Drafting tape

Drafting Tape, also known as "the second most useful tape in the world", is similar to duct tape in that is has a wide variety of uses, but differs in several key areas.

  1. Drafting tape is not nearly as strong as duct tape or Gaffer Tape; it will break with minimal effort, and is not waterproof.
  2. Drafting tape is easily removable, even from delicate surfaces like paper. It does not leave a sticky residue when it is removed. This is the main reason engineers and architects use this kind of tape in their blueprints.
  3. Drafting tape is also relatively low-odour compared to other types of tape. Its odour is similar to electrical tape, but less rubbery and more papery. Many people find the odour pleasant, or at the very least, unobtrusive.

Drafting tape is nearly identical to "masking tape" and "painters tape", the main difference is width. Painters tape is the widest, averaging about 2½ inches(approx. 6.4 cm), while masking tape and drafting tape are less than half that width.

While the obvious use of drafting tape is for drawing, drafting tape can also be used for labeling and hanging posters. Its neutral cream coloring goes well with many other colors, and it can be written on easily with any felt-tipped marker. In addition, drafting tape costs less than conventional labels, and its low cost also makes it more forgiving of errors.