In this article I talk about gaffer tape as well as no-residue duct tape. I have used tapes like this for years and it's tough using anything else because of how versatile it is.
The first one we are talking about today is Pro Tapes Gaff. This is a traditional gaffer tape that's meant to not to leave a residue as well as being easy to tear. If you are in some type of video production situation, you typically use this type of tape to put over cables or other obstacles on set.
I do not do professional video production, but I do use this type of tape a lot in just almost any situation related to my online video work.Is all gaffer tape the same?
I had used a roll of Amazon Basics gaffer tap. The nice thing about this tape was that it did not have a white backing, which made it look cleaner on the edges, but it failed at being no residue for extended periods of time. They do mention on the product page it's not intended for long term use, so I guess it shouldn't have been much of a surprise. Also, this tape is especially bad with heat which probably the main issue.
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| Amazon Basics gaffers tape |
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| An example of Amazon Basics gaffer tape leaving a residue after sitting on this microphone for a long time. The residue was completely dry and embedded into the mic. |
Gaffer tape is distinct from duct tape largely due to the adhesive used. Duct tape typically uses a natural rubber adhesive which is aggressive and prone to oxidizing or melting into a sticky goo over time. True gaffer tape uses a synthetic petroleum-based adhesive designed to withstand heat and be removed cleanly without damaging the surface or leaving residue behind. -Definition generated by Gemini Pro 3
An Alternative: 3M No Residue Duct Tape
As an alternative, I have used this 3M No Residue tape. This is my favorite general utility tape.
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| A roll of 3M No Residue Duct Tape which has a shiny gray finish. |
The main issues with this one is that it is shiny, gray, and doesn't tear quit as easily as the Pro-Gaff. I wish they had different options for this tape but it is solid functionally. I have used it in many situations where it stayed on surfaces for years and didn't have an issue. Of course, that will depend on heat and other environmental aspects like that.
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| Peeling back a strip of the 3M tape, revealing the white backing material on the underside. |
This one also has a white backing. It tears, but not as easily as the Gaff tape. If you tear it by hand, you can see that white edge even more.
Testing Pro-Gaff
Pro-Gaff is a better option than the 3M duct tape for camera gear because of the black matte finish. I had covered that residue that the Amazon Basics tape had left on my microphone with this tape and the white edges are not very noticeable when you cut it instead of tear it.
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| Placing a strip of black Pro-Gaff tape over the Nikon logo on the camera viewfinder hump. |
Covering camera logos is something that people like to do. It depends on your personal preferences, but I think it is nice to do sometimes when you don't want bright white text distracting our subject. Or if you are outdoors and want something a little bit less noticeable. Gaffer tape is pretty much the only option since it has that matte finish and doesn't leave a residue usually.
I also use it for practical protection. If you don't have a hot shoe cover or lost it, and you are going into a dusty situation, you can easily use this tape instead.
Another good option would be to put a ring of tape around the lens and camera mount area if you are going into a wet environment as a temporary seal in addition to any other precautions you'd take.
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| The camera's hot shoe contacts covered with a piece of black gaffer tape for protection. |
One thing I noticed with this Pro-Gaff is that when I do tear it instead of cutting it, it leaves a string of material sometimes. You can pull that off from the other side, but at least something to know about. Cutting it is generally the best option for clean application with as little of the adhesive side being seen.
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| Close-up of a lens barrel where a torn piece of tape was applied, showing a slightly frayed edge. |
Labeling and Storage
If you want to label your stuff, gaff tape plus a marker that works with the specific tape is a good idea.
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| The back of a game controller with a piece of tape labeled 'Scott' using a gold sharpie marker. |
One additional thing I do with this type of tape is that I don't use it very quickly, and I want to keep it in good condition, so I put it in a Ziploc bag.
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| Placing the large roll of Pro-Gaff tape inside a clear plastic Ziploc bag for storage. |
I don't know if it is necessary or even helps, but that is what I do and it seems to be keeping these useful longer. It has a bit of an adhesive smell, so that is another reason I put it in the bag. It is expensive, so I try to use it only when I need it.
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| A look inside the core of the Pro-Gaff tape roll showing the manufacturer branding. |
Check out ProTapes Pro Gaff Premium Matte Cloth Gaffer's Tape:
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wlLFr3
- B&H: https://bhpho.to/3UWybLU
- Adorama: https://prf.hn/l/zp1apQb/
3M No-Residue Duct Tape:
Amazon Basics Gaffers Tape:
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