What makes adhesive tape different from other adhesives is that they have the properties of both a liquid and a solid. The liquid component is needed to provide the “wetness” (tack or stickiness) for good initial contact, and the solid component is critical to resist any forces (AKA sheer strength) that could threaten to remove the application.

Yet when cold temperatures occur, the liquid component of the adhesive tape hardens, similar to what happens to butter in the refrigerator. The tape loses its natural form and its overall tackiness. It can therefore no longer make the adequate contact needed for good adhesion. If the temperatures continue to drop, the tape will eventually freeze, turning the liquid component into a tack-free solid.

When Does Tape Freeze in the Cold?

So at what temperature does this happen? It depends on the type and design of the adhesive. Typical adhesive tapes will freeze long before the freezing temperature of water is reached; while other specially designed tapes will continue to stick below freezing temperatures.

When the tape won’t stick because it’s too cold, you have two options:

• Increase the temperature of the tape and the surface the tape is applied to; ideally to around 21 degrees Celsius.
• Get a tape that is specifically engineered and designed to work in cold weather.

So when you are working on a tape application in cold weather, you will need a cold-weather tape that’s right for the job. Not all tapes are designed to work in this type of weather.

For more information contact Adhesive Solutions today with any questions you may have about your cold temperature application.