Choosing the most appropriate double-sided tape for cold weather applications.
If you are applying the tape at room temperature and then it will be exposed to cold temperature later, you will have a larger variety of tapes to choose from.
If you look at the technical data sheet on pressure sensitive adhesives, you will notice that there are often two temperature ratings: “application and service temperature” The application temperature is the temperature at which the tape is recommended at a the time it is applied to the surface, while the service temperature, you will notice, has a much broader temperature range, which refers to the tape being exposed AFTER the tape is applied to the surface.
Why is it hard to stick tape in the cold? Simply, the adhesive can’t wet-out, or spread itself adequately enough on the surface. If the adhesive can’t wet-out on the surface then it can’t hold onto the surface.
“Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs) are tacky at room temperature in dry form and adhere firmly to a variety of surfaces”
You can feel this wet-out as “tackiness” So in cold temperatures this tackiness is compromised.
When asking your adhesive tape professional for a tape recommendation, let them know if the tape will be applied in the cold or it will be exposed to the cold after it is applied (could be both). They can then narrow your options.
If you are looking for a removable foam tape for your cold weather application, check out Gecko tape!