Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Heavy Duty Black Mounting Tape and Crystal Clear Mounting Tape?

Sticky Lab offers two professional mounting tapes to suit different applications.

Heavy Duty Black Mounting Tape is ideal for painted metal, powder-coated surfaces, composite panels, automotive applications and heavier exterior installations where maximum strength is the priority.

Crystal Clear Mounting Tape offers the same high-performance acrylic foam technology but provides a virtually invisible bond, making it ideal for glass, acrylic, Perspex®, display panels, interior signage and decorative installations where appearance matters.

Both tapes provide excellent long-term adhesion and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Which mounting tape should I choose?

Choose Heavy Duty Black Mounting Tape if you're bonding:

  • Painted metal
  • Powder-coated surfaces
  • Aluminium signs
  • Automotive trim
  • Exterior panels
  • Heavy-duty installations

Choose Crystal Clear Mounting Tape if you're bonding:

  • Glass
  • Acrylic
  • Perspex®
  • Clear plastic
  • Retail displays
  • Decorative panels
  • Interior signs

If you're unsure, contact us and we'll recommend the best tape for your application.

Can both tapes be used outdoors?

Yes.

Both Heavy Duty Black Mounting Tape and Crystal Clear Mounting Tape are designed for indoor and outdoor applications. They are resistant to moisture, UV exposure, temperature changes and general weathering when applied correctly.

Are both tapes waterproof?

Yes.

Both mounting tapes feature a closed-cell acrylic foam core that resists water and moisture, making them suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor signage and many external installations.

Can both tapes replace screws, nails or rivets?

In many applications, yes.

Both the Heavy Duty Black and Crystal Clear mounting tapes are designed to create an exceptionally strong permanent bond that can replace mechanical fixings in many compatible applications while providing a cleaner, more professional finish.

Can I use Heavy Duty Black Tape on glass?

Yes, but we generally recommend Crystal Clear Mounting Tape for glass applications.

Crystal Clear tape creates a virtually invisible bond, making it the preferred choice for mirrors, glass panels, shop displays and decorative installations.

Can I use Crystal Clear Tape on metal?

Absolutely.

Crystal Clear Mounting Tape bonds extremely well to smooth metal surfaces including aluminium and stainless steel.

However, for painted, powder-coated or heavy-duty structural applications, our Heavy Duty Black Mounting Tape is usually the better option.

Are both tapes genuine 3M™ VHB™ tapes?

Yes.

Both our Heavy Duty Black Mounting Tape and Crystal Clear Mounting Tape are manufactured using genuine 3M™ VHB™ acrylic foam tape, professionally converted into convenient roll sizes for trade professionals, businesses and DIY customers.

Which tape is strongest?

Both tapes provide exceptional bonding performance.

The best choice depends on the surface rather than one tape simply being "stronger."

Heavy Duty Black Tape performs exceptionally well on painted and powder-coated metals.

Crystal Clear Tape performs exceptionally well on smooth transparent materials such as glass and acrylic while maintaining a discreet appearance.

How much weight can the tapes hold?

Both mounting tapes are capable of supporting significant loads when used correctly.

Holding strength depends on:

  • Bonding area
  • Surface preparation
  • Material being bonded
  • Temperature
  • Direction of the load

For the strongest bond, always maximise the contact area and allow the adhesive to cure fully.

How long does it take for the bond to reach full strength?

Both tapes develop strength over time.

Typical curing times are:

  • Immediate initial tack
  • Approximately 50% bond strength after 20 minutes
  • Around 90% after 24 hours
  • Maximum bond strength after approximately 72 hours

What surfaces can the tapes be used on?

Our mounting tapes are suitable for many compatible surfaces, including:

  • Steel
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminium
  • Glass
  • Acrylic
  • Perspex®
  • Composite panels
  • Painted metal
  • Powder-coated metal
  • Many plastics
  • Finished wood

Heavy Duty Black Tape is generally preferred for painted and textured surfaces.

Crystal Clear Tape is ideal where appearance is just as important as strength.

Will the tape damage surfaces when removed?

Both products are designed as permanent mounting tapes.

Removing either tape may leave adhesive residue and, depending on the surface, could damage paint or decorative finishes.

Do I need primer?

In most applications, no.

Both tapes bond extremely well to clean, smooth surfaces.

For difficult or low surface energy plastics, an adhesion promoter may improve long-term performance.

Can I cut the tape to size?

Yes.

Both Heavy Duty Black Mounting Tape and Crystal Clear Mounting Tape can easily be trimmed using sharp scissors or a knife to suit your installation.

What sizes do you offer?

Both tapes are available in:

Widths

  • 5 mm
  • 8 mm
  • 10 mm
  • 15 mm
  • 20 mm
  • 25 mm

Lengths

  • 1 metre
  • 3 metres
  • 5 metres
  • 10 metres