Gaffer tape

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Gaffer tape (also known as gaffer's tape or gaff tape and camera tape and spike tape for narrow and colored gaffer ribbons) are high pressure fabric ribbons with strong adhesive and tensile properties. It is widely used in the production of theater, photography, film and television, and industrial work staging.

While sometimes confused with duct tape, the gaffer tape is different in the second composition of backing, made of cloth compared to vinyl or other plastics, and the adhesive, which is more heat resistant and more easily removed without damaging the surface it adheres to.

The exact origins of the name are unknown, one of the theories is that it was named for the gaffer (chief lighting technician) of the film crew. When cables are recorded on stage or other surfaces, either to prevent the danger of tripping or hiding them from the viewers or camera viewers, they are said to be gaffed or gaffered .

Video Gaffer tape

Properties and use

Gaffer tapes are produced in many colors, including neon and custom colors, but perhaps the most common variations are matte black. Finished matte make a recording of reflecting light so that it blends with a distinctive stage floor. These are sold in various widths from /₄ at (6 mm) to 4 in (102 mm), with 1 in (25 mm) and 2 inches (51 mm) are the most common. Gaffer tape is powerful but can be torn by hand, so no cutlery is needed, and it can easily tear into smaller strips when desired. Synthetic adhesives usually leave little or no residue and generally will not damage most of the surface when removed. This is, however, more likely in warm conditions, so care should be used in considering whether different types of ribbons would be more appropriate in a given application. Gaffer tape is usually more expensive than duct tape because it is produced in smaller quantities, has more precise specifications, and is marketed for professional use.

A common application for gaffer tape is securing the cable to the stage floor, podium, or other surfaces, either for security or concealment. It is also often used whenever a quick ad hoc fix is â€‹â€‹required, from temporarily installing equipment or props, to rescue a piece of defective production equipment. The narrow version of gaffer tape, called spike tape, is used in theater production for floor layout.

In the absence of a tape or tape artist console, direct sound engineers or lighting board operators can use white gaffer ribbon strips along the bottom of the mixing board, to label the channels or submasters used for certain performances.