Who doesn’t love washi tape? These decorative tapes come in all sorts of patterns and designs and can be used for a multitude of things. You can journal with them, wrap gifts, and even decorate furniture. However, washi tape isn’t known for being the most adhesive tape out on the market. You may want to use your washi tape but have trouble getting it to stick. Fortunately, there are some ways you can get your washi tape to stick better.
What is Washi Tape?
Not everybody might be familiar with the kind of tape washi is, so we’ll start by answering this question: What is washi tape?
Washi tape is essentially a masking tape that is decorative in nature and very versatile. It is made of natural fibers like bamboo and hemp, which makes it easy to decorate with different designs. This also makes them more affordable than other decorative tapes. Washi tape is also easy to stick on and remove from different surfaces.
Why Does Washi Tape Lose Its Stickiness?
Washi tape is not meant to be an extremely adhesive tape in the first place. It is a low-tack option for projects like journaling, scrapbooking, temporary decorations, and painting. It is durable and sturdy enough, but it isn’t made to be permanent. Washi tape is designed to come off quickly and easily without causing any damage.
Even then, washi tape still has some level of adhesiveness that makes it an effective decorative tape. It is this quality that may fade with time and under certain conditions. Here’s why washi tape might lose its stickiness:
Storage Conditions
The way you store your washi tape can have an effect on its adhesiveness. Exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your tape and make it stick less well. It is best to store your washi tape in a cool, dark environment.
Age
Even if you keep your washi tape in the perfect storage conditions, the older the tape, the more it will lose its sticking power. If you’ve had a particular roll of washi tape for several years, then it may be why it is no longer sticking like it used to.
Surface Composition
Some surfaces just aren’t made to have adhesives attached to them. Things like concrete and PVC are naturally more difficult to adhere to as well as uneven surfaces.
How To Get Washi Tape To Stick Better
Despite washi tape losing its adhesiveness, there are still some ways to make it stickier. Here’s what you can do:
Clean The Surface
Tape will adhere to surfaces that are clean, that is, completely free of oil, dirt, and other debris. It is important to eliminate anything that can get in between the tape and surface to create direct contact with the adhesive.
Clean Your Hands
If your hands are dirty or oily, then they can disrupt the adhesive bond of your washi tape. For example, if you apply lotion, then it may get on the washi tape and ruin its stickiness. Clean your hands to ensure that nothing is affecting the tape’s adhesive.
Use New Tape
If your tape wasn’t stored well or is quite old, then it’s time to pick up a new roll of washi. Washi tape is not impervious to the effects of time, so you may need to replace your rolls every so often, especially if the adhesive has worn off. Using a new roll of washi tape may increase your chances of getting it to stick.
Check The Temperature
If your tape or the surface you intend to apply it to is too hot or too cold, then it won’t stick as well. Wait until it has cooled down or warmed up before applying your tape.
Add Adhesive To The Washi
If you really want to put in the effort and make your washi tape work, then you might consider adding an adhesive to enhance the washi’s stickiness. Something as simple as a thin layer of all-purpose glue can work wonders.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, washi tape is not designed to be a permanent tape, which is why it uses a weaker adhesive. There are still things you can do with washi tape, even if it won’t require you to increase its adhesive power. And fortunately, there are also various ways to improve the stickiness of your favorite washi. It just takes a little bit of time, effort, and creativity!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
