What is particularly not sticky to scotch tape? Teflon?

February 2, 2006 9:51 PM

What is particularly not sticky to scotch tape? Teflon?

I'm making a scotch tape applicator, and it would be nice to make some surfaces out of things the tape won't stick to very much. Any ideas

Things like oil that would ruin the stickiness of the tape = not quite what I need.

posted by sirion to Science & Nature (6 answers total)

Response by poster: And if someone can find a very rough surface that won't harm the tape if the tape is dragged against it, that would work, too. Bonus points if it's sold in the McMaster-Carr catalogue (mcmaster.com)
posted by sirion at 9:55 PM on February 2, 2006

A very bumpy surface will be not so sticky too, because the tape will only try and stick to the top of the bumps.

For instance, the anti-convenience stickers they put on CD jewel cases to keep you from listening to the music you buy - they stick to the smooth front of the case, but not as much to the ridged top surface.
posted by aubilenon at 12:08 AM on February 3, 2006

I've never had much luck (especially with off-brands) sticking scotch tape to refrigerators that have that slightly bumpy surface meant to hide fingerprints.

Textured paint finishes don't hold tape well. link to a Lowe's how-to page with a picture
posted by SuperSquirrel at 6:46 AM on February 3, 2006

rubber
posted by striker at 6:52 AM on February 3, 2006

I was going to sugges that you look at the product data sheets, but the 3M website is terribly organized. If there's any useful information there, I can't find it.

I don't have a package of tape handy here - is there an 800 number on the package?
posted by Caviar at 7:27 AM on February 3, 2006

the teflon suggestion is the best I have heard so far- but I would recommend HDPE as a far cheaper alternative. The other thing that could help you are designing the dispenser to use a roller made of the stuff rather than a plate. There are some surfaces that have regular, closely spaced ridges (rubber stair tread covers come to mind) that would also work well.
posted by wzcx at 7:44 AM on February 3, 2006