How to Get the Best Results from Custom Printed Packaging Tape

Custom printed packaging tape does more than just seal your boxes, it reinforces your brand and protects your products. But to get the best performance from your tape, several factors need to work together: the right tape, the right box, and the right application method.

Let’s break down what you need to know to ensure your custom printed tape performs reliably from packing to delivery.

Start with the Right Surface

The most important rule? Always apply your tape to a clean, dry carton. This gives the adhesive the best chance to stick properly and hold strong throughout shipping. Even the best tape won’t perform well if the surface is dusty, oily, or damp.

Key Factors During Application

Beyond having a clean box, a few other conditions can affect how well your tape sticks:

• Room temperature: Adhesives can behave differently in hot or cold environments.

• Application pressure: After placing the tape, apply firm pressure to bond it properly to the surface.

• Environmental conditions: Humidity, air quality, and how the tape is handled during use all play a role in its performance.

If you're dealing with special conditions (extreme cold, high humidity, etc.), there’s likely a tape made specifically to handle them.

How Tape Adhesion Is Tested

To ensure your tape has quality adhesive, manufacturers run several tests. Here are three of the most common:

1. Adhesion to Steel Test

This test compares how well tape sticks to a steel plate. While strong adhesion on steel is a good sign, it doesn’t guarantee great performance on cardboard. The real goal is a balance of three things:

• Adhesion (overall stickiness)

• Tack (initial grab)

• Shear strength (resistance to slipping or breaking under stress)

2. Rolling Ball Test

In this test, a steel ball is rolled over the adhesive surface. The shorter the distance the ball travels, the better the tack. A quick stop means the adhesive grips fast, perfect for bonding quickly to cardboard fibers.

3. Shear Adhesion Test

Here, one end of the tape is applied to a vertical surface made of 100% recycled cardboard, and the other end is attached to a weight. The longer it holds before slipping, the stronger the bond, especially important for packaging heavy items.

Don’t Forget About the Carton Quality

Even the best tape can fail if the box it’s applied to isn’t up to standard. Look for cartons that:

• Are precisely cut and folded

• Have strong glued seams

• Hold their shape under stress

One real-world test involves overfilling a recycled box, then storing it in a room at 40°C with 40% humidity for two days. If the tape holds up under these conditions, it’s ready for real-life shipping challenges.

Breaking Load and Stacking Pressure

When packages are stacked during shipping, the pressure from heavy boxes on top can cause tape to peel or break. That’s where breaking load comes in. It measures how much force is required to break a tape of a specific width. Choosing a tape with a high breaking load helps prevent seal failure during transit.

Final Thoughts

To get the most out of your custom printed packaging tape, you need more than just an eye-catching design. Combine high-quality tape with a properly prepared carton, apply it under the right conditions, and ensure the adhesive has been tested for real-world stress.

The result? A secure, professional-looking seal that delivers your product safely, and your brand, beautifully.