Gaffer's tape? I realize this might seem like a dumb question to some, but I'll ask anyway. I hear photographers talk about using gaffer's tape for a number of things when they are out...

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

I realize this might seem like a dumb question to some, but I'll ask anyway. I hear photographers talk about using gaffer's tape for a number of things when they are out shooting, so I would like to know what it is. Is it the same as masking tape or the blue painters tape? If it is a special type of tape for photography use, where do you get it?

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

It is a matte black fabric tape that is sticky and strong, but not shiny. It is somewhat like duct tape, except in color and surface. Adhesive is about the same. It is meant for temporary use, not long-term "fixes".👍🤓👍

spaceylb Loc: Long Beach, N.Y.

Great stuff..https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjW2djcr7zbAhWvq1kKHWrMDdwQFghuMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGaffer_tape&usg=AOvVaw04E3O_Qf9BRc2Ctstw5Dp8

Bill_de Loc: US

While sometimes confused with duct tape, gaffer tape differs in the composition of both the backing, which is made from fabric as opposed to vinyl or other plastics, and the adhesive, which is more resistant to heat and more easily removed without damaging the surface to which it was adhered.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaffer_tape

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jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

Gitchigumi wrote:

It is a matte black fabric tape that is sticky and strong, but not shiny. It is somewhat like duct tape, except in color and surface. Adhesive is about the same. It is meant for temporary use, not long-term "fixes".👍🤓👍

Thanks. Is it something that would be available in stores like Walmart or would you need to get it through a camera store?

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I think a camera video store would be the most likely, my first check would be B&H but then that's "my camera " store

Bill_de Loc: US

Amazon, Home Depot ...

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jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

spaceylb wrote:

Great stuff..https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjW2djcr7zbAhWvq1kKHWrMDdwQFghuMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGaffer_tape&usg=AOvVaw04E3O_Qf9BRc2Ctstw5Dp8

Thanks

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

Bill_de wrote:

While sometimes confused with duct tape, gaffer tape differs in the composition of both the backing, which is made from fabric as opposed to vinyl or other plastics, and the adhesive, which is more resistant to heat and more easily removed without damaging the surface to which it was adhered.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaffer_tape

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Thanks

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

bobmcculloch wrote:

I think a camera video store would be the most likely, my first check would be B&H but then that's "my camera " store

Thank you, I'll check B&H.

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

Bill_de wrote:

Amazon, Home Depot ...

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Thanks, I'll do a search on Amazon. I don't have a Home Depot here but I think Lowe's is about the same so maybe they might handle it too.

Ancientdave

Gaffer Tape gets its name from the film industry, The Gaffer is the Chief Electrician, the tape is used by the Gripps to temporarily hold cables etc in place, when I worked making movies (1960) it was Duct Tape, but now it is Gaffer Tape? I am old

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

jamesl wrote:

I realize this might seem like a dumb question to some, but I'll ask anyway. I hear photographers talk about using gaffer's tape for a number of things when they are out shooting, so I would like to know what it is. Is it the same as masking tape or the blue painters tape? If it is a special type of tape for photography use, where do you get it?

It is very nice duct tape. Except it is vinyl instead of poly coated and it has a nice non-reflective matte finish. It comes in various colors but black seems to be the most popular. You often see it being used to hold down extension cords at events.

Say Cheese Loc: Eastern PA

Do a search on Amazon, lots of it there. 2 inch gaffers tape.

jcboy3

dsmeltz wrote:

It is very nice duct tape. Except it is vinyl instead of poly coated and it has a nice non-reflective matte finish. It comes in various colors but black seems to be the most popular. You often see it being used to hold down extension cords at events.

I also use white, which is nice to use when taping white vinyl or paper background.

The most important difference is that the adhesive does not (usually) leave a residue. But it has a strong bond.

It holds up well; I use it to wrap some hardware for gripping.

My favorite trick is to roll some around an allen wrench (hex key); provides a larger grip for spinning out bolts.