How long does anti-slip tape last? Let’s discover its durability together

How long does anti-slip tape last? Anti-slip tape is known as a special adhesive tape used in many different contexts and environments.

However, it isn’t an everlasting product, though it can actually have a very long life. But how long can it last in practice? And what are the factors which can increase or reduce the resistance of anti-slip tape?

What is non-slip tape for?

Before having a look at how long anti-slip tape lasts, let’s outline what are the use cases for this tool. As you well know, when we talk about non-slip tape, we are referring to a self-adhesive film which, on the surface of its support, presents granules that, in the traditional formulation, are abrasive. This way, the presence of non-slip tape makes certain floors less slippery.

Typically, anti-slip tape is purchased to be placed on steps, stairs, ramps, and platforms, and generally in all those places in which, due to obstacles or the nature of the particular surface itself, sliding or a falling is dangerously likely.

It is no coincidence that anti-slip tape is used more and more not only in places open to the public, but also at home, where 46% of domestic accidents occur precisely because of accidental falls.

How long does anti-slip tape last?

How long does anti-slip adhesive tape last? How long does anti-slip tape stay in place once applied? Well, it can last without any issues even for years. Contrary to what you might think, if applied well to the floor, anti-slip tape often ends up failing in its function not because of its detaching from the underlying surface, but instead because of natural wear of the upper abrasive part.

Thus, non-slip tape applied properly – we will discuss shortly how to do so – can last several years, based on the actual foot traffic which will take place in that area.

How can you properly apply anti-slip tape?

The durability of anti-slip tape depends primarily on its application. The surface on which it will be placed must be perfectly clean.

The advice is to treat the area with alcohol, and then let it dry and evaporate completely before placing the anti-slip tape on it, applying some pressure to make it adhere to the surface below.

It should also be noted that it’s always best to avoid applying anti-slip tape on a cold surface: on the contrary, it would always be best to place the tape on a surface with a temperature exceeding 5 °C (41 °F) at least.

So, for example, on a fall or winter day, it will be necessary to avoid the coldest hours to apply the anti-slip tape on external stairs, waiting for the sun to warm up the surface a little before proceeding with the application.

When you need to replace a previous anti-slip tape strip, it will be best to make sure that you have carefully removed any residue. This operation can be carried out with the aid of a degreaser or solvent, using a scraper and a hair dryer to remove the most resistant and difficult parts.

Once the surface is cleaned and dried, it will be possible to apply the new anti-slip tape: to ensure a greater grip, the advice is always to round the corners, so as to give less chance to the edges of the tape to “curl” over time.

It is a good rule of thumb, should you need to place several strips of non-slip tape on a flat surface, to keep a distance of about 15-20 cm (5.9-7.8 in) between the different strips.

Which anti-slip tape should you choose?

In our customized professional adhesive tape e-commerce website, you will be able to find a wide range of anti-slip tape rolls.

The important distinction is that between abrasive ones, designed to be applied in normal situations, and which will need to endure shoes as foot traffic, and anti-scratch ones, which are to be placed in those environments where people usually walk around barefoot, such as in the pool.

That said, there are rolls with different widths and lengths, as well as, of course, different colours, offering a satisfying aesthetic result.