Gaffer Tape

Here at Kendon Packaging, we stock a variety of sizes of both gaffer tape and duct tape. Although many people use the two terms interchangeably, they are actually subtly different, and knowing the difference can be important when looking for a solution to your packaging problem. It’s also a key consideration when deciding where to buy duct tape and gaffer tape - as some retailers won’t stock the option most suited to you, but you can rest assured that we certainly do.

Duct tape, often the cause of interminable arguments when incorrectly referred to as ‘duck tape’, is a polyethylene backed tape that is designed to stay in one place once applied. Therefore, it’s seen as a long lasting solution, which is why wide duct tape, which is weather resistant, is used as a formidable seal for packages.

Gaffer tape, on the other hand, is cotton-backed and often used in the film industry to secure camera wires to the floor. This is why we stock white gaffer tape as well as black gaffer tape - to avoid safety hazards on dark flooring. As a result, it’s much easier to remove than the more clingy duct tape. Another use for coloured gaffer tape is marking out the ‘blocking’ for film actors - i.e where they should stand and move in order to be in the camera’s focus.

So, in summary, duct tape for packaging, gaffer tape for temporary taping solutions such as marking out specific areas. Browse our wide selection of both tapes here.