pressure-sensitive tape
Strips of paper, plastic, etc., opaque or
transparent, coated or impregnated on one or both
sides (usually the former except for use in
encapsulation) with a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
In the form of cellophane tape, which is a clear
plastic that is glossy on one side and coated with
adhesive on the other, it is sometimes used in the
repair of torn leaves, documents, etc., and for
encapsulating archival papers. In the usual case
it darkens with age, is difficult to remove,
removes the print when it is detached, and stains
the paper to which it adheres. The acetate tape,
or transparent mending tape, which has a matte
surface and appears colorless when in the roll,
has a much higher degree of permanence and does
not change color; however, it, too can be damaging
to archival materials. Masking tape is strong
brown paper tape of crinkly texture, made in rolls
of various widths. Its pressure-sensitive adhesive
secures the tape firmly to any hard, dry,
non-fibrous surface, and it is easily peeled away.
It is used to mask areas that are not to be
treated. Masking tape generally becomes difficult
to remove if left in place for more than a few
days or if exposed to high temperature. Benzene or
ether, both of which are toxic (especially the
former), flammable, and therefore dangerous to
use, are solvents capable of removing
pressure-sensitive tapes. (233 , 309 )
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