Floor signage tapes: how long do they last if stepped on?
How long do floor signage tapes last if they are stepped on? These special adhesive tapes can be used in many different occasions. They are very often found, for instance, in logistics facilities and warehouses, to outline the area meant for the passage of forklifts in order to increase safety. But they are also found inside large buildings open to the public, such as hospitals, where adhesive floor signage tapes indicate the correct routes to reach the different departments. Ever since the recent health emergency of COVID-19, moreover, floor signage tapes have been used to help maintain social distancing. It is also not uncommon to use PVC floor adhesive tapes to signal restricted areas, or ones which must remain free of traffic or blockages. Certainly, being able to use signage tapes specifically designed for the floor makes it possible to create long-lasting signs without having to improvise, using, perhaps, regular colourful tapes and professional double-sided ones. But how long do adhesive signage tapes last if stepped pm, or subjected to other constant threats to their integrity?
How to apply floor signage tape
The durability of adhesive signage tapes depends essentially on two factors: on the one hand, the construction quality of the tape; on the other, the way it was applied. Incorrect application can compromise the strength of even the best quality floor signage tapes. It is therefore best to, first of all, make sure to perfectly clean the area on which the tape will be laid, making sure to remove any dirt, dust, residue from previous tapes, or grease of any kind. If liquids are used to clean the surface, it will be necessary, afterwards, to ensure that it has completely dried or evaporated (in the case of ethyl alcohol) before applying it. At that point, it will be possible to lay the signage adhesive tape: a trick to prolong its life even when regularly stepped on can be to slightly round the corners at both ends, so as to prevent the formation of any side curling.
How long does floor signage adhesive last when stepped on?
As previously outlined, the factors determining the durability of floor signage tapes are essentially two. But it should be stressed that even the wear to which the adhesive tape is subjected can make a difference. This is why it’s paramount to take into account any possible atmospheric agents, daily trampling, floor cleaning (manual or with industrial machines), as well as the use of aggressive detergents. That said, if applied correctly, even when exposed to trampling or other daily threats, the best floor signage tapes can easily last more than a year or more: what is important is choosing professional and high-strength floor signage tape, designed for environments with great foot traffic and possibly for application in outdoor environments.
How to remove floor adhesive signage tape
The removal of floor signage tapes must be carried out following the techniques used for the removal of regular adhesive tapes. It’s best to begin from one end, lifting one flap. Should it resist such motion, it will be possible to reduce its adhesive power using a solvent, or possibly a solution of water and lemon or water and oil (in this case, it will be best to be certain that no one passes will pass through that location for a while, to avoid slipping incidents). Using a spatula, too, will certainly help. Should, once the tape is removed, any residue remains on the floor, it will be possible to remove the latter using a solvent as well, or by letting said residue soak for a few minutes with water and lemon. Other useful tricks are water and vinegar or a jet of warm air, enough to soften the glue left on the floor.
How to choose floor adhesive tapes
There are many different types of adhesives in the field of professional signage tapes. To choose the perfect ones for your company you need to make sure you know what their specific uses will be: will they be applied inside or outside? How long will they need to last? Should different colourful tapes be used? Should they be visible even in low light conditions?
Answering these questions will make it easy to identify the most suitable floor adhesive tapes for you. On our website, it is possible to buy PVC tapes in simple black, or colourful ones, striped or colourful and reflective, as well as with writing indicating safety distance, designed for both the inside and the outside. The thickness of our signage tapes varies from 130µm to 150µm.