How to Choose the Right Packing Tape For Your Boxes
Whether you are packing items to move from one location to another or you are packing items for shipping, you will need to use appropriate packing boxes to secure the items, during the moving or shipping. You will also need packing tape to help secure the boxes. Here is a brief guide on how to go about choosing the right packing tape to meet your packing needs:
The Adhesive
Packing tape is made from a different adhesive, and your choice of tape should depend on the purpose for which it will be used. For instance, for shipping boxes, hot melt adhesive is recommended, because it has superior holding power and a high initial tack. For packing moving boxes, acrylic adhesives may be recommended. They will also give you superior holding power, and they perform best under all temperature conditions, making them ideal for moving or shipping at all times of the year.
The Width of the Tape
Most packing tape’s width is between 2 and 3 inches. For packing small to medium sized boxes, the 2” wide tape will suffice. But for large boxes, the 3” would be most recommended, because it will provide better security and adhesion.
The Thickness of the Tape
The thickness of packing tapes is normally measured in thousands of an inch, or simply mils. For most of the lightweight packing needs, 1.3mils and 1.6 mils, are often used. For heavyweight packing (20 lbs and above), 1.9mils to 3.0mils are recommended.
The Color of the Tape
It is also important to consider the color of the packing tape, though this may not have any bearing on its strength or integrity. The tapes are available in a variety of colors, and you are free to use whatever color you desire, though the majority of people prefer clear tape. If you are importing boxes for shipping, however, you may opt for a matching color to the packaging, just to create the right impression for your clients.
