The Framers Forum

I've been using Superpaper brown tape from Lion to back most of the frames I make. I inherited some stock from the previous framer and have carried on using it. However, I notice that the adhesion is not always 100% and if pictures are hung in cold places, such as our Chapel Gallery here at Seale-Hayne, the tape crinkles a lot and does not maintain a good seal. Am I doing something wrong or using the wrong tape? Can anyone recommend a better tape?

Try UK industrial Tape. Very good

self adhesive tapes can have that sort of problem, especially with cold conditions and changes in temperature. Are you burnishing it down well when you use it? That can help a bit. We used gummed paper tape for most things and only you self adhesive for plastic mouldings and that seems to not have the same sort of problems.

If you are using the licky-sticky gum tape from Lion, the last lot I had was a tad thin and wrinkled like billyo when wet. Also tore very easily.

Follow the link from Kwik for better stuff.

Lion would not be still selling this tape unless it makes good business sense, so there must be a good number of customers using it without serious problems. So we need to work out what is going wrong and here's a few points to consider:

All self adhesive tapes have a limited shelf life. If you don't know how old it is, perhaps it's time to try replacing your stock. I never used this particular tape, so it is difficult to advise whether this is a good tape, or otherwise.

The temperature and humidity in your workshop could be a possible problem. Self adhesive materials often don't work well, if used much below normal room temperatures. Perhaps you can request the product data sheet for the tape and see what is specified concerning the recommended operating temperature range?

BTW, I came to Hannah's at Seale Hayne on the public opening day and was very impressed with the objectives and vision for the future of Seale Hayne. I am not far away from you, so feel free to say hello if you are ever in Bovey Tracey.

I use Sakasui 504 from here You will have to buy quantity from these people but i think framers equipment sell it as well.

I've started to use the Sakasui stuff because I just don't feel I get the longevity of adhesion with the wetted gum tape. I like the look of the licky stuff. I tend to use Artbak Aqua as a default for it's looks, but it does have a surface sheen to it.

Unfortunately the water based brown paper gum tape does not work equally well on all surfaces, but it sticks amazingly well to foamboard. IMHO, brown paper gum tape looks the best. (And it's cheaper too!)

When not using gummed brown paper tape, I used Sakasui 504.

Gummed tape here with a roll of self adhesive to hand when required which isn't often - glass replacement when the backing is one of these water-resistant ones, plastic mouldings, etc. No idea what brand the self adhesive is, we sell it in the shop, which is where I steal it from.

I use Sekisui 504. It has to be burnished to get good adhesion but when that is done sticks well and doesn't come up. Its long been a debate with framers licky sticky or self adhesive. Personally the use of materials such as corricor backings and mouldings that seem to have waterproof surfaces have steered me in the direction of self adhesive. Having tried many over the years, some of them giving dismal results - crinkely partial adhesion being one of the less pleasing. The Sekisui 504 is very good - sticks well to itself and can be easily removed with a hot air gun used to soften the adhesive.

I'm going to give the Sakasui tape a go. Have just ordered a roll from Jackson's. Thanks again for the advice.

If I have to use sa tape I like the black stuff from Lion. It's a tad pricey, but looks good and lasts a long time. It's good for tidying the backs of strut back frames.