office tape is a versatile adhesive tape commonly used for everyday office, school, and home tasks. It is typically transparent or lightly tinted and designed for sealing envelopes, repairing torn documents, attaching notes, and other general applications. Office tape offers a moderate adhesive strength that provides a secure hold while allowing for easy removal without leaving residue. It is available in various widths and dispenser-friendly rolls for convenient use. For best results, store in a cool, dry place and check the manufacturer’s specifications for compatibility with different surfaces.

Drafting Tape

Drafting tape is a low-tack adhesive tape designed to temporarily secure drafting paper, blueprints, and artwork to a surface without causing damage. It provides a firm hold while allowing for easy repositioning and clean removal without tearing or leaving sticky residue. Commonly used by architects, engineers, and artists, drafting tape is ideal for drawing, sketching, and tracing applications. It is typically made of a lightweight paper material and is available in various widths. You can use drafting tape to temporarily secure pieces while assembling your miniature dollhouse.

For best results, apply to clean, dry surfaces and remove carefully to avoid any paper lifting.

Packing Tape

Packing tape, also known as packaging tape, is a polypropylene- or polyester-backed tape designed for long-lasting performance. Similar to shipping tape, packing tape offers strong adhesion and tear resistance. It’s the best tape to use on cardboard boxes and packages, but it’s just as useful on manilla envelopes, bubble mailers and foam. Packing tape works in hot and cold temperatures. While it isn’t waterproof, it is water-resistant. The most common colors of packing tape are brown and clear, however, colors like blue, red or green are available when the project calls for color coding.

Masking Tape

Masking tape is a versatile, easy-to-tear adhesive tape designed for temporary applications. It is commonly used in painting, crafting, labeling, and light-duty bundling. Made with a paper backing and a pressure-sensitive adhesive, masking tape adheres well to various surfaces and can be removed cleanly without leaving residue or damaging surfaces. It comes in different widths and adhesion levels, including painter’s tape, which is specially formulated to prevent paint bleed. For best results, apply to clean, dry surfaces and remove within the recommended time frame. When using it on wooden puzzles, ensure the surface is clean and dry for the best results.

Double-Sided Tape

Double-sided tape is an adhesive tape with glue on both sides, designed to bond two surfaces together. It is commonly used in crafting, office tasks, home improvement, and industrial applications. Available in various strengths and materials, double-sided tape can be removable or permanent, depending on the type. Some varieties feature foam for added thickness, while others are thin and nearly invisible for a seamless finish. Before use, check the manufacturer's specifications for surface compatibility and weight capacity, especially when mounting heavier objects.

HVAC Foil Tape

HVAC foil tape is a durable, foil-backed tape with acrylic adhesive used for joining and sealing joints and duct closures. It has excellent bond strength and helps keep your heating and cooling units working efficiently. It’s the preferred tape over cloth-backed duct tape for heating ducts. HVAC foil tape provides a permeable barrier for vapor and can withstand temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also be used on garage doors as a fastener or as a seaming tape for insulation.

Electrical Tape

Designed to insulate and protect electrical wiring, electrical tape is heat-resistant and moisture-proof. If your model includes LED lights or wiring, this tape ensures safe and secure connections.

It is used to protect, insulate and mark electrical wires and other materials that conduct electricity. The proper way to use electrical tape is to pull and stretch it as you wind it around wires. This shrinks the tape around the wire, causing a tight seal that won’t expand when it gets cold. 

Electrical tape is available in a variety of colors, each one designated for specific electrical requirements.

• Black: Low voltage, Phase A (used on wires in direct sunlight)
• Red: Low voltage, Phase B
• Blue: Low voltage, Phase C
• Brown: High voltage, Phase A
• Orange: High voltage, Phase B
• Yellow: High voltage, Phase C
• Purple: High voltage, Phase B
• Green: Earth ground
• White: Low voltage, neutral
• Gray: High voltage, neutral

Kraft Tape

Kraft tape, also known as paper packing tape, is a strong, eco-friendly adhesive tape made from kraft paper and a water-activated or pressure-sensitive adhesive. It is commonly used for sealing cardboard boxes, packaging, and reinforcing shipments. Water-activated kraft tape bonds securely with corrugated surfaces, creating a tamper-evident seal, while self-adhesive versions provide a quick and easy application. Kraft tape is biodegradable and recyclable, making it a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging tapes. For best results, ensure surfaces are clean and dry before application.

Tips for Using and Storing Tape Effectively

To maximize the lifespan and performance of your tapes, consider these best practices:

• Store Properly – Keep tapes in a cool, dry place to prevent deterioration.

• Use a Dispenser – A tape dispenser makes application smoother and ensures clean cuts.

• Cut Carefully – Use sharp scissors or a craft knife to avoid frayed edges.

• Avoid Overuse – Applying too much tape can create a bulky, uneven finish.

• Apply Evenly – Stretchy tapes should be applied with care to prevent wrinkles and misalignment.

Conclusion

Assembling a model is both a challenge and a rewarding experience. Knowing which materials to use—including the right type of tape—will help you achieve the best results. Whether you’re working on a Robotime puzzle, a Rolife book nook, or a miniature house, choosing the right tape ensures durability, stability, and a professional finish.

Next time you're starting a DIY project, consider the different types of tapes available and how they can enhance your craftsmanship!