If you work with cables, kit or temporary setups, there’s a good chance gaffer tape is already your quiet hero. It’s that matte, cloth-backed tape that grips hard, tears by hand, and (done right) lifts off cleanly when the job’s finished. Below is a straight-talking UK guide to what gaffer tape is, how it differs from other tapes, which size/colour to buy, and the smartest ways to use it without leaving a mess.
Gaffer tape in plain English
What it is. Gaffer tape is a cloth (usually cotton or synthetic fabric) backed tape with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The matte finish helps it disappear on camera or stage; the fabric backing adds strength and easy hand-tearability; and the adhesive aims to remove cleanly on most finished surfaces.
Why pros love it. Unlike shiny duct tape, gaffer’s non-reflective finish doesn’t catch light, it tears neatly without scissors, and the adhesive is designed for temporary, professional use (cables, floor marks, kit protection) rather than permanent repairs.
Bonus for busy crews: at Tapes Wholesale, you can capitalise on bulk discounts and free delivery over £75—handy when you’re buying for a production week or event series.
Sizes & colours explained
25mm vs 50mm.
25mm (approx. 1") is ideal for tidy cable ties, labelling, colour-coding, or securing lightweight leads to stands and furniture without a big footprint.
50mm (approx. 2") is the go-to width for laying cable lanes, protecting edges, reinforcing seams and general “get-it-done” jobs.
Black, white, silver (and more).
Black is the everyday workhorse for stages, film sets and rigs where blending in matters. Try a staple like Black Gaffer / Cloth Duct Tape 48mm x 50m for general jobs.
White is brilliant for visibility, marking on darker floors/walls, or where you might write on the tape.
Silver/Grey blends with metalwork and truss, and can be easier to see outdoors than black while still looking neat.
Pro tip: Stock two widths (25mm + 50mm) and at least two colours (black + white/silver). That simple mix covers 90% of day-to-day needs.
21 smart uses (and when not to use it)
- Securing single cables to skirting or set pieces
- Running tidy cable lanes across floors (press firmly along the edges)
- Colour-coding channels on audio/video runs
- Protecting hired kit from rub points and vibration
- Tacking down floor protection (ram board, paper, temporary mats)
- Marking stage positions that won’t reflect in lighting
- Quick fixes on soft cases, gig bags and cable ties
- Wrapping stand legs for grip and scuff protection
- Tabbing poly or backdrop edges
- Creating temporary pull-tabs and flags on cases
- Holding gels/diffusion on fixtures (check heat!)
- Tidying tent/marquee lines and hems
- Temporary car boot/van interior tweaks on shoots
- Securing signage in pop-ups and exhibitions
- Protecting corners/edges on rental furniture
- Bundling odd-shaped items for transit
- Quick grip on slippery handles
- Temporary dust seals on site boxes
- Marking “do not touch” zones or safety lines
- Emergency fixes on boots, straps or bags
- Labelling: write on white/silver with a Sharpie
Don’t do this: Avoid using gaffer on the skin, for electrical insulation, or for long-term structural fixes. And don’t leave it baking on delicate finishes for days; it’s “clean-lift,” not magic.
Gaffer vs other tapes (quick compare)
- Duct tape: shinier, often tackier, great for rough repairs—but more residue risk and harder to remove cleanly from finished floors and kit.
- Masking tape: designed for painting edges; not strong enough for load or high-traffic areas.
- Electrical tape: stretchy PVC for wiring insulation; not for floor runs or heavy bundling.
- Cloth “duct/gaffer hybrids”: many “cloth duct” SKUs overlap with gaffer use—check the finish (matte), removability and spec sheet before you buy.
If you want a tough, stage-friendly option with a pro spec and brand consistency, look at Ultratape Rhino Gaffer Multi-purpose Cloth Tape 50mm x 50m (Black)—widely used for indoor/outdoor jobs with a low-reflective finish and residue-conscious adhesive.
How to apply & remove without damage
Prep the surface. Dust and moisture are adhesion killers. Wipe the area, warm it slightly if it’s very cold, then apply firm pressure along the tape edges.
Lay with intention. Avoid over-tensioning across gaps; tape likes contact. For floors, burnish the edges to stop foot-lift.
Mind the dwell time. The longer any adhesive sits, the stronger it can bond—especially with heat and pressure.
Lift like a pro. Peel back low and slow at ~45°, supporting the surface with your other hand. If you feel resistance, pause and warm the tape gently (hairdryer distance, not heat-gun close).
Buying guide for the UK
How many rolls?
- Solo creator / small events: 2–3 rolls of 50mm black, 1 roll of 25mm white.
- Theatre/AV crew: 1 box (24 rolls) of 50mm black per season + top-ups in white/silver.
- Mobile production teams: Always keep a fresh 50mm black in the van plus a 25mm white for labelling.
Boxing clever. If your usage is predictable (weekly shows, ongoing site work), buying by the box taps into bulk discounts and reduces stock-out risk mid-project.
Delivery maths. Planning a restock? Padding your basket to £75+ unlocks free UK mainland delivery, which is often cheaper than paying shipping on two smaller orders the same month. Pair that with next-day-ish dispatch windows and you keep crews moving without emergency runs.
Need a fast answer? You’re covered by fast & friendly British service from a supplier established in 1998, so if you’re unsure which width or colour fits your job, it’s easy to get help before you buy.
Recommended rolls to start with
Everyday workhorse: [Black Gaffer / Cloth Duct Tape 48mm x 50m]—great balance of grip, matte finish and value for general work. Ideal for “first setup” kits or backup rolls you won’t baby.
Pro-spec favourite: [Ultratape Rhino Gaffer Multi-purpose Cloth Tape 50mm x 50m (Black)]—heavy-duty strength, water-resistant performance, matte low-glare finish, easy hand tear and residue-conscious removal. A safe pick when you need reliability on stage or set.
Frequently asked questions (quick hits)
Is gaffer tape waterproof?
It’s best described as water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. It performs well in damp conditions if the surface is clean and pressure is applied—but if you need a submersion-proof seal, use a specialist sealing tape. (We can point you to outdoor-friendly options if needed.)
Will it damage floors or paint?
Used properly on cured, finished surfaces—and not left on for days under heat—gaffer is designed to lift cleanly. Test a small, hidden area if you’re unsure.
Is gaffer tape the same as duct tape?
No. They’re both strong cloth-backed tapes, but gaffer is optimised for temporary, residue-conscious use with a matte finish; duct is more of a permanent repair tape and can be shinier/stickier.