Stick It To Me

Kristen the Intern here. Today we are talking about embossing powder and how double-coated tape makes it even more versatile.

Even individuals who don't know anything about tape have most likely used a variation of double-sided tape in their life. These are tapes that have adhesive on both sides. These tapes can be used for 1,000's of applications.

Tape-Rite offers a wide range of double-sided tape products. One of our products, 254M, is an acid-free double-coated tape that comes in a variety of sizes. It is a non-yellowing tape with adhesive on both sides. This makes it very popular for a wide range of applications in the stationery industry. It can be used for bonding papers together, envelope closures when creating invitations sets, and attaching fabrics. At Tape-Rite, you can purchase 254M in rolls from 1/8" up to 18" wide as well as die-cut strips, sheets and shapes for use in kits or custom designs.

Another popular use of the 254M is for embossing powder application when making custom invitations, cards, envelopes or whatever. The standard method of using embossing powder is to use a rubber stamp with pigment ink. After you stamp the ink on your paper the embossing powder is sprinkled on it, the excess is removed and then heat is applied. The powder melts resulting in an elegant, embossed design. So, where does the tape come in?

The 254M tape takes the place of the ink when applying the embossing powder. It gives you more flexibility in creating new designs. You can use it to make raised edges and decorative borders. If you apply it to your borders and then cut them with shapes scissors you can creat fancy shaped edges. You can also cut out various shapes using a Cricut or other cutting machine. These shapes can enhance the theme of your card or invitation. Tape-Rite's 254M tape makes embossing much more versatile!

Just apply the tape, remove the backing paper and sprinkle on the powder just like you would with the ink. Remove the excess, apply heat and Voila!, you have and embossed edge or design. If you want to know more about using embossing powder or if you want to order the stamps, ink or tape contact my good friend Beth at www.stampit.com.

Hopefully after reading this incredible blog post, you will give us a call and place an order for the 254M! Its applications are endless! If you don't believe ME, just ask Dr. Tape!

This will be my last guest blog for the summer! I will be leaving behind my role as an intern at Tape-Rite to explore Ireland for the next few months. Don't worry though, I will continue to make an appearance on the blog from the Emerald Isle!

Stardream or Tape Nightmare?!

Stardream paper has become one of the most popular types of paper used in the stationery industry. Its pearlescent finish adds to the appeal of any project or stationery item. The paper is coated on both sides and has a finish that gives it a high quality look.



Though the look of your finished product is enhanced when using Stardream, the paper also has a dark, sinister side that no one ever realizes until they begin to use it. The coating that I previously mentioned is a UV coating made of silicone plastic which makes Stardream one of the most difficult papers to stick to. This becomes a real challenge when putting together detailed invitations or crafty projects.



Lucky for you, TAPE-RITE has a specific product intended for use with the stardream paper. Our 7502X transfer tape for ATG dispensers is a hi-performance grade tape that works very well on Stardream and other papers like it. The 7502X is available in two different sizes, 1/2" and 3/4", both in 36 yard rolls. It has superior holding capabilities that make it the perfect tape for use on Stardream and other papers like it.


In addition to being effective on the Stardream paper, the 7502x can hold similar hard to stick papers or plastics. It can also be used on lighter papers if you are looking for a tape with a strong amount of adhesion. In fact, the adhesion level of the 7502X is 150% stronger than the standard adhesive ATG tape! The 7502X is economically priced in comparison to the standard-grade despite the enhanced level of adhesion. The 7502X works in any ATG dispenser.


So, if you use Stardream and you need a tape that really sticks, call TAPE-RITE! If you have another inquiry regarding a specific application, give us a call too! We are here to solve your sticky problems!

Sex, Lies and Hexayurt Tape

As we make our way towards September, we are approaching the annual Burning Man Festival. The Burning Man Festival is held every year prior to and including Labor Day in the Black Rock Desert, 120 miles north of Reno, Nevada. The festival began in 1986 and gained its name from the ritual of burning a wooden effigy on the Saturday before Labor Day.

Since Burning Man is aimed to be an exercise in self-sufficiency, those who attend are required to provide their own shelters. Though tents are one option, hexayurts have become a popular alternative. Hexayurts can be made out of a variety of sheet goods including plywood, OSB, coroplast and more. Not only is it an inexpensive shelter, but it is easy to make and can be broken down and re-used.

Why are we discussing hexayurts? One of the most important materials when making your hexayurt is using the right kind of tape to hold it together. We have this tape! It's called bi-directional filament tape. Bi-directional means the re-inforcing fibers run lengthwise and crosswise giving the tape tremendous strength.

While hexayurts are widely used at Burning Man, they provide a valuable housing solution for other situations as well. They are ideal for disaster relief or as a temporary place for refugees. Using 5 individuals, a simple hexayurt can be built in 2 hours. In addition, people now use hexayarts for backyard sheds, greenhouses, camping shelters or even inexpensive housing. Though the basic hexayurt can be made at a low cost, as more people begin to explore the building of hexayurts, their features are becoming more advanced. Based on both the materials used to build and the interior amenities, hexayurts are now becoming more expensive and luxurious. To learn more about hexayurts and view videos detailing the building process, go to: http://hexayurt.com/

At Tape-Rite, we sell bi-di filament tape specially made for assemblage of hexayurts. If you are interested in more information regarding tape used for building a hexayurt, please visit: www.taperite.com/Bi-di.html

For general information on the Burning Man Festival, visit: www.burningman.com