Silicone and Self-Amalgamating Tape Buyer's Guide

Silicone tape is a useful addition to your toolbox as it can be used to make emergency repairs to almost anything that needs an airtight or watertight seal. It can be applied quickly and easily, with no need for adhesive.

Our buyer’s guide will tell you everything you need to know about this handy tape.

What are the features of silicone tape?

Silicone tape is a double-sided, non-adhesive rubber tape that is:

Heat and water-resistant
Strong, pliable, elastic and versatile
Thin (it is only 0.5mm thick)
Resistant to cold and heat, with an operating temperature range from -20°C to approximately 250°C
Resistant to chemicals and solvents

Silicone tape is also fast and easy to apply, and remove. It leaves no sticky residue, so it saves you time cleaning.

How does silicone tape work?

Silicone tape is self-fusing, which means it fixes to itself, creating a permanent bond. It does this because it is made of a specially cured rubber compound and a thin layer of silicone gel. It fuses within minutes to create a strong, insulating seal.

What is silicone tape used for?

Silicone tape has almost limitless applications, including:

Repairing leaking pipes and pipe joints
Sealing air pipes
Repairing vacuum hoses or joints
Seal out moisture from electrical connections
Insulate and repair cable sheaths
Repairing split garden hose pipes
Repair damaged seals in steam cleaners
Create grips on tools or other objects like tennis rackets
Bundle cables to keep them tidy
For first aid, to make splints and to secure dressings
In clinical settings, for adhering medical equipment e.g. catheters
For boat rigging
In swimming pools and for irrigation systems
In aerospace wiring as a splice or wrapping

PlB self-amalgamating Tape

When was silicone tape invented?

Self-fusing silicone rubber products were first created in the United States in the 1950s. The technology was originally developed by university scientists and engineers for the US military, who wanted an alternative to PVC electrical tape.

The tape is also known as ‘F4 tape’, ‘tommy’, ‘rescue’, ‘magic tape’ and ‘fix-it tape’.

How do you apply silicone tape?

For best results, clear any debris or dirt away from the surface to which you’re applying the tape
Take the tape and cut it to your required length using scissors or a stanley knife
Peel off the plastic backing and wrap it around the object that needs repairing. Make sure you lap it over itself three to five times to make it secure
Avoid getting any dirt or moisture between the layers as you wrap them, because it will interfere with bonding
To remove it, simply make a cut along it lengthways and peel off the tape

Is silicone tape the same as silicone sheets?

Silicone tape is different from silicone sheets. Silicone sheets are used for protecting wounds and scars in medical settings. Silicone sheeting is also used in the food, drink, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries due to its heat resistance, hygienic qualities and versatility.

What is self-amalgamating tape?

Self-amalgamating tape is very similar to silicone tape, because it bonds to itself when it is stretched. It doesn’t contain any adhesive or gum to create a seal like most tapes. It is made of ethylene propylene rubber and needs to be lapped over itself to work.

It is used for making watertight seals, waterproofing joints, and temporarily repairing leaks in pipes, hoses and tubes.

The table below shows the different features and technical information for our silicone and self-amalgamating tapes.

Tape

Features

Technical information

Self-amalgamating waterproof rubber repair tape

Creates a strong, seamless, waterproof and electrically insulating layer.
UV, moisture and chemical resistant.
Clean and easy removal from product material due to the absence of gum.

Quantity: Supplied in single rolls
Colour: Black
Width: Available in 19mm and 25mm
Length: Available in 5m and 10m
Material: Ethylene propylene rubber
Total thickness: 0.50mm (±0.01)
Elongation: 685%
Tensile Strength: 4.73 Mpa
Dielectric Strength: 25 kV/mm
Temperature Rating: 90°C
Temperature Overload: 130°C
UV & Ozone Resistance: Pass

Silicone repair tape (red or black)

Heat, chemical and solvent resistant

UV, water and weather resistant

Perfect for repairing and sealing broken cables, leaking pipes and broken seals

Material: Self-fusing silicone rubber
Colour: Red
Size: 3m x 25mm (0.5mm thick)
Operating temperature range from -20°C ~ 250°C
Quantity: 1 roll pack

How much does silicone tape cost?

Our silicone repair tape is available from £5.15 per roll.
Our self-amalgamating tape starts from £2.39 per roll.

Where can I buy silicone tape?

You can buy silicone tape here. We offer multi-buy discounts for packs bought in bulk.

If you have any more questions about our silicone tapes, or any other tape products, please get in touch and contact us via live chat, email or telephone.

How to use self-amalgamating tape