Here are some highly rated double-sided tapes and other adhesive types suited for wet or moisture-exposed environments — from waterproof mounting tapes to marine/butyl sealing tapes. For water resistance, you generally want tapes with acrylic or specialized waterproof adhesive, and many marine-grade or VHB (Very High Bond) acrylic foams are rated for outdoor and humid conditions.
Note that applying adhesive tapes under wet conditions in contrast to tapes applied under dried conditions then exposed to wet conditions, are different application scenarios. All of the technical data that tape manufactures rate their tape for wet conditions are based on adhesive being exposed to wet conditions and not applied under wet conditions. Almost all the recommendations, therefore, are for adhesive being exposed to water after the PSA has been applied.
While all tape manufacturers recommend applying pressure sensitive adhesive under dry and clean conditions, sometimes real-world applications do not follow ideal environments. So important to do your own test for your application. However, there are examples of successful applications applying tape directly on wet surfaces.
A developer of smoke baffles for commercial buildings needed to apply a double-sided foam tape on aluminum extrusions to hold an expandable foam when exposed to heat to the aluminum extrusion. The challenge was that the foam tape would be applied on new construction that would often be exposed to weather, often rain in the Pacific North West, so the adhesive would be applied on direct water. Several tapes rated excellent for water exposure was tested, but did not work when applied directly to the wet surface.
After several tests, it was determined that a double-side rubber based XLPE foam tape worked under their application condition. While the rubber-based foam tape did not bond immediately on the wet surface, after letting the adhesive dwell for 24 hours, the water evaporated under the adhesive and the foam tape bonded securely. While not recommended from the manufacture, the rubber-based foam tape was the best solution.
📌 Best Overall for Wet / Outdoor Use
- 3M VHB Extra Strong Double Sided Adhesive Tape – Highly rated waterproof VHB acrylic tape with strong long-lasting bond, suitable for indoor/outdoor applications. Great for surfaces prone to moisture.
- Scotch Extreme Mounting Tape – Weather-resistant double-sided mounting tape with strong hold on many surfaces, good for wet areas (outdoor décor, garage, bathrooms).
- 8 mil Red Double-Sided Acrylic Tape – sold under various trade names and originally developed by TESA. Tape used in horticulture and greenhouses.
👍 Waterproof / Moisture-Resistant Double-Sided Options
- XLPE rubber based foam tape—as long as not exposed directly to UV, a very good option for textured or rough surfaces.
- Mounting Tape by HitLights – Heavy-duty outdoor tape good for general wet conditions and mounting tasks.
- Gorilla Tough & Clear Double Sided Mounting Tape – All-purpose weatherproof mounting tape; resists moisture and holds well on many surfaces.
- Unique Bargains Car Waterproof Double Sided Sponge Tape – Foam-based waterproof tape that can conform to irregular surfaces; better for automotive/weatherstrip like applications.
🛠️ Specialized / Heavy-Duty Waterproof Sealing
- Raven Butyl Seal 2‑Sided Tape – Butyl rubber sealing tape — excellent for marine, roofing, and pond liner seams (stays watertight under immersion).
- Alien Shield Waterproof Repair Tape – Not double-sided, but a very strong waterproof repair tape that bonds to wet surfaces and can seal leaks — useful in plumbing and underwater repairs.
🧠 Adhesive Types for Wet Conditions
Acrylic Adhesives (e.g., VHB, industrial tapes):
- Excellent long-term durability, UV, and water resistance — preferred for outdoor, marine, or wet environments.
- Often rated waterproof or IPX8 when used in sealed assemblies.Tesa
Butyl / Rubber-Based Sealants:
- Excellent for sealing rather than just bonding — resist water penetration under immersion.
- Used in marine, roofing, HVAC, and pool applications.
Nano / Silicone Adhesives:
- Good for lightweight applications, moisture resistance, and where residue-free removal is desired.
🧰 Tips for Best Performance in Wet/Wet-Outdoor Use
✅ Prepare the surface: Clean, dry, and (if possible) slightly warm surfaces improve adhesion.
✅ Pressure & dwell time: Apply firm pressure and let the adhesive set before exposing to heavy moisture.
✅ Consider environmental conditions: Extreme cold/hot cycles and salt water may affect performance; marine or VHB tapes tend to handle these better.