If you work with cables, hired venues, cameras or quick repairs, you’ve likely grabbed whichever roll was closest and hoped for the best. But gaffer tape and duct tape aren’t interchangeable. This straight-talking guide explains the real-world differences, when to choose which, how each behaves on common UK surfaces, and how to buy smart for crews and DIY.
The 10-second rule of thumb
- Need a strong hold that lifts cleanly with minimal residue? Choose gaffer tape.
- Need brute-force adhesion for rough repairs where finish doesn’t matter? Choose duct tape.
That’s the gist. The rest of this guide helps you make the right call every time.
What’s inside the roll (and why it matters)
Both tapes are cloth-backed and tear by hand, but their adhesives and finishes differ in ways you’ll feel on the job:
Gaffer tape uses a matte, low-reflective finish that disappears on stage or on camera, and an adhesive engineered for temporary use so you can remove it more cleanly from finished floors, kit and cables. Try a workhorse like Black Gaffer / Cloth Duct Tape 48mm x 50m for day-to-day tasks, or step up to a branded pro roll such as Ultratape Rhino Gaffer 50mm x 50m (Black) if you need tougher performance.
Duct tape tends to have a shinier face and a more aggressive, “repair-first” adhesive. It excels on rough or irregular surfaces and longer-term fixes where residue isn’t a deal-breaker. A good benchmark is Duck Tape Original Duct (Black) 50mm x 50m. 
Where each one shines?
Stage, AV, theatre & events
Use gaffer to secure cable runs on finished floors, mark positions that won’t reflect under lights, protect rental truss or furniture from rub points, and label gear (white/silver gaffer takes pen nicely). For general show work, 48–50 mm black gaffer is the staple; keep 25 mm for tidy labels and lightweight ties. See the Gaffer Tapes category to compare widths/colours and box options.
Film, photo & content shoots
Gaffer’s matte finish won’t flare. It’s perfect for temporary flags, hiding cable clutter in shot, and protecting stands or grip points. When you need a tougher, predictable spec for mixed indoor/outdoor shooting days, reach for Ultratape Rhino Gaffer 50 mm. 
DIY, site work & rough repairs
Duct tape wins on raw timber, brick, rough plastic and other uneven surfaces where sheer stick matters more than clean removal or aesthetics. Think temporary hose, tarp or packaging fixes. For anything that touches finished paint or hired kit, switch back to gaffer to avoid sticky aftermath. Consider a low-cost Black Gaffer 48mm x 50m for general household kits so you don’t reach for duct out of habit.
Surfaces, temperatures & dwell time
- Finished floors & painted walls: Gaffer is your safer choice, but still test first—especially with fresh paint. Burnish edges to resist foot traffic, and don’t leave it down for days under heat or heavy load.
- Plastics & metals: Both tapes stick well if surfaces are clean and dry; gaffer removes more cleanly from casings and stands.
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Cold or damp conditions: Any tape struggles on wet, dusty or very cold surfaces. Wipe, warm (hands or pocket), and apply firm pressure. If you’re working outdoors a lot, a pro-spec roll like Ultratape Rhino handles British drizzle better than ultra-budget cloth tape.
Quick safety note: neither tape is for skin, electrical insulation, or structural fixes.
Costing Smart: widths, colours & crew maths
Widths that work
50 mm (≈2"): your everyday lane-laying, edge-reinforcing, “get-it-done” size.
25 mm (≈1"): labels, colour-coding, smaller attachments where a slim footprint looks tidy.
Colours with a purpose
- Black blends on stage and in frame.
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White or silver/grey increase visibility and take marker ink well (great for labels & marks). If you want a tidy grey option, check Grey Gaffer 48mm x 50m—available as singles or by the box for discounts, and note the clearly stated UK delivery thresholds on the product page.
Buying like a pro (and saving)
If you’re running shows, exhibitions or regular site work, buy by the box to unlock bulk discounts, reduce mid-gig stockouts, and spread cost per roll. And if your basket is creeping toward the threshold, remember UK mainland free economy delivery kicks in at £75+ - it’s usually more economical than two smaller orders in the same month.
How to switch between tapes without headaches
- Start with gaffer as your default on any finished surface, rental, or in-frame area.
- Escalate to duct when you hit rough, dusty, or high-tension fixes where “hold” beats “finish.”
- If you’re not sure, test a small area and check for residue after 30–60 minutes before committing a long run.
Quick comparisons you can trust
| Job | Best pick | Why |
|---|
| Cable runs on polished floors | Gaffer (50 mm) | Matte, strong, cleaner lift |
| Marking stage/positions | Gaffer (25–50 mm, white/grey) | Visible, writeable, low-glare |
| Temporary kit protection | Gaffer (black) | Non-reflective, residue-conscious |
| Rough exterior patch or tarp | Duct | Aggressive stick on irregular surfaces |
| Long-term repair where finish doesn’t matter | Duct | Higher tack, typically cheaper per hold |
Recommended starting rolls (easy internal links)
Black Gaffer / Cloth Duct Tape 48 mm x 50 m - solid everyday value for venues, crews and home kits. Ideal as your default gaffer roll.
Tapes Wholesale
Ultratape Rhino Gaffer 50 mm x 50 m (Black) - pro-spec with matte finish, strong indoor/outdoor performance and residue-conscious removal. Great when reliability matters.
Duck Tape Original Duct 50 mm x 50 m (Black) - dependable duct tape for rougher, longer-term repairs where sheen/residue isn’t a problem.
Tapes Wholesale
Or browse the full Gaffer Tapes collection to compare colours, widths and box pricing in one place.
What People Ask Frequently?
Is gaffer tape waterproof?
Gaffer is water-resistant, not fully waterproof; it performs well in damp conditions with good prep and pressure but isn’t a permanent seal. For persistent wet exposure, plan to re-lay or choose a specialist sealing tape.
Will gaffer tape damage floors or paint?
Used on cured, finished surfaces and not left for prolonged periods under heat or pressure, gaffer is designed to lift cleaner than duct. Always test if you’re unsure.
Is duct tape cheaper than gaffer?
Often, yes per roll—because it’s aimed at repair rather than finish. But for crews who value clean removal and a matte look, gaffer’s time saved on cleanup (and avoiding damage to hired surfaces) more than pays back.
Final take
Keep gaffer as your default for stage-safe, camera-safe, residue-conscious jobs; deploy duct when you need raw holding power on rough substrates. Stock two widths (25 mm + 50 mm) and a couple of colours (black + white/grey), buy boxes for bulk discounts, and use the £75+ free delivery threshold to keep costs lean.