Hockey tape is a widely used holding agent when it comes to bundling or wrapping gifts, keeping items together before shipping, and more.
If you’ve ever shopped at Dollar Tree, you probably already have some idea of what hockey tape is made of but are curious about its composition anyway.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the composition and pros and cons of using this versatile product.
Table of Contents
Hockey Tape Composition
Hockey tape is basically a polyethylene tape with a coating of polyurethane on one side. It’s a clear and transparent tape, so you can see what’s wrapped or packaged inside easily without having to unwrap it or remove the packaging.
This coating gives it some extra insulation and structural support that regular masking tape lacks. Essentially, it acts like an inner packaging tape for an item wrapped inside.
This property makes it a bit more resistant to tumbling or rough treatment, especially in high-stress environments such as shipping or receiving, where it can stay strong for longer than most tapes.
On one hand, the extra padding and support make it easier for the item inside to stay safe during transit. On the other, the clear nature of the tape means that it’s more difficult to see what’s inside without having to open the package or unwrap the items first.
Hockey Tape Pros
There are several benefits to using hockey tape instead of other types of masking tape when wrapping or packing gifts. For one thing, it doesn’t peel off easily in long strips when you’re trying to stay organized and wrap items quickly.
Also, it stays sticky longer than many tapes, so you don’t have to worry about the tape getting confused with a package and sticking to whatever it’s wrapped around during transit. This is especially useful if you’re exchanging gifts and don’t want to ruin the wrapping of the item you’re currently wrapping. Finally, it’s highly resistant to water and oil, which makes it ideal for use in areas where you might need protection from the elements. This could include areas where it’s raining, humid, or cold and icy outside. It also works well as a waterproof wrapping alternative for electronics and other items that could easily become damaged if exposed to water or liquids of any kind.
Hockey Tape Cons
Like many other tapes, hockey tape is not indestructible and will eventually wear out if used repeatedly or in high-stress environments. It’s also not heat-stable, which means that it will start to degrade or lose its stickiness at higher temperatures. This is why it’s best to keep off heat and water when using it as an outer wrapping material, especially if the item inside is sensitive to extreme temperatures or humid conditions.
In addition, the coating on one side of the tape can scratch or mar surfaces it comes in contact with, so extra care must be taken when handling the tape to keep its integrity. This is why it’s advised to cover the tape when not in use and store it in a cool, dark place.
Also, hockey tape is more expensive than many other types of tapes, so if you’re on a tight budget, it might not be the best option. Ultimately, if you have a strong working knowledge of science and technology, you’ll realize that nothing is perfect, and you can’t have an ideal product without some drawbacks.
With all this in mind, it’s important to seek out the best solution for the task at hand and weigh the costs and benefits of each alternative. If you’re open to new and innovative ways of doing things, you might find that hockey tape isn’t for you, but for others, it might be the perfect solution.
If you’re going to use hockey tape, it’s essential to read the instructions and take your time so you don’t end up using the wrong kind or the wrong amount. As a general rule, if you’re not sure what kind of tape is best for the task at hand, ask other bakers or shoppin’gifts for help.