A Practical Guide to Adhesive Types and Their Applications
Not all adhesives are created equal — and choosing the right one can make or break your job. Whether you’re sealing cartons, mounting signage, or masking during paintwork, it’s the adhesive inside the tape that determines how well it sticks, how long it lasts, and whether it leaves residue when removed.
Here’s a quick comparison of the main adhesive types used in tape:
|
Adhesive Type |
Key Strengths |
Best For |
Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Water-Based Acrylic |
UV resistance, economical, clear finish |
Indoor bonding, general packaging |
Slow cure, moderate adhesion |
|
Solvent Acrylic |
Strong, weather & chemical resistant |
Outdoor use, long-term durability |
More expensive, less clear |
|
Hotmelt (Synthetic Rubber) |
Instant tack, cost-effective |
High-speed carton sealing |
Poor UV & cold resistance |
|
Natural Rubber |
Versatile, strong on rough surfaces |
Cold temps, uneven or dusty surfaces |
Limited UV resistance |
|
Silicone |
High temp, no residue on removal |
Powder coating, sensitive surfaces |
Expensive, low initial tack |
|
Butyl Rubber |
Waterproof, long-lasting seal |
Outdoor sealing, roofing, pipework |
Not suitable for structural loads |
Acrylic Adhesives
Best for: Long-term bonding, UV resistance, clear appearance
Acrylic adhesives come in two types:
-
Water-based acrylics – economical, long ageing, UV resistant
-
Solvent-based acrylics – stronger, higher performance, better resistance to heat, chemicals, and moisture
|
Feature |
Water-Based Acrylic |
Solvent Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
|
Curing Time |
2–4 days |
2–3 days |
|
Performance |
Good |
Excellent |
|
UV Resistance |
Excellent |
Good |
|
Temperature Resistance |
Moderate |
High |
Examples
- Water based acrylics: Stylus Acrylic Packaging Tape Range
- Solvent-based acrylics: Stylus 740, 745, 765, HBF High Bond Foam Tapes
Hotmelt (Synthetic Rubber) Adhesives
Best for: Fast tack, high volume packaging
Hotmelt adhesives cure in minutes and offer aggressive initial bond — ideal for fast-paced applications. They’re man-made for enhanced tack but can underperform in cold or outdoor conditions.
|
Strengths |
Limitations |
|---|---|
|
Instant grip |
Poor UV & chemical resistance |
|
Cost-effective |
Low cold temperature tolerance |
|
Great for cartons |
Not ideal for long-term exposure |
Examples :
Natural Rubber Adhesives
Best for: Versatile bonding, rough or cold surfaces, clean removal
Derived from rubber trees, natural rubber adhesives offer a premium balance of strength, flexibility, and clean removal — especially good on irregular or porous surfaces such as recycled cardboard.
|
Property |
Packaging Grade |
Specialty Grade |
|---|---|---|
|
Temp Range |
-10°C to 45°C |
-10°C to 80°C+ |
|
UV Resistance |
Poor |
Moderate to High (with modifiers) |
|
Clean Removal |
Good |
Excellent |
|
Cure Time |
1–2 days |
1–2 days |
Examples:
Silicone Adhesives
Best for: High heat environments, splicing, clean removal from sensitive surfaces
Silicone adhesives are made from silica which is a natural mineral found in one fourth of the earth’s crust, making them the most expensive adhesive used in tapes.
They have the highest rated temperature range (from high to extreme temperatures 180°C to 250°C and above). They have very low initial bond strength that becomes strong after adhesive sets.
Examples
Butyl Rubber Adhesive
Best for: Waterproof sealing and outdoor use
Butyl adhesives form an immediate, flexible bond that’s incredibly waterproof and weather-resistant — perfect for sealing joints, roof repairs, or pipework.
|
Key Benefits |
Limitations |
|---|---|
|
100% tack on contact – no cure time |
Not suitable for structural loads |
|
Extremely weatherproof and UV resistant |
Can soften under prolonged heat |
|
Flexible and conforms to irregular surfaces |
May leave residue when removed |
|
Excellent for long-term sealing |
Less effective on very smooth/LSE surfaces |
Examples
- Kwikseal 381 – Butyl sealant tape ideal for construction, HVAC, and roofing
- Nashua 361-11 – Butyl rubber tape used for permanent waterproof sealing
Need help deciding?
With decades of experience, Stylus can help you choose the best adhesive tape for your application — whether you’re packing boxes, mounting panels, or handling extreme conditions.
- Explore our full tape range
- Contact us for expert advice
