A GUIDE ON HOW TO USE WATER-ACTIVATED GUM PAPER TAPE

It is impossible to overestimate the significance of a dependable and secure sealing solution in packaging. Finding a reliable, strong, and environmentally responsible package sealing technique, whether delivering or keeping goods, is crucial. Water-activated gum paper tape can help in this situation. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of water-activated gum tape, its applications, step-by-step usage, troubleshooting techniques, advantages over other sealing methods, best practices for maintenance, and its role in contributing to a greener future.

What is Water-Activated Gum Tape?

Gummed paper tape, sometimes reinforced gummed or water-activated gum tape, is an innovative change in packaging sealing materials. The gummed paper tape uses a water-activated adhesive method, unlike conventional pressure-sensitive tapes, which rely on adhesive qualities. Usually made of starch, this adhesive creates an extreme bind with the packing material’s surface when wet, offering unmatched security.

Step-by-Step Guide on Using Water-Activated Gum Tape

1. Wetting the Tape

It’s important to wet the tape’s gummed side before applying it to activate the adhesive. A wet sponge, a tape dispenser with a water brush, or a specialty tape dispenser with a water reservoir are some tools that can be used to achieve this.

Ensuring the tape is adequately moistened is critical to activating the adhesive uniformly. While too much moisture might make the tape too saturated and weaken its sealability, too little humidity can lead to insufficient adherence.

Wet the tape thoroughly for the best possible outcomes, ensuring water covers the gummed area.

2. Applying the Wet Tape

When it has been sufficiently wet, it’s time to apply the gummed tape to the chosen area. It is important to carefully position the tape and press it firmly to the packaging material.

For the seal to appear tidy and professional, alignment must be done correctly. When sealing parcels, cardboard boxes, or envelopes, properly aligning the tape maximizes security and improves the package’s overall appearance.

A tape dispenser can make the application procedure easier and result in a smoother, more effective closure. In addition, tape dispensers with cutting mechanisms allow for accurate tape cutting, eliminating the need for scissors and reducing waste.

3. Activating the Adhesive

The next step is to apply pressure to activate the adhesive after firmly placing the tape on the surface. By doing this, you can improve the integrity and security of the seal by ensuring that the tape and the packaging material have a firm relationship.

It’s crucial to apply consistent, firm pressure all the way along the tape to activate the adhesive. The edges and corners are especially prone to lifting if not properly anchored. Therefore, pay close attention to these regions.

Achieving a tamper-evident seal and giving senders and receivers peace of mind requires proper adhesive activation.

Additional Tips for Specific Applications

• Selecting the Correct Tape Type: Different kinds of water-activated gum tape may be appropriate for a given purpose. Standard packaging requirements might be satisfied with conventional gummed paper tape. Reinforced gummed tape with fiberglass strands provides more strength and durability for heavy-duty applications or requires additional reinforcement.
• Sealing Irregular Surfaces: When sealing packages with irregular surfaces or sharp edges, extra care should be taken to ensure proper adhesion. Applying additional layers of tape or using reinforced gummed tape can help provide added reinforcement and prevent tape failure.
• Improving Security through Custom Printing: To further enhance security and branding, consider utilizing custom-printed water-activated gum tape. This allows businesses to directly incorporate logos, text, or graphics onto the tape, providing a distinctive and tamper-evident seal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. The Tape is not Sticking Properly

Several things may have been at play if the tape does not adhere properly. First things first: make sure the surface is clear of any dust, debris, or moisture since these can impair the adhesive’s ability to work. Additionally, ensure the adhesive is appropriately moistened, and add more water if needed. If the problem continues, consider utilizing a new kind of gummed tape more appropriate for the situation.

2. Wrinkles or Bubbles in the Tape

The integrity and look of the seal can be affected by bubbles or wrinkles in the tape. To prevent this issue, apply the tape smoothly and evenly, using steady pressure to eliminate air pockets. Should wrinkles or bubbles appear, carefully raise the impacted region and reapply the tape, adjusting its position as necessary.

3. Other Common Problems and Their Remedies

If the tape rips during application or gets too wet, just cut off the damaged area and reapply the tape as necessary. Adjusting the moisture level or using a different application technique may help alleviate issues such as tape curling or lifting.

Advantages of Using Water-Activated Gum Tape Over Others

1. Superior Strength and Security

Water-activated gum tape’s strong adhesive and tamper-evident seal provide unmatched strength and security. Gummed paper tape offers added security against tampering and theft, which makes a permanent bond with the packaging material, unlike pressure-sensitive tapes that are readily ripped off or tampered with.

2. Environmentally Friendly

The fact that water-activated gum tape is environmentally friendly is one of its most significant benefits. Gummed paper tape, completely biodegradable and compostable and made of renewable resources like paper and starch-based adhesive, is an excellent option for companies trying to lessen their environmental impact.

3. Cost-Effective

Although water-activated gum tape may initially cost a little more than conventional pressure-sensitive tapes, its greater strength and endurance can translate into cost savings over time. Gummed paper tape minimizes the need for resealing or further reinforcement, lowering labor and material waste and making it an economical sealing option.

Best Practices and Maintenance

1. Proper Storage of Water-Activated Gum Tape

It’s crucial to keep water-activated gum tape out of direct sunlight and moisture in a cool, dry place for maximum effectiveness and longevity. Storing the tape in its original packaging or a sealed container can help prevent degradation of the adhesive and maintain its adhesive properties over time.

2. Tips for Maximizing Tape Longevity

Avoid subjecting water-activated gum tape to high humidity or moisture levels, which might accelerate the adhesive’s premature deterioration and shorten its lifespan. Maintaining the adhesive integrity of the tape and avoiding contamination can also be achieved by handling it with dry, clean hands.

3. When to Replace or Reapply Gummed Paper Tape

Maintaining a tight seal requires routinely checking the tape’s condition and changing or reapplying it as necessary. Tape that has gotten torn, damaged, or lost its adhesive qualities indicates that it needs to be replaced. Through early resolution of concerns and observance of appropriate tape hygiene, companies can guarantee that their goods stay safely sealed throughout transportation and storage.

Craft a Greener Future with Packmile’s Water-Activated Gum Tape!

At Packmile, our dedication lies in offering eco-friendly packaging options that not only satisfy our clients’ demands but also reduce our ecological footprint. Future generations will benefit from a cleaner future because of the 100% biodegradable and compostable nature of our water-activated gum tape, composed of renewable resources. Come along with us as we work to eliminate plastic waste and adopt more environmentally friendly packaging options.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS