What is foil tape made of? What do you use foil tape for?

Aluminium foil tape is a specialist tape used in many different industries and sectors including construction, aerospace, manufacturing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

It’s extremely versatile and durable due to the combination of aluminium and a strong, sealing adhesive. 

Read on to find out what aluminium foil tape is used for, how to apply it and more.

What is HVAC foil tape?

HVAC foil tape is another name for aluminium foil tape. HVAC stands for ‘heating, ventilation and cooling’. Aluminium foil tape is also known as cold weather foil tape, or linerless foil tape. 

What do you use foil tape for?

Aluminium foil tape has many different applications across many different industries. Here are just a small number of examples of how it is used:

• For pipe lagging, duct sealing and repairing holes in HVAC systems

• For masking seams, wheels and windows during painting aeroplanes

• To cover thermal insulation, join foil-faced fibreglass and making repairs to roofs and drains in construction projects

• To create EMI (electrical magnetic interference) shielding for cables, antennae and other components 

• To increase thermal efficiency in refrigeration systems

• In the marine industry to patch damaged boats to keep them watertight 

• For protection in the packaging and shipping industry

What is foil tape made of?

Foil tape is made of aluminium foil with a strong, long-lasted acrylic emulsion-based adhesive backing. The adhesive bonds well to a wide range of surfaces including wood, metal and glass. 

Is foil tape the same as aluminium tape? 

Yes, foil tape is the same as aluminium tape. 

What are the features and benefits of aluminium foil tape?

• Flame, water and UV resistant

• Versatile and pliable - it conforms to uneven surfaces

• Creates air and watertight seal to protect against water leakages

• High performance at low and and high temperatures

• Can be used outdoors

• Strong adhesion to several different surfaces

• Easy to cut

• Excellent reflective surface

Is foil tape heat proof?

The aluminium foil tape we stock can withstand freezing temperatures from -15°C, to hot temperatures of 70°C. The acrylic adhesive is extremely durable and flame-resistant. 

Can foil tape be used outdoors?

Yes it can. Although it is not 100% waterproof, it is water-resistant.

What are the different types of foil tape?

Foil tape is available in a variety of types, from standard adhesive foil tape, to conductive tapes, reinforced tapes, high-peel and marine tapes. Other metals such as copper, lead and stainless steel are used as backing in addition to aluminium.

Our standard aluminium foil tape comes in three different widths: 48mm (standard width), 75mm (wide) and 100mm (extra wide). All of our foil tape is heavy duty and has a tensile strength of 12 N/cm. 

The table below shows the features of our aluminium foil tapes, as well as the technical information for each type. 

 

Tape	Features	Technical Information	Image
Adhesive Aluminium Foil Heavy Duty	Flame, water and UV resistant. Excellent reflective surface for both heat and light. Strong acrylic adhesive which bonds well to a wide range of surfaces including wood, metal, glass and waterproof items. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Supplied in single rolls Silver in colour Material: Aluminium Foil. Paper release carrier with emulsion based acrylic adhesive.	Width: 48mm Length: Available in 10m, 25m & 50m  Total thickness: 0.18mm (±0.01) Elongation: 10-20% Tensile Strength: 12 N/cm Temperature Rating: -15°C to +70°C Adhesive to Steel: >4 N/cm Roll Back Tack: >3 (ball no.)
Wide Adhesive Aluminium Foil Tape Heavy Duty	Flame, water and UV resistant. Excellent reflective surface for both heat and light. Strong acrylic adhesive which bonds well to a wide range of surfaces including wood, metal, glass and waterproof items. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Supplied in single rolls Silver in colour Material: Aluminium Foil. Paper release carrier with emulsion based acrylic adhesive.	Width: 75mm Length: 50m  Total thickness: 0.18mm (±0.01) Elongation: 10-20% Tensile Strength: 12 N/cm Temperature Rating: -15°C to +70°C Adhesive to Steel: >4 N/cm Roll Back Tack: >3 (ball no.)
Extra Wide Adhesive Aluminium Foil Tape Heavy Duty	Flame, water and UV resistant. Excellent reflective surface for both heat and light. Strong acrylic adhesive which bonds well to a wide range of surfaces including wood, metal, glass and waterproof items. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Supplied in single rolls Silver in colour Material: Aluminium Foil. Paper release carrier with emulsion based acrylic adhesive.	Width: 100mm Length: 50m  Total thickness: 0.18mm (±0.01) Elongation: 10-20% Tensile Strength: 12 N/cm Temperature Rating: -15°C to +70°C Adhesive to Steel: >4 N/cm Roll Back Tack: >3 (ball no.)

 

How to apply foil tape

1. Plan how you’re going to use the tape before you start peeling off the paper and exposing the adhesive backing layer. The shiny side should face out, while the dull side is peeled off to reveal the adhesive backing.

2. Measure and cut off the length of tape you’ll need before starting. This makes it easier to apply.

3. Once you know how much you need to apply, peel off an inch of the paper backing, and position the tape at the starting point, sticking it down.

4. Carefully peel off the backing paper as you go along. This makes the tape easier to apply, prevents too much crinkling, and minimises wastage.

5. After you’ve applied the tape, go along and seal down the edges with your fingers to remove any air gaps.

How much does foil tape cost?

Our Adhesive Aluminium Foil 48mm Heavy Duty tape is available from £1 per roll when bought as a single roll. 

Our premium tape - Extra Wide Adhesive Aluminium Foil Tape Heavy Duty - is available from £8.60 per roll. 

Where can I buy foil tape?

We stock three varieties of aluminium foil tape which are available to buy in bulk. We offer multi-buy discounts for packs bought in bulk, so the more you buy, the more you save. 

If you have any more questions about our foil tape, or any other tape products, please get in touch and contact us via live chat, email or telephone.