Whether you're sending out products to customers or packaging important documents, the type of tape you use matters more than you might think. For small businesses that rely on tape to complete everyday jobs, these simple adhesives can actually make or break the experience. From ensuring the security of your packages to presenting a professional image, understanding the various types of tapes available can be a game-changer for small business owners.
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at some of the most commonly used tapes for shipping, packaging, document storage, and more.
Shipping and Packaging Tape
Shipping Tape
| With features like instant adhesion, shipping tape is designed to quickly form a seal on boxes and packages that will last throughout the shipping process, regardless of any rough handling along the way. These tapes are ideal for small businesses that ship a large quantity of products to customers. |  |
Packing Tape
| Packing tape is the familiar clear (or sometimes brown) tape used to ship boxes by both businesses and consumers. Packing tape is designed to work and stay sealed in all environments, regardless of temperature, and is usually resistant to water and moisture as well. |  |
Brown Tape
| Brown tape (also known as kraft tape) is also commonly used for packing and shipping parcels and packages. This type of tape may be preferred by the Postal Service and UPS in certain applications and provides a strong, reliable seal. |  |
Heavy-Duty Tape
| Heavy-duty packing tape, as the name implies, is a stronger adhesive tape for shipping and packaging. These tapes usually use a stronger, industrial-strength adhesive and may be guaranteed by the manufacturer to stay sealed in transit. These tapes are excellent for businesses that wish to ensure safe handling of packages over long distances, but may be more expensive than regular packing tape. |  |
Envelope and Document Tape
Masking Tape
| Masking tape, or painter's tape, is designed to be used with painting and crafting, but this versatile tape may also be used for sealing envelopes or folders containing documents. When used with paint, masking tape covers any "masked" areas to keep paint off of the surface and can be easily peeled off afterward for clean edges. Though it may not be as strong as certain packing tapes, masking tape is valued because it's less difficult to peel off than other tapes and won't leave adhesive behind that is difficult to remove. |  |
Double-Sided Tape
| Double-sided tape is a clear tape with adhesive on both sides that may be especially useful when attaching documents and envelopes together. The two-sided adhesive is ideal for sticking multiple surfaces together, but isn't well-suited for packing and shipping situations where one side of the adhesive will remain exposed. |  |
Clear Sealing Tape
| Similar to packing tape, clear sealing tape is another great alternative for small business jobs that involve documents, envelopes, and paper. This strong and sticky tape can do double duty in your business and works well as an all-around tape that will stay sealed over time. |  |
Tapes and adhesives may seem like simple, nearly interchangeable everyday items, but for small businesses, the type of tape you use—and the quality of the tape—can make a serious difference. Whether you're looking to keep packages sealed during rough handling in transit or simply keeping documents and materials together for long periods of time, choosing the right tape can be important for your business's goals, your reputation, and your bottom line.
Shopping for packing tapes, document tapes, and more for your business? Find everything you need to get the job done at Zoro.com!
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.