When it comes to arts, crafts or DIY home projects, magnetic tape is pure magic. Of course, having magnetic properties and one adhesive side is what makes it a versatile product. For one, it can turn many things into refrigerator/whiteboard magnets instantly. It can be used for organising metallic objects in the garage, tool shed, basement and kitchen.
In fact, a magnetic tape has plenty of nifty uses in the office and many other commercial and industrial areas, too. Having some creativity and imagination is all it takes to wield its power! However, proper use is a definite must for it to be able to impress. Read along to find out how to properly use it:
Clean the Area
Before anything else, make sure that you clean the surface to which you will stick the tape. The cleaner the surface, the better it sticks.
Use a clean cloth to remove dust and dirt. If there’s a thin film of oil or grease, remove it with soap and water. Rubbing alcohol or any commercially available spray cleaning solution of your choice can help rid the surface of anything sticky or slimy. It’s also a nice idea to remove any chipping or peeling paint, or old adhesive glue.
Choose Non-Porous Surfaces
While one side of the tape is coated with adhesive, sticky enough to allow the product to adhere to most surfaces, it works better when it is applied to non-porous surfaces. Some excellent examples include metals, plastics, glass, and painted or finished wood.
It will stick to many porous surfaces, too, such as fabric and untreated wood. However, the magnetised tape can separate from the surface sooner or later. This is especially true if the item attached to it is rather heavy. But whether porous or non-porous, the importance of cleaning the surface beforehand cannot be stressed enough.
Use the Right Size
Speaking of attaching items to the tape, it’s of utmost importance to consider the right size of tape when using it for an assortment of purposes. The one suited for the job should be large or strong enough to hold the object that you wish to hold in place magnetically. Remember that wider tapes are more powerful, and narrower ones have weaker magnetic properties.
Especially if you are into all kinds of arts and crafts or fond of dealing with everyday issues the DIY way, it’s a wonderful idea to get your hands on magnetic tapes in multiple sizes. This helps to ensure that there is something that’s perfect for the job.
Allow the Adhesive to Cure
Before allowing the magnetised tape to carry out any task, let it stay there for at least 24 hours. This is to give the adhesive on one side enough time to cure.
Also, when applying the tape, see to it that there are no air bubbles. Use a clean cloth or your credit card to remove any air bubbles that may have formed, ensuring that the adhesive surface is entirely flush with the surface.