We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
DIY

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Silicone Tape?

Karyn Maier
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 35,017
Share

Silicone tape is a remarkable feat of chemical engineering that has resulted in a long lasting and highly durable protective tape. Made from cured silicone rubber, silicone tape typically contains a thin layer of silicone gel to make the product self fusing, which forms a permanent bond around whatever it is applied to. This quality has led to a number of alternate names for silicone tape, including self amalgamating tape, self vulcanizing tape, and silicone gel tape. The tape forms the bond when stretched and wrapped around an object and, depending on the specific brand and how it is used, will self fuse within minutes or a few hours.

Another feature of this tape is the inclusion of polydimethylsiloxane in the gel, which contains zinc oxide. This material is added to act as a UV inhibitor. This means that the tape is resistant to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight, which often contributes to the degradation of ordinary tape. It is also resistant to other environmental factors, including the effects of ozone. In addition, silicone tape is designed to withstand moisture, as well as contact with solvents, fuels, acids, and even splashing from soldering.

This tape remains flexible in cold temperatures too. More importantly, some kinds of silicone tape are heat resistant and flame retardant. This is achieved by formulating the composition of the tape to allow it to evenly conduct and disperse heat, yet remain non-combustible. This is obviously very desirable when using the tape under conditions where it may come into contact with excessive heat or open flame.

As might be expected, there is an abundance of applications for the use of this tape. For instance, adaptations of silicone tape are used in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields where it performs a variety of functions. In clinical settings, it is used to adhere medical equipment to the body, such as catheters and prosthetic devices. In addition, since this tape is not affected by moisture and will adhere to many different surfaces, it can be reapplied. In some cases, it can even be cleaned and reused when appropriate.

Silicone tape is extensively used in the aviation industry and by the military, as well as in boat rigging. It is extremely valuable as an electrical tape to bundle cable, as well as to weatherproof, insulate, and seal all types of electrical connections. This tape is also ideal to have on hand for emergency repairs, including using it to stop leaking pipes, repair a car radiator, O-ring seals, or even serve as a temporary fan belt. For that matter, this tape makes an excellent addition to a medical emergency supply kit where it can be used to make a splint or to secure dressing to a wound.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Karyn Maier
By Karyn Maier
Contributing articles to HomeQuestionsAnswered is just one of Karyn Maier's many professional pursuits. Based in New York's Catskill Mountain region, Karyn is also a magazine writer, columnist, and author of four books. She specializes in topics related to green living and botanical medicine, drawing from her extensive knowledge to create informative and engaging content for readers.
Discussion Comments
By anon355232 — On Nov 14, 2013

I have tried both the ER tape and Versimold after seeing them on TV and then again at a NSRA car show. The tape is amazing. I had tried the other silicone tapes out on the market, but the ER tape sticks to itself immediately. The versimold is pretty unique, and there are a lot of things you can make with it, plus it's easy to use. They told me they were making it in all different colors, so I'm thinking it would be good for craft projects.

By anon353646 — On Nov 01, 2013

I had seen some silicone rubber tape featured on Stacey David Gearz show called ER tape and purchased some. It was the quickest self fusing tape I have ever seen and wrapped really nice. I used it on tool handles, grips for bats and even repaired a vacuum hose with it. They sell it online. They also have this stuff called Versimold that can be molded and cured by a heat gun to make o-rings, gaskets, etc.

By anon266998 — On May 08, 2012

I use and love this er tape stuff. I'm a musician and it's perfect for repairing spliced cables damaged on tour. The best part is that it doesn't leave a sticky residue all over everything it touches because it's self fusing (no sticky adhesive).

By anon228845 — On Nov 10, 2011

This is a great solutions for many problems. Its very universal. everyone should have a roll. I use Leak Terminator tape silicone emergency tape.

By anon171097 — On Apr 28, 2011

Self fusing silicone like Pocket Rubber which is manufactured by Champion Tape is a safe option. Obviously, it should not be ingested, nor should your spatula. Once fused and cured, the rubber is no more toxic than any other rubber or chalking type material used in your home, except it is less likely to flake or peel. All products are not the same, and we found this brand to be the best.

By anon101815 — On Aug 05, 2010

Would anyone know if this material is child-safe? I have a spatula in my kitchen which is apparently made of silicone, so i assume that it is available in food grade. but i can't be absolutely sure if that really is silicone or some other gel plastic.

By anon91582 — On Jun 22, 2010

Great write-up! I'm not sure about all of the chemical properties, but we do know that it works for a lot of great stuff. We personally use Rescue Tape at our house, ever since we saw a great demo about it. We tried some other stuff that didn't work as well, but this stuff is fantastic!

By anon52131 — On Nov 11, 2009

Self fusing silicone is the material that it sounds like we're describing and it fastens, seals and repairs just like the claims. Important, that all silicone is not made equal and as a rigger, we need the best. We use Pocket Rubber.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Contributing articles to HomeQuestionsAnswered is just one of Karyn Maier's many professional pursuits. Based in New...
Learn more
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-silicone-tape.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.