Single Sided Foam Tapes

What is single sided foam tape?

Single sided foam tape is a self-adhesive that bonds to a wide range of surfaces (including irregular and uneven surfaces) to create a uniform seal. 

It is a great choice if you want the security of adhesive bonding paired with the flexibility of foam. Its spongy nature makes it easy to shape, and it is primarily used in scenarios with two untextured or uneven surfaces.

Single sided foam tape is popular because it comes in handy for projects ranging from industrial to DIY. It can withstand moisture and intense heat, and the adhesive sticks to a variety of surfaces, including glass, wood, and aluminium. 

This type of tape can be made from acrylic foam, polyethylene, or polyurethane. It comes in a variety of colours, thicknesses, widths, and lengths, making it a versatile product that adapts to a range of environments and applications across multiple industries. 

What is single sided foam tape used for?

Single sided foam tape is used in multiple industries, from gap filling and vibration dampening in the automotive industry to mounting electronic components.  

The aerospace industry uses it for thermal insulation and vibration reduction, while the construction industry uses it to seal panels, doors, windows, and other gaps, as well for insulation and bonding materials together. 

It is also useful for providing insulation, sound-dampening, cushioning, and shock absorption. 

Different types of single sided foam tape

There are several different types of single sided foam tape available, including:

• Neoprene single sided foam tapes: This single sided closed cell foam is specially formulated to provide resistance against oils, grease, chemicals, and weathering. It is UV and water resistant, and it’s able to withstand high temperatures and temperature changes, which makes it suitable for outdoor use. It is often used in HVAC, construction, glass and marine industries, and as insulation for solar panel systems.
• PE single sided foam tapes: Applying PE single sided foam tape helps prevent air, dust, moisture, or water from entering gaps. Along with sealing, it is also used for cushioning and lightweight bonding, providing moderate adhesive strength. It’s commonly used in HVAC, construction, and automotive industries. 
• Polyurethane single sided foam tapes: Polyurethane single sided foam tapes are suitable for insulation, sound absorption, and vibration dampening. If you need a flexible seal, polyurethane is a good choice. It is often used to seal around concrete formwork, or to provide a dust and insect barrier around light fittings and windows. It’s commonly used in electronics, construction, packaging, and HVAC.
• PVC single sided foam tapes: PVC nitrile single sided foam tape is suitable for a wide variety of general purpose sealing applications. It is ideal for sealing, gasketing, and weatherproofing, and for applications requiring a seal for tight radius curves. It provides UV resistance, as well as resistance against chemicals. Some varieties are constructed with closed cell material, which makes them more water resistant. It’s used for cushioning against shock and vibration, insulation, weatherproofing, window sealing, HVAC, glazing, automotive, and marine industries. 
• EPDM single sided foam tapes: EPDM single sided foam tapes are known for durability. They can withstand extreme weather conditions and changing temperatures, making them useful for insulation, weatherstripping, and gasketing. They can also be used in the HVAC, automotive, marine, and construction industries to seal out dust and moisture, and to protect against extreme heat or cold. 

Single sided foam tape versus double sided foam tape

Single sided foam tape is primarily used for cushioning, vibration and sound dampening, insulation, cushioning, and shock absorption. 

Double sided foam tape is mainly used for bonding surfaces together, as well as sealing and mounting. It provides better, more aggressive adhesion, which makes it useful in a wide variety of applications. 

How to apply it

There are a few key steps to follow when applying single sided foam tape to ensure you achieve the best results. 

1. Clean the surface thoroughly and dry well.
2. Measure and cut the tape to your chosen length.
3. Remove the protective backing from one side before pressing it firmly onto the surface. 
4. Once the tape is secure, remove the remainder of the backing. Press firmly to complete adhesion. 
5. Apply pressure to ensure a strong bond. 

Does single sided foam tape damage walls? 

If single sided foam tape is applied to a delicate surface, it could potentially damage it. Due to its strong adhesive, removing the tape may peel away wallpaper, plaster, or paint.

To minimise damage, peel the tape away slowly at an angle. You can also try using a hairdryer to soften the adhesive for easier removal.

Is single sided foam tape waterproof? 

Some single sided foam tapes have water resistant properties. If it is constructed with closed-cell material, it is waterproof. 

Waterproof single sided foam tape is suited to roofing and sealing window frames and doors. It is a high-bond material usually suited to exterior use and it can withstand inclement weather.

Consult the manufacturer’s information to make sure you are purchasing the right tape for your project.

Stylus Tapes: the trusted choice 

We are proud to be Australia’s leading adhesive tape experts. 

Stylus Tapes is a reliable wholesaler of high quality single sided foam tape and other tape products from recognised brands and other global leading tape manufacturers. We are wholly committed to delivering excellence, and pride ourselves on stocking sustainable and cutting-edge products at competitive prices. 

Our team has decades of experience, and our customer service (delivering expert knowledge, fast and reliable service, and custom solutions) has resulted in a dedicated customer base. We value loyalty. 

If you have any questions, or if you’re wrestling with an adhesive tape challenge, please contact us – we’d be happy to help.