Is Duct Tape Waterproof?

Is Duct Tape Water Resistant? As we all know, duct tapes are our lifesavers, however, they are not always waterproof. Although, most duct tapes absorb moisture for a small span of time but lose their stickiness when damp. Consequently, companies have now started to produce waterproof duct tapes.

duct tape

Benefits of Waterproof Duct Tape 

Waterproof duct-tapes have the following benefits:

  • Waterproof duct tapes are famous for their versatility- they can be used for almost anything and everything, including repair, stopping leaks, and color-coding.
  • The top duct tape brands also offer a manufacturer’s guarantee upon purchase. 
  • They are a good value for money, as you no longer need to hire a handyman to do the repair work
  • They are also user-friendly. You can tear duct tape without much effort 
  • Good quality duct tape also holds in extreme weather conditions 
  • This water resistant tape can be used to patch holes temporarily in for example, a boat or roof due to its property of repelling water so well.

Qualities of the Best Waterproof Duct Tapes 

The best waterproof duct tapes will have the following characteristics: 

Waterproof 

Many tapes claim to be waterproof, but they aren’t. The level of waterproofing also differs amongst the variety. For the best waterproof tape, water, moisture, sweat, saliva, or any other fluid won’t be able to get through the surface. Hence, anything under the tape will remain dry

at all times. Brands such as Gorilla, are the most waterproof. 

Versatile 

The tape will be used for a variety of functions, both indoors and outdoors. It can also be used on various materials, including metal, PVC, plastic, wood, and leather. This is because the tape is likely to be made of high-grade material and strong adhesives. 

Strength and durability 

The best waterproof tape will be extremely strong. It will make sure that it does not fray, tear, or get cut easily by objects. You won’t have to replace the tape again and again. It won’t be affected by pressure either. The tape will also resist water and moisture. The duct tape will also be weatherproof and will stay put in harsh weather conditions.

User-friendly 

Some of the best waterproof tapes will come with an easy-to-understand instruction manual. It won’t be too big or too small in size and will feel comfortable in your hand. It will also roll out smoothly, without much effort. 

Size 

The right water resistant tape won’t be too wide or too narrow. The ideal tape should also be long, for easy use. 

Safety 

A good water resistant tape will be made up of safe, non-toxic compounds, such as Phthalates, sulfates, and a strong chemical odor. The design will also be safe, this means that the tape won’t have any rough edges which may scratch or cause bruises. While buying tape, always make sure it is from a certified company. 

Different Types of Duct Tape – Are You Using the Right One?

In some cases, the type of duct tape depends on the application. Here is a list of the different types of duct tape available in the market.

duct tape

Waterproof reflective tape 

The main feature of this tape is that it has great visibility, even in low lighting. It also sticks quite well on a variety of surfaces and tolerates extreme weather conditions as well. They also come in a variety of different colors. Therefore, you can use this weatherproof duct tape on traffic signs, advertising boards, and cars. You can also use this tape on heavy equipment like boats, machinery, motorcycles, and mailboxes. 

Waterproof rubber tape 

Waterproof rubber tape is easy to use, strong and durable. The instructions are easy to follow and it can withstand high temperatures and pressure as well. Their elasticity creates an airtight barrier, keeping various elements like water from escaping. These tapes are more useful on round surfaces than flat ones. Consequently, rubber tapes can be used to patch up holes in pipes and hoses, and on materials including ceramic, PVC, metal, drywall, and plastic. 

Waterproof drywall tape 

Waterproof drywall tape is waterproof and fireproof, and it can be used to cover cracks, joints, and holes effectively. It can hold plasterboard, drywall, and concrete together for a long time. Drywall tapes are pretty cheap and come in roles of approximately 75 feet. Drywall tape is specifically designed for hard surfaces. 

 

Tips for Buying and Using Waterproof Tapes 

duct tape

The most important characteristic of waterproof tape is usability. Good quality waterproof tapes are easy to cut and repels water and moisture. Before using the tape make sure the surface is dry and clean, this increases the adhesiveness. It is also better to stick with the top brands. 

6 Best Waterproof Duct Tapes 

Waterproof duct tape is amongst one of the most useful items which should be found in everyone’s toolbox. The first layer is made up of polythene film band, a barrier against water infiltration and it guarantees elasticity as well. The second layer is a fabric mesh that has a very high resistance to tearing. Both these layers help in making sure that the duct tape is waterproof.

The following brands offer waterproof duct tape:

1.   Duck Max Strength 240201 Duct Tape

Duck Max Strength 240201 Duct Tape

 

Check Duck Max Strength on Amazon

  • High tensile strength
  • Ideal for bundling, sealing, waterproofing and hanging plastic sheeting
  • Aggressive rubber-based adhesive for holding power to masonry, wood, plastic, and glass
  • Stretchable and comfortable to use
  • Rating: 4.5/5

2.   Scotch Super Thin Waterproof Vinyl Plastic Colored Tape

Scotch Painter's tape

Check Vinyl Colored Tape on Amazon

  •  Super thin and colored
  •  Made of vinyl plastic material
  • Extra stretchy and moisture resistant
  • Comes with 5 tap rolls each of green, yellow, blue, white and red color in a pack
  • Rating: 4.5/5

3.   The Original Duct Tape Brand 394468 Duct Tape

 The Original Duck Tape Brand

Check 394468 Duct Tape on Amazon

  • Used for temporary household repairs, such as holding, seaming, sealing and bundling
  • Works on a variety of surfaces including wood, vinyl, plastic, leather, metal, and laminate
  • Tears easily by hand
  • Strong adhesion with waterproof backing 
  •  Rating: 4.5/5

4.   3M Scotch Duct Tape, Duct Blind

3M Scotch Duct Tape, Duct Blind

Check Duct Blind on Amazon

  • Multi-purpose duct tapes for crafting, decorating and color coding
  • Available in different colors and pattern
  •  Durable and waterproof
  • Tears easily
  • Rating: 4/5

5.   The Original Duct Tape Brand 394475 Duct Tape

duct tape

Check Duck Max Strength on Amazon

  •  Useful for temporary repairs
  • Tears easily
  • Works on wood, vinyl, plastic, leather, metal, and laminate
  •  Can be used both indoors and outdoors
  •  Rating: 4.5/5

6.     Scotch Stucco Tape, 3260-A

Poly Stucco Tape

Check Poly Stucco Tape on Amazon

  • Heavy-duty poly stucco tape
  • Waterproof poly backing
  • UV resistant
  • Used in traditional three-coat, hard-coat, one-coat stucco or EIFS processes
  • Rating: 4.5/5

3 Best Weatherproof Duct Tapes

Weatherproof duct tape is specifically designed to face all weather conditions. The powerful adhesion combined with excellent weather availability allows thee tape to hold in intense heat, cold, and precipitation without drying, peeling, or cracking.

The following brands offer weatherproof duct tape:

1.   ProTapes Pro Duct 110 PE-Coated Cloth General Purpose Duct Tape

ProTapes Pro Duct 110 PE-Coated Cloth General Purpose Duct Tape

Check110 PE-Coated Cloth on Amazon

  • Good balance of strength and conformability
  • Aggressive adhesion to smooth and rough surfaces
  • PE-coated cloth-backed tape with rubber adhesive
  • High-temperature resistance
  • Rating:4.5/5

2.   Rescue Tape

Rescue Tape

Check Rescue Tape on Amazon

  •  Yellow silicone tape which can repair almost anything
  •  Used by the U.S.A military in their Recovery and Battle Damage Assessment Repair Kit
  • Works in extreme temperatures also
  • Rating: 4/5

3.   T.R.U. AF-20R Heat Shield Resistant Aluminum Foil Tape

T.R.U. AF-20R Heat Shield Resistant Aluminum Foil Tape

Check Aluminium Foil Tape on Amazon

  • Resistant to water vapor, some chemicals, flame, moisture, weather, and smoke transmission
  •  Acts as a vapor barrier to ensure the insulation system works properly
  • Thermal conductivity helps cooling and heating efficiency
  • Conformable backing and pressure-sensitive rubber adhesive adheres to a variety of surfaces
  • Rating: 4.5/5

2 Best Water Resistant Duct Tapes

Due to its extensive usage, both indoors and outdoors, duct tape is designed to be water-resistant. The fabric-based tape with a polythene coating makes it repel water. Consequently, duct tape is able to hold up for a certain time period underwater. However, over time the adhesive material may peel away from the object. In this case, check the labeling to see if the tape is waterproof or water-resistant.

The following brands offer weatherproof duct tape:

1. 3M Contractor Grade Pro Strength Duct Tape 3979 Silver

Contracter Grade Pro Duct tape

Check Contractor Grade Pro Strength on Amazon

  •  Commercial grade-resists curling and tears off roll cleanly for general use in professional construction applications
  • Flexible Adhesive-Aggressive synthetic rubber adhesive sticks immediately to a wide variety of surfaces
  • Resists moisture
  • Useful for patching, reinforcing, tabbing, bundling, capping pipe, marking, labeling, temporary repair
  • Available at reasonable rates 
  • Rating:4.5/5

2.     Nashua 357 Polyethylene Coated Cloth Premium Grade Duct Tape

Nashua 357 Polyethylene Coated Cloth Premium Grade Duct Tape

Check Premium Grade Duct Tape on Amazon

  • Used for the heavy-duty contractor and manufacturing jobs
  • Natural strong rubber adhesive
  • Polyethylene-coated cloth backing allows for smooth and consistent unwind
  • Resists moisture, chemicals, solvents, punctures, and abrasion
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Rating: 4.5/5

Gorilla Tape

Gorilla tape is a subcategory of duct tape. It’s twice as thick as duct tape with more adhesive power, while still being able to be torn by hand. It penetrates rough surfaces and fills gap including surfaces such as wood, plaster, metal, brick etc.

Is Gorilla Tape Waterproof?

Most gorilla tapes are water-resistant, but high-performance gorilla tapes are waterproof. With extra thick adhesive layers than usual duct tapes, these seal out water way longer and better hence, avoiding leakages. It’s the best waterproof tape so far and can be used as an underwater tape.

The following brand offers waterproof masking tapes:

1.   Gorilla Crystal Clear Duct Tape

Gorilla Crystal Clear Duct Tape

Check Gorilla Crystal Clear on Amazon

  • It is a heavy-duty, all-purpose tape that is weatherproof, airtight and crystal clear
  • It can be used for patching smooth surfaces and even sticks on uneven surfaces
  • It is UV and temperature resistant, so it can be used both indoors and outdoors without yellowing
  • The heavy-duty adhesive layer and waterproof backing increase durability
  • Rating:4.5/5

2.  Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape

Check Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal on Amazon
  • Creates a permanent bond that instantly seals out moisture, air and water.
  • Gorilla waterproof patch and seal tape works great on repairs for indoor, outdoor, and even underwater such as pools.
  • Its flexibility conforms to the surface to repair holes, cracks, tears, and gaps.
  • Has an extra thick adhesive layer.
  • Has UV resistant backing.
  • Fixes leaks in roofs, plastic, rubber or vinyl pool liners.
  • 2x more tape than other 5 ft. flexible tapes.
  • Rating:4.5/5

Masking Tape

Masking tape, also known as painter’s tape is mainly used in painting and on are areas that can’t be painted. The tape can be easily removed without leaving a mark or damaging the surface where it is applied.

Is Masking Tape Waterproof?

Most masking tapes are water-resistant, but high-performance masking tapes are waterproof. The thick paper backing not only makes the tape waterproof but it also increases its holding power and conformability.

The following brand offers waterproof masking tapes:

  3M Scotch Water Resistant Blue Automotive Masking Tape

3M Scotch Water Resistant Blue Automotive Masking Tape

Check 3M Scotch Water Resistant Tape on Amazon

  • Water and solvent resistance ensures adhesion if the product gets wet
  • Minute chance of tape peeling off
  •  Blue color allows the tape to be spotted easily
  • Rating: 4.5/5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Waterproof Duct Tape

duct tape

What Kind of Tape is Waterproof?

There are some kinds of duct tape that are waterproof, and we have reviewed them in this article:

  • Duck Max Strength 240201 Duct Tape
  • Scotch Super Thin Waterproof Vinyl Plastic Colored Tape
  • The Original Duct Tape Brand 394468 Duct Tape
  • 3M Scotch Duct Tape, Duct Blind
  • The Original Duct Tape Brand 394475 Duct Tape
  • Scotch Stucco Tape, 3260-A]

What does Duct Tape Not Stick To?

Duct tape does not stick to uneven and rough surfaces such as concrete due to the thin adhesive layer.

Where should you not use duct tape?

Duct tape should not be used on hot or cold surfaces. When the surface is hot, the adhesive softens and loses its strength meanwhile when the surface is cold, the adhesive hardens losing its sticking power.

Is 3M Duct Tape Waterproof?

The 3M Scotch Duct Tape, Duct Blind is waterproof, and we have given a detailed review of its features above. The 3M Scotch Water Resistant Blue Automotive Masking Tape is a water-resistant option as well. You can check out its review in this article too.

How do I use waterproof tape to remove splinters? 

Just follow these simple steps: 

  • Cut a small piece of waterproof tape 
  • Stick it on the area where the splinter is
  • Pull it off gently 

Is plastic electrical tape waterproof? 

Not all of them are waterproof. 

Can I use tuck tape as an alternative to waterproof tape?

Tuck tape is used to seal seams and joints in house wrap. However, it can also be used in emergencies when duct tape is not available. 

Michael Holding
 

Michael is an outdoor adventurer and a kayaking enthusiast who loves to share his experiences with others. He is the Chief Editor at XgearHub.

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