Wether you are assembling patterns for your cosplay or fixing a prop that just brake, you will be using lots of different tapes for cosplay. There are many types of adhesive tapes for cosplay but we don’t always choose the best ones for our cosplay projects. Here I try to summarize the different tapes I have used and how you can get the best use of them. You can find them all in many stores for very cheap depending on the brands you choose.
Types of adhesive tapes
You can find most of the tapes below virtually anywhere, although you may need to research a bit more for some of them. Remember that you will probably be able to find them in different widths that may suit your projects. Also, keep in mind that a good brand will usually have a much better adherence than a cheap unbranded tape.
Packaging tape
Also know as sellotape because of the brand. The tape everybody has at home. It may work in an emergency but it doesn’t stick well to things that aren’t paper. It is very stiff. Also, if you try to unstick it it will leave a residue, break the paper and with time it will become yellow. It is shiny and may unstick by itself with time. Also, its surface makes it difficult to use pens on top unless you are using a marker
Invisible tape
Similar to the adhesive tape but slightly better for some projects. I use this tape to assemble patterns as you can fold it easily and draw over it. Best used for paper. It is less sticky but it means you won’t rip nor stain the paper so easily if you mess up. It is translucent and non-shiny.
Double sided tape
I have used this tape for almost everything. It will stick pretty well to fabric but at the same time you can remove it from it if necessary without staining it. It also sticks to foam and of course to paper (very handy if you have no time to let your glue dry. It is not the strongest but very handy in a hurry (bring it to conventions to repair little things that may break in your cosplay). Also, it is virtually invisible when you use it. One version of the double sided tape comes padded which may prove useful if you want to leave a gap between two sections.
Insulating tape or electrician tape
This tape is very strong and flexible enough. Works for most of materials. It is very sticky which may be good or bad as it may leave glue residues when you unstick it or it may get excess glue at the corners of the tape itself. I sometimes use it as a reinforcement or in the handles of weapons. It has a rubbery look and comes in many colours, which can be handy for some projects.
Aluminum foil tape
This tape is also strong and I mainly use it to fake metal. It is perfect to cover daggers and swords althought the edges may show if you have to put several together. Try using matte and shiny finishes to get a contrast look in your swords. This tape is smooth and has a metallic look.
Duct tape
Duct tape is a very strong tape. It will resist a lot. This tape is used in soft combat weapons and also you can make a dummy of your body with it. It is a very strong reinforcement but not very flexible. It is usually grey, similar to a dull metal but its surface is rough. It will save your broken items more than once in a convention.
Masking tape
I never have enough masking tape at home. It is perfect to keep pieces together while they dry or just to see them assembled before you glue them. Also good for masking and making stencils. Low adherence that won’t leave a residue and easy to unstick. It is also good to make forms that will be covered with paper and glue or as a reinforcement layer before you add newspaper and glue to a prop. It has a slightly rough surface and you can write over it. It looks and feels like paper.
Hem tape
This tape is specific for fabric, foam will stick to it as well. It is good for hems you don’t want to sew or little fabric or foam details. You need an iron to settle it. Be careful with painted pieces because the heat of your iron can bulge the paint. It is very difficult to unstick but washable. Also, it is virtually invisible once applied.
No-iron hem tape
This is a mixture of hem tape and double-sided tape with similar uses to the above. It is stronger than double-sided tape when used on fabric. It is very diifficult to unstick and washable. Virtually invisible.
Fashion tape
This one is used to make sure your clothes stay in position no matter what. Stronger than double sided tape and apt to use on your skin. Makes a perfect solution for socks that don’t stay in place or very low necklines that may show too much by accidente. It is also virtually invisible when you apply it and leaves no residue.
Of course there are many other types of adhesive tapes, each one useful for a different project. Do not forget to experiment with them. Also, remember that tapes are more of a temporary measure and the best bonds will be created with glues. Make sure to check my short list of materials for cosplays and decide which of these tapes will be better for them.
