Screen Tape...What are you using and where are you getting it?

[XG Print]

Had the screen tape debate in our shop this morning with my guys.  Is the cost of the PMI split tape worth it over the price of the residue free packing tape.  What are you guys using and where are you ordering from.  Thanks

[im_mcguire]

It is well worth it in my opinion.  Between it not leaving residue, the tape itself not ripping, when you take it off for reclaim.  Just all around worth it for us.  I wont go back to any other tape. 

[ZooCity]

Intertape 510. 

[kingscreen]

My opinion is PMI is not worth it.

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-6536/Natural-Rubber-Carton-Sealing-Tape/Natural-Rubber-Tape-25-Mil-3-x-110-yds-Clear?FromOrderHistory=Y
Works just as well as PMI, if not better, and is cheaper.

We now get a tape similar to this from a local vendor that is even cheaper and a half mil thicker.

Speaking of PMI, I have one of those application guns if anyone is interested in it.   

[kingscreen]

Intertape 510.

I just checked our case and this is what we use now (except it's 520 bc we use 3").

[farmboygraphics]

I like PMI. The cost is added into the job.

[Prosperi-Tees]

PMI321 3"x110 yd - Dynamic

[ffokazak]

We use 3M packing tape from Costco. It leaves no residue at all, and its cheap. I think around 1.50$ a roll.

The way we permanently tape our rollers, there is really only 1/2" on each side between the scoop coater and the gorilla tape, so were almost at a point where we can eliminate the packing tape all together hopefully...

[jsheridan]

if it goes in the trash, use the cheapest you can find that does not shred or leave a residue on your frames when you remove it.

[Maff]

We really like PMI Quick Rip. It tears by hand easy, holds up great on screen and pulls off all at once with nothing behind. We buy it from Tech Support by the case.

[ZooCity]

Intertape 510.

I just checked our case and this is what we use now (except it's 520 bc we use 3").

510 = 2.3MIL
520 = 2.8mil

fyi.  I think they all come in various widths.

We go through a lot of it- two pieces per side on roller frames.  I'd like to stop using it but can't see how.   I see the threads on perm blockout statics, wide scoop coaters, etc. but with roller frames (with appropriately softened corners), long runs, delicate mesh and water base inks....we not only need the tape to keep ink contained, we need it to protect the stencil and mesh at the squeegee drop zone and along the outer blade edges of the stroke.

So I take jsheridan's approach.  This is about as cheap as I've found we can go without issues for all "normal" length print runs.  We do have to use a higher quality blue tape form R-tape for drop zones on long runs as the intertape will "shatter" after so many strokes putting little plastic shrapnel all up in your ink. 

This tape doubles as packing tape which is nice for inventory simplification.

[alan802]

PMI is great, I love the stuff, but I won't pay for it.  We get our tape from Uline, the 3", rubber based and we go back and forth on thickness.  I prefer the thicker stuff, 2.4-2.6 mil is my choice.  Very rarely will it leave a residue or not come off in one piece.  More power to those who buy and use the PMI, I just can't do it when we have a tape that does a good job at a much cheaper price. 

[screenprintguy]

PMI is great, I love the stuff, but I won't pay for it.  We get our tape from Uline, the 3", rubber based and we go back and forth on thickness.  I prefer the thicker stuff, 2.4-2.6 mil is my choice.  Very rarely will it leave a residue or not come off in one piece.  More power to those who buy and use the PMI, I just can't do it when we have a tape that does a good job at a much cheaper price.

absolutely the best!! Been going this route for a long time now. PMI is nice, but God forbid you leave it on a screen for a week, forget about it. Plus it's insanely priced for something that will be thrown out. This stuff you can leave on a screen for months, peel it off and leaves no residues.

[mimosatexas]

I have screens that have been taped with PMI split for months and I can go re-position it right now with no issues and definitely no residue...

[Prosperi-Tees]

Looking at the Uline stuff and unless I buy 72 rolls the price I pay for PMI is a little cheaper and white, for some reason I prefer white tape.