Strong double sided tape for a variety of applications.Available in easy tear tissue or tough polypropylene.Ideal for bonding plastic, metal, paper, wood or glass.Fingerlift has no adhesive on the edges making it very easy to remove the backing tape.
Tapes / Specialist Tapes / Finger Lift Double-Sided
| Product Code | Description |
| 13FL12T | 12/18mm - Finger Lift Double Sided Tape - Perm |
| 13FL18T | 18/24mm - Finger Lift Double Sided Tape - Perm |
Finger Lift Double-Sided Tape (Permanent) — Overview
Finger lift double-sided tape is designed for clean, controlled bonding where you want the strength of a permanent adhesive but easier liner removal during application. The “finger lift” feature refers to a release liner that extends beyond the adhesive area (often described as a dry-edge/extended-liner design), giving you a non-sticky edge to grip so the liner can be peeled away quickly and accurately. This is especially useful for repetitive tasks, narrow widths, and applications where operators wear gloves or need to avoid touching the adhesive.
Within this collection you’ll find permanent finger lift double-sided tape options in practical widths for production and general assembly. These tapes are commonly used to bond materials such as plastic, metal, paper, wood, and glass when surfaces are properly prepared and the correct tape construction is selected.
Finger Lift Double-Sided Tape — Helpful Guide
This guide explains what finger lift (extended-liner) double-sided tape is, where it performs best, and how to choose between the available sizes in this category. It also includes application tips to help you achieve consistent adhesion and reduce waste.
What “Finger Lift” (Extended Liner / Dry Edge) Means
- Easier liner removal: The liner overhang provides a tab-like edge so you can start the peel without picking at the corner.
- Cleaner handling: A non-adhesive edge helps keep fingers off the adhesive, reducing contamination from skin oils or dust.
- Better placement control: When you can remove the liner smoothly, you’re less likely to stretch, wrinkle, or misalign the tape during application.
- Faster throughput: In repetitive assembly, the time saved per piece can be significant, especially on narrow tapes.
Common Uses for Permanent Finger Lift Double-Sided Tape
- Point-of-sale and print finishing: Mounting, edging, and attaching paper/card components where a neat bond line is needed.
- Packaging and presentation: Securing inserts, samples, or lightweight components inside cartons and presentation packs.
- General assembly: Fixing trims, nameplates, lightweight panels, and components where mechanical fasteners are undesirable.
- Temporary positioning before final fixing: Holding parts in place during drilling, riveting, or other secondary operations (always validate suitability for your process).
Types and Products in This Category
The products in this collection are permanent finger lift double-sided tapes offered in different width ranges. Choose the width that best matches your bond area and handling needs:
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6/12mm Finger Lift Double Sided Tape - Perm
Best for narrow bond lines, small components, edging, and detailed work where precision matters. Narrow widths can also reduce visible tape lines on lightweight materials and help minimize waste when only a small contact area is required.
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12/18mm - Finger Lift Double Sided Tape - Perm
A versatile mid-width option for general bonding tasks. This size range is often chosen when you need a little more surface contact for improved holding power while still keeping application manageable on smaller parts and packaging components.
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18/24mm - Finger Lift Double Sided Tape - Perm
Suited to wider bond areas, larger panels, and applications where increased contact area helps distribute stress. Wider tapes can also improve performance on slightly textured substrates by increasing the effective bonded surface (subject to surface preparation and tape construction).
Case Study: Faster Assembly with Cleaner Liner Removal
A small production team assembling presentation packs needed a reliable way to fix lightweight plastic inserts to printed board. Standard double-sided tape worked, but operators frequently struggled to start the liner peel, leading to bent corners, fingerprints on adhesive, and inconsistent placement. Switching to a finger lift (extended-liner) double-sided tape reduced handling time and improved consistency because the liner could be lifted quickly from the dry edge. The team also reported fewer rejects caused by misalignment and less rework from adhesive contamination.
How to Choose the Correct Finger Lift Double-Sided Tape
1) Match Tape Width to the Bond Area
- Small parts and narrow flanges: Choose a narrow width to avoid overhang and keep edges neat.
- General bonding: A mid-width tape often balances ease of application with adequate contact area.
- Larger surfaces: Wider tape can help spread load and improve resistance to peel forces.
2) Consider the Substrates (Plastic, Metal, Paper, Wood, Glass)
Permanent double-sided tapes can bond well to many common materials, but results depend heavily on surface energy, texture, and cleanliness:
- Plastics: Some plastics are harder to bond than others. Always test on your specific plastic type and finish.
- Metal and glass: Typically bond well when surfaces are clean and dry; remove oils and residues before application.
- Paper and board: Porous surfaces may require firm pressure to ensure the adhesive wets into the fibers; avoid dusty stock.
- Wood: Variability in grain, coatings, and dust can affect adhesion; sanded or sealed surfaces often perform more consistently.
3) Understand Stress Direction: Shear vs Peel
- Shear load (sliding): Tape generally performs better when the load is spread across the bonded area.
- Peel load (lifting edge): Peel is more demanding; increase bond area, reduce edge lifting, and consider design changes that protect the tape edge.
4) Environmental Conditions
Temperature, humidity, and exposure to sunlight or chemicals can influence performance. If the bonded item will face heat, cold, moisture, or cleaning agents, run a realistic trial. Apply tape within a suitable temperature range and allow time for the adhesive to build strength before stressing the bond.
Best Practices for Application (Reducing Failures and Waste)
Surface Preparation
- Clean: Remove dust, oils, release agents, and fingerprints. A clean, lint-free wipe and an appropriate cleaner can improve consistency.
- Dry: Moisture can interfere with adhesion; ensure surfaces are fully dry before applying tape.
- Sound substrate: Flaking paint, loose fibers, or powdery coatings can cause adhesive failure at the surface layer rather than within the tape.
Application Technique
- Apply with firm, even pressure: Pressure helps the adhesive “wet out” and make intimate contact with the surface.
- Avoid stretching: Stretching can cause shrink-back and edge lift over time, especially on longer runs.
- Use the finger lift edge: Start the liner peel from the dry edge to keep the adhesive clean and speed up placement.
- Align once: Where possible, position carefully before full pressure is applied to reduce rework.
Curing / Dwell Time
Many pressure-sensitive adhesives build bond strength over time. For best results, avoid heavy handling or load immediately after application. If your process requires immediate strength, validate performance under real conditions and consider increasing bond area or pressure during application.
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Tape lifts at the edges
- Check for dust, oils, or moisture on the surface.
- Increase pressure during application and consider a wider tape to increase contact area.
- Reduce peel forces by redesigning the joint so the tape is loaded in shear rather than peel.
Problem: Poor adhesion to plastic
- Confirm the plastic type; some low-surface-energy plastics are difficult to bond.
- Test on a cleaned surface and consider light abrasion where appropriate (only if it won’t damage the part).
- Increase bond area or use multiple strips to improve holding power.
Problem: Liner is difficult to remove
- Use the finger lift/dry edge to start the peel rather than picking at corners.
- Store tape in a controlled environment; excessive heat can make liners feel tighter.
- Ensure the tape is not being compressed excessively in storage, which can increase liner adhesion.
Problem: Adhesive transfers or looks messy
- Avoid touching the adhesive; handle from the dry edge and liner.
- Apply at a suitable temperature; very high temperatures can soften adhesives.
- Use clean cutting tools and avoid tearing against dusty surfaces.
Storage and Handling
- Keep rolls sealed: Protect from dust and airborne contamination.
- Store cool and dry: Stable conditions help maintain consistent unwind and adhesion.
- Rotate stock: Use older rolls first to reduce the chance of liner/adhesive changes over time.
- Avoid crushing: Do not stack heavy items on rolls; deformation can affect unwind and application.
Q&A
What is finger lift double-sided tape and how is it different from standard double-sided tape?
Finger lift double-sided tape uses an extended release liner or dry-edge design that creates a non-sticky edge to grip. This makes the liner easier to start and peel away, improving handling speed and reducing adhesive contamination compared with standard double-sided tapes.
Will permanent finger lift double-sided tape bond to plastic, metal, wood, glass, and paper?
It can bond to many common substrates, but performance depends on surface cleanliness, texture, and the specific material type (especially plastics). For best results, clean and dry the surface, apply firm pressure, and test on your exact materials and conditions.
How do I choose the right tape width for my application?
Select a width that matches the available bond area and expected stress. Narrow widths suit small parts and neat edges, mid widths work for general bonding, and wider tapes increase contact area for larger surfaces or higher peel risk. Validate with a trial.
Why does double-sided tape sometimes lift at the edges after application?
Edge lift is commonly caused by dust, oils, moisture, insufficient pressure, or loading the joint in peel rather than shear. Improve surface preparation, apply more pressure, increase bond area, and design the joint to protect tape edges from lifting forces.
How should I apply finger lift double-sided tape for consistent results?
Apply to a clean, dry surface with firm, even pressure and avoid stretching the tape. Use the finger lift edge to start liner removal and keep fingers off the adhesive. Allow time for bond strength to build before heavy handling or loading.