Steve Espinal, Author at Pro Tapes® https://www.protapes.com/blog/author/sespinalprotapes-com/ Tape manufacturer and specialty converter. Tue, 21 May 2024 14:05:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 UGlu by Pro Tapes, The Better Balloon Tape https://www.protapes.com/blog/uglu-by-pro-tapes-the-better-balloon-tape/ Tue, 21 May 2024 14:05:39 +0000 https://www.protapes.com/?p=11589 In this guest blog by Delloons, will dig into everything you need to know about UGlu!

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Have you ever wondered what tools balloon pros use to create those amazing balloon displays? In this informative guide, Dolly & Eddie (aka Delloons), will dig into everything you need to know about UGlu®! They will explore its properties, applications, and even some helpful tips for using it effectively.

Dellon's balloon artists Dolly and Eddie, crafting a blue, white, and black balloon garland created with Pro Tapes products at the Pro Tapes office.

Balloon decor has become a popular trend for parties, events, and even home decorations. The ability to create beautiful balloon displays and designs can transform any space and create a festive atmosphere. However, one of the challenges that balloon decorators face is finding the right adhesive to secure balloons together without damaging them. That’s where UGlu comes in. Whether you are a beginner in the industry or a seasoned professional, UGlu is your partner in success.

UGlu is the Better Balloon Tape! It is a type of tape that while it has a huge variety of uses, is incredible when used for adhering balloons to balloons, both latex and foils alike. This unique tape creates a strong bond between balloons, allowing you to easily create intricate designs and displays without worrying about them falling apart. UGlu is a product made by Pro Tapes®, a trusted manufacturer known for its high-quality adhesive products.

UGlu comes in various presentations and sizes, which include dashes, strips, and rolls, making it easy to find the right size and shape for your specific balloon decor needs. The adhesive is strong and durable, ensuring that your balloon creations stay intact for hours on end. Whether you’re creating a balloon arch, centerpiece, or bouquet, UGlu is the perfect tool to help you bring your vision to life.

One of the best things about UGlu Dashes is that they are versatile and easy to use. Simply peel off the backing and press the tape onto the balloons to secure them together. The adhesive is clear and residue-free, so you won’t have to worry about it leaving any marks or ruining the look of your balloons. Plus, Dashes are easy to remove, making it a convenient option for quick setup and cleanup.

UGlu Dashes sits next to latex balloons in the color white and blue.

Using UGlu on latex Balloons

Using UGlu products on latex balloons is very simple. Start by removing the white cover from the UGlu. This will reveal the adhesive underneath. Place a dash, strip, or piece of UGlu wherever you want your balloons to connect. Make sure you choose the spot carefully! If you accidentally stick the balloons together in the wrong place, don’t worry! You can try gently twisting the balloons apart to detach them without them popping. But guess what, if it does pop, replace your balloon and reattach — it is that simple!

UGlu 650 Dispenser with roll in front of it. Next to the dispenser are foil balloons in the colors black and white.

Using UGlu on Foil Balloons

There are several factors to consider when using UGlu on foil balloons. For instance, UGlu has a stronger bond when adhering silver foil balloons to another silver foil balloon. This means, that the adhesive capabilities can vary from foil to foil.

When using a gold or otherwise printed or colored foil balloon, we recommend utilizing a layer of Pro® JLAR II clear tape. Colored or gold foil balloons have been treated by paint or ink, they tend to have an oilier surface. This coating tends to prevent the UGlu from creating a very strong bond. Using the JLAR II in between the UGlu, helps the product adhere properly. This will allow the product to adhere properly and ensure that your foil balloon designs are intact upon delivery and even days after you have created it.

While UGlu is not advertised as a removable adhesive from latex or foil balloons, it is however possible to remove it. You should always understand that there may be a risk of popping the balloon when attempting this. If you are okay with that risk, you can look at the removal techniques that have worked for us. UGlu products do allow for clean and easy removal, and it is removable from certain surfaces. For example, UGlu can be removed from surfaces like wooden walls, plastic banners, and props. To remove simply grab onto a corner of the dash and slowly pull. You may also try using another dash or strip to grab onto the UGlu adhered to the given surface. Lastly, you may also try twisting on a circular motion the two connected surfaces.

Effects of Temperature

It is important to note that in our experience, working with balloon decor in New Jersey, where we get really cold winters, UGlu works best under room temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, the adhesive properties of UGlu can become rigid, decreasing its adhesive power. Similarly, in temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above, they may become too tacky, causing the adhesive to be less effective. It is recommended to store and use UGlu in controlled and normal room temperatures for optimum performance.

Dellon's balloon artists Dolly and Eddie, showcase a stunning blue, white, and black balloon garland created with Pro Tapes products at the Pro Tapes office.

UGlu is a Game Changer for Balloons!

Overall, UGlu products have been a game-changer in our day-to-day business, and we are certain that they will be for you as well. With their strong adhesive properties and easy application, they make it simple to create stunning balloon designs for any occasion. Whether you’re a professional decorator or just someone looking to add a festive touch to your next event, UGlu by Pro Tapes offers the perfect tool to help you achieve your balloon decor goals. Try them out today and see the difference they can make in your designs!

If you have not tried UGlu, we urge you to do so! It has revolutionized our industry and created easier processes for us to develop balloon creations in a secure, clean, and effective way.

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Top 6 Tapes Balloon Artists MUST Have in Their Balloon Kit https://www.protapes.com/blog/top-6-tapes-balloon-artists-must-have-in-their-balloon-kit/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:18:15 +0000 https://www.protapes.com/?p=11409 Delloons reveals which Pro Tapes products are absolutely essential to have in your balloon kit, so you can handle any installation!

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Today we bring you another guest blog by Dolly & Eddie (aka Delloons), our amazing Pro Tapes Ambassadors. In this blog, they’ll tell us which Pro Tapes products are absolutely essential to have in your balloon kit, so you can handle any installation like a champ!


Going out into the field to complete an installation is always nerve-wracking. Let’s be real—even when you’re making a design you’ve made multiple times in the past, there are always unforeseen challenges that can happen when you’re working on-site.

How can you be ready to handle any situation when installing balloons?

In our experience, there’s a few things that give us peace of mind when we leave our studio to complete a job. And guess what?! All of those things relate to having the right materials on hand to perform the tasks!

That’s why we compiled a list of six adhesive products that never leave our kit:

Variety is the spice of life, or so they say. We’ve found that having a variety of tapes in our kit for different applications ensures that we can take on any challenge like champs!

Trust us when we say that this list was not made without experiencing these challenges first-hand. We struggled so that you don’t have to, so to speak!

Every time we faced a specific issue—like not having the proper structure, or an installation changing from indoor to outdoor—we learned a specific lesson. During these times, we had to think on our feet, assess our tools, and identify the best solution or alternative. These experiences helped us create the perfect list that is sure to save your lives and your work in any circumstance.

No matter what the circumstance, Pro Tapes products have you covered! Always remember to test the surface where you wish to apply the tape prior to usage.

These are the Top 6 Tapes to Always Have in your Balloon Kit:

Pro Gaff in White and Black are must have tapes for your balloon kit

Pro Gaff

We use Pro Gaff in White and Black the most when doing an installation. For a clean application and removal, Pro Gaff is your go to tape! It is easy to tear by hand and can be used to cover your structures or to create attachment points (see our blog on that here!) Always be mindful about texting the tape on the surface you wish to use it on.

Pro Duct 120 tape is a must have for your balloon kit

Pro Duct 120

We recommend having the Silver, Black, and White options with you. We use Pro Duct 120 when installing outdoors, or on surfaces where there is no concern about the adhesive leaving residue behind. Creating structures with this tape is also a breeze as its adhesive power creates a very strong bond.

Pro Scenic 714 Painters tape is a must have for your balloon kit

Pro Scenic 714 Painter’s Tape

We use this painter’s tape primarily for at-home installations, or on surfaces that need to be protected from any peeling or stripping. Pro Scenic is a 14 day painter’s tape, which means you can leave it on for up to 14 days and it still removes cleanly, without leaving residues.

Pro JLAR tape is a must have for your balloon kit

Pro JLAR II

This tape is perfect for applications where a clear and clean appearance is necessary. Pro JLAR is “clear to the core.” That means when you’re holding the roll in your hand, the tape is so transparent that you can look right through it to see the tape core! We use Pro JLAR to create attachment points on our foil balloons to attach them to garlands, to adhere one foil to another, or to attach foil to latex in bouquets.

UGlu Dashes are essential to have in your balloon kit

UGlu Dashes

UGlu Dashes are essential for every balloon kit! The Dashes make for the perfect balloon adhesive to add any small details or embellishments to your balloon creations. Keep in mind: UGlu Dashes must be kept out of cold temperatures to ensure that they retain their adhesive properties.

The UGlu Contractor Pack is essential to have in your balloon kit

UGlu Strips

Think of the use and application of a dash, but on a larger scale! You’ll probably find the UGlu Contractor Pack the most convenient since it comes with 250 strips. But there’s also a smaller pack, the UGlu Strips Family Pack, which features a set of 3 different sized strips.

We use UGlu strips to adhere signage onto walls or balloon garlands, among so many other things. These are also very customizable since you can easily cut the strips down to the size you need.

UGlu strips are great for attaching signs to your balloon arrangements

How do I Keep my Balloon Kit Organized?

But how can you organize all of these tape products while maximizing the space in your work bag? There’s a simple solution!

We use these packing cubes that we purchased from Amazon. Check out the photos below to get an idea of how you can organize your packing cube to fit all these essentials!

You can use packing cubes to organize your tapes

Read more from Delloons:

Be sure to check out our other blog post, “How to Attach Your Balloon Garlands Using Tape,” where we discussed for you can use three of the products listed here to make secure balloon attachment points!

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How to Attach Your Balloon Garlands Using TAPE! https://www.protapes.com/blog/how-to-attach-your-balloon-garlands-using-tape/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 22:18:35 +0000 https://www.protapes.com/?p=11373 In this guest blog by Delloons, we get the scoop on how to use tape to securely attach balloons to walls, glass, and more!

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Today we bring you a guest blog by Dolly & Eddie, the power couple behind Delloons, and our amazing Pro Tapes Ambassadors. In this blog, they’ll give us the scoop on how to use tape to securely attach balloons to walls, glass, and more!


When it comes to balloon decor, over the last few years we have seen many different trends. It is no mystery that balloon garlands are all the rave and they are here to stay, so we have compiled a variety or attachment techniques that you can use to secure your balloons in place.

Whether you are a DIYer or a beginner or an advanced balloon artist, this information is perfect for you!

How Do You Attach Balloons to Walls and Other Surfaces?

Technique is very important when it comes to accomplishing a specific balloon design.

Have you ever seen those beautiful balloon garlands hanging on a wall and wondered, how they are attached there? Most importantly, how is it not coming down from the wall? Last but certainly not least, how is it not peeling the paint? We have the answers to those questions here.

The quality of the products that you use is equally as important as the techniques that you employ.

Further, different products work for different scenarios. You wouldn’t use duct tape to section off an area to paint, you would use a painter’s masking tape, RIGHT?  

For this reason, we will be sharing different techniques and tapes that you can use the next time you install balloons. We are certain this information will help you with your next installation.

How to create the H Hinge balloon attachment.

The H Hinge Method to Attach Balloons

The first method is commonly known as the H Method. As the name might suggest, it is just that, an H!

For this specific method, we recommend the use of the following products:

Watch this step-by-step tutorial on the application of this technique using Pro Gaff tape. Below the video, learn more about when to use Pro Duct 120 and Pro Gaff to create your balloon attachments.

Please note: It is important that you always test your tape on the surface where you wish to apply it before the installation.

Why you should use Pro Gaff for creating balloon attachment points.

What is Pro Gaff Tape?

Pro Gaff is a matte cloth tape. With its variety of presentations, Pro Gaff is perfect for marking and labeling, holding and bundling items (like keeping wires and cables in place for events), and so much more.

Moreover, Pro Gaff is one of our most used tapes when creating balloon designs. It does not matter if it is for a wall installation or for one of our handy balloon structures, Pro Gaff always has us covered!

Did we mention? This product comes in a huge array of colors too (i.e. blue, pink, green, orange, black, white), and it is available in various sizes and widths as well.

When to use Pro Gaff:

  • When you need tape that removes cleanly
  • When working on interior walls
  • When working on glass surfaces
Why you should use Pro Duct 120 for creating balloon attachment points.

What is Pro Duct 120 Tape?

Pro Duct 120 is a cloth tape made for industrial use. It’s amazing bonding power, and waterproof coating, makes it the perfect option for outdoor balloon installations and structures.

This tape comes in 13 colors! That’s right, you read correctly! If you are concerned about the tape showing behind your balloon display, the color options allow you to cover your mechanics seamlessly.

Plus, with its easy unwind and tear, Pro Duct 120 is extremely gentle on the hands.

When to use Pro Duct 120:

  • When clean removal is not a necessity
  • When working on porous surfaces such as concrete or brick
  • Exterior applications
How to use the Hashtag Method for creating a balloon attachment point.

The Hashtag Method to Attach Balloons

The second method we commonly use is what we like to call the Hashtag Method. And YES! You guessed it! It is exactly what the name suggests, a hashtag sign ( # ).

For this specific technique, we recommend the use of the following products:

Here is a step-by-step tutorial on the application of this technique with Pro 714 Painter’s Tape:

Please note: It is important that you always test your tape on the surface where you wish to apply it before the installation.

Why you should use Pro Scenic 714 Painter's Tape for creating balloon attachment points.

When to use Pro 714 Painter’s Tape:

  • When you need 100% clean removal every time
  • When working on interior walls
  • When working on glass surfaces

Before we go, here’s a few more tips to keep in mind:

  • Always test your tapes out on the surface where you wish to apply it before installation to ensure the tape works as intended. Some paint finishes have different effects on the adhering capabilities of tape, so it is always imperative that you test your tape before final use.
  • Ensure that you inform your client of your process with tape; understand that there might be risks of damage when using any kind of tape.

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Shadow Box Framing with Pro Tapes® https://www.protapes.com/blog/shadow-box-framing-with-pro-tapes/ Wed, 16 Nov 2022 16:41:47 +0000 https://www.protapes.com/blog/?p=5566 Shadow box framing is perfect for framing keepsakes and collectibles. Check out the tape products we recommend for creating your own!

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Today, we’re sharing some tips and tricks for shadow box framing for first timers! This is a great framing option for displaying multiple keepsakes or collectibles. Our Pro, Nicole, will show us how she framed keepsakes from her wedding with the help of four Pro Tapes® products.

Let’s Get Shadow Box Framing with Nicole!

Hey folks! I’m a long time tape user, but a newbie to shadow box framing. However, thanks to Pro Tapes® the process was super easy!

The four Pro Tapes® products I used to create this shadow box frame were:

Gather your supplies together for the shadow box frame

Step 1: Gather Your Items to Be Framed

Your first step is to gather all of your items and tools:

  • Any items that you want to frame
  • The shadow box itself (I bought a premade one)
  • And most importantly, tape!

For this project, I used items from my wedding that I have been meaning to frame.

Practice the layout of items for the shadow box frame

Step 2: Prepare your Layout

Don’t wing your layout – practice it first! I laid out how I wanted all of the pictures and items arranged in the shadow box to figure out what the best layout would be.

Try different combinations until you find the one you like best.

Creating a black background for the frame with Pro Flocking tape

Step 3: Create a Velvety Background with Pro® Flocking Tape

This specific shadow box I used as my base came with a canvas background, which I wasn’t a fan of. I wanted to have a darker background. This is where our first product comes in!

Pro® Flocking tape has an amazing permanent acrylic adhesive that allows the product to stick to low surface energy materials. In this case, it adhered to the canvas backing like it was always made to be there.

The liner that is included with Pro® Flocking tape made it easy to apply it to the canvas background gradually. It gives you time to apply it carefully and rub out any creases that might come up.

If the velvet of Pro® Flocking gets dirty, dusty, or covered in pet hair (pet owners will understand), I have a simple PRO tip: Use a lint roller! A lint roller works wonders for fur and dust removal.

Attaching photographs using Pro 410 tape with an ATG

Step 4: Stick down photographs with Pro® 410

With our new background complete thanks to Pro® Flocking tape, it’s time to mount our pictures. For that, I used Pro® 410 ATG tape, which I applied using our ATG dispenser.

I used Pro® 410 to adhere the pictures for multiple reasons:

  1. It is a thin tape, so you won’t get any lines or bumps coming through the front of the photo
  2. The acrylic adhesive on the Pro® 410 is strong enough to bond to a variety of materials, such as the flocking fibers on the new background I made

I applied Pro® 410 to the back of the printed pictures along all 4 sides. This ensures the best bond and prevents pictures from peeling off once the shadow box frame is hung up.

Stick down bigger items in your shadow box frame using UGlu

Step 5: Stick Down Bigger Items with UGlu®

Next, I used UGlu® to hold down bigger and odd-shaped items to the flocked background. This double sided tape comes in a variety of convenient shapes and sizes. Thanks to the paper backing on each piece of UGlu®, you can also use scissors to cut it down to even smaller pieces as needed.

I used UGlu® to attach thicker cardstock invitations, as well as a homemade magic wand and homemade mini lightsaber. The wand and lightsaber are as thin as chopsticks in some areas, so being able to cut the UGlu® strips down to smaller pieces was really convenient here.

Even with some of the unevenness of the items, UGlu® adhered really well to them. That is the magic of UGlu®: your objects do not have to be perfectly flat! It works incredibly well with odd shapes and uneven surfaces to ensure a fantastic bond.

Finish the edges of the shadow box frame with Pro Gaff tape

Step 6: Finish the Edges of your Shadow Box Frame with Pro Gaff®

Lastly, I used black Pro Gaff® tape in Black along the inside of the shadow box frame. Instead of leaving the sides grey like the original shadow box frame had, I wanted to match the new background I created and give the frame more visual depth.

Just so you know, you don’t have to use the same colors as me for your frame! Pro Gaff® comes in many different colors, which gives you tons of creative freedom. You can mix and match as you like to fit your color palette or to match the décor around your frame.

Final Result

Considering this was my first time ever custom framing with a shadow box, I had tons of fun doing it! I feel inspired to take on more custom framing projects in the future.

What made everything that much easier was working with Pro Tapes®’ high quality products! If you’re thinking of taking on your own shadow box framing project, I highly recommend them.

The completed shadow box frame with wedding memorabilia

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT TAPE? ASK THE PROS!

We offer many more tape solutions for picture framing. Reach out to us, and our experienced customer success team will be happy to help you find the tape that meets your needs. Contact us today at sales@protapes.com.

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Archival Picture Framing: The Top 3 Tapes You Need https://www.protapes.com/blog/archival-picture-framing-the-top-3-tapes-you-need/ Wed, 27 Jul 2022 15:05:14 +0000 https://www.protapes.com/blog/?p=5356 Archival custom picture framing is important for making framed work beautiful and long-lasting. Here are our top 3 adhesive tapes to help.

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Archival picture framing is the best means to protect valuable original art, prints, posters, photographs, certificates, diplomas, sports memorabilia, and more.

As a custom picture framer, there are many things to consider to ensure your custom framing work meets archival standards. The goal is not only to make the client’s art or memorabilia look good; it must also be preserved and protected.

Archival custom picture framing is achieved by using inherently acid-free materials. You must also consider sealing the frame to prevent any dirt or dust from entering.

  • What type of glass should you use? Silicate or acrylic? You want to use a glassing with UV filtering.
  • What type of frame? Metal or wood?
  • Should you use decorative, conservation or museum grade mat board?
  • What type of hardware and hanging systems should you employ?
professional picture framers need high quality tapes

On top of discussing these options with your client, you must also educate them on how to properly store their framed work. Remind clients to:

  • Store their framed piece away from intake or outtake vents
  • Be aware of swings in temperature and humidity where the framed piece will be displayed
  • Keep the framed piece away from direct sunlight

Pro Tapes® can help you with the critical art of archival picture framing. Below, we’ll take a look at three tapes that can help you create archival framing.

For Permanent Picture Framing Solutions

Pro® 410 ATG is the ideal pH Neutral adhesive transfer tape to use for permanent bonding. It can be applied by hand or via dispenser gun.

Pro® 410 ATG has a double coated tissue carrier with an acrylic adhesive. The solvent based acrylic adhesive won’t yellow over time. It has excellent resistance to ultraviolet light.

At 89 oz per inch, it is super strong and ideal for object or memorabilia framing. It is also great for mounting artwork, attaching dust covers and adhering mats.

It’s a highly versatile product and can adhere to a wide variety of substrates such as cloth, paper, vinyl, rigid and flexible plastics and more.

Pro Fillet Tape is perfect for fillets, slips, and other framing needs

For Fillets, Slips and More for Picture Framing

Pro® Fillet Tape is the go-to adhesive tape to adhere to the backside of fillet or slip.

The premium grade polyester carrier and acrylic adhesive are highly resistant to ultra violet light.  The solvent based acrylic adhesive is pH Neutral. 

Pro® Fillet Tape’s high tack was designed to adhere to metal as well as wood. It’s a fantastic product for creating decorative linings and increasing the depth between the artwork and the glass.

Pro Artist Tape in White is perfect for picture hinging for framing

For Hinging the Work to be Framed

Hinging is the process of mounting artwork by suspending it with tabs of tape. Professional picture framers love to use our Pro® Artist Tape for hinging, and here’s why:

Pro® Artist Tape is engineered with SRA technology (Synthetic Rubber Adhesive). This single sided tape is repositionable and removes cleanly. The White color in particular is pH Neutral and won’t yellow over time. It also will not stain or ghost after removal.


Looking for the right tape to suit your needs? Ask the Pros!

We offer many more tape solutions for professional picture framing. Reach out to us, and our experienced customer success team will be happy to help you find the tape that meets your needs. Contact us today at sales@protapes.com.

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Top 3 Tapes for STEAM Class Projects https://www.protapes.com/blog/top-3-tapes-for-steam-class-projects/ Wed, 18 May 2022 15:02:11 +0000 https://www.protapes.com/blog/?p=5242 Planning a STEM or STEAM class project? Let's take a look at the top 3 adhesives tape solutions Pro Tapes® recommends for STEAM projects.

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Most folks already know that STEM is an acronym for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. However, fewer folks know about STEAM. In this post, I’ll share adhesive tape products that are excellent tools for all kinds of STEAM class projects.

So you may ask: what is STEAM exactly? STEAM is a natural progression of STEM. It incorporates visual arts, dance, drama, music and more. It is part of an ever-evolving methodology for educating students and preparing them for the jobs of the future.

The integration of art into a STEM program can enhance problem solving and critical thinking skills – necessary skills for any workplace. Engineers, mathematicians, business people and scientists in the real world must all learn to think outside of the box.

No matter what type of STEAM project you’re planning, Pro Tapes® has an adhesive tape solution to help. Below we’ll take a look at my top 3 recommendations for tapes for STEAM projects.

Pro Plus tape is great for STEAM projects that require electrical wiring

Pro® Plus for Electric STEAM Experiments

For STEAM projects that require electrical wiring, Pro® Plus is an excellent choice. Pro® Plus helps with insulating wire splices.

Other Features of Pro® Plus Include:

  • UL listed 510 with a dielectric strength of 600 volts
  • It is CSA approved and has been tested against applicable North American standards.
  • Designed for wear and tear
  • Excellent cold weather resistance as well as fire retardant attributes
  • It will also perform exceptionally well in environments up to 105ºC.

Pro® Plus comes in black, blue, green, brown, yellow, purple, orange, red, white, pink and grey. This wide range of colors assists with labeling and cable management. 

Which means, besides the practical application of wire protection, Pro® Plus can also be used for decoration! Utilize its different colors to add a creative element to any STEAM project.

Pro Duct 120 is great for securing and holding STEAM projects together

Pro® Duct 120 to Hold STEAM Projects Together

Pro® Duct 120 is one of our many high performing duct tapes. It’s excellent for indoor or outdoor use and features a high tack (or stickiness.) Its waterproof backing makes it a great choice when a moisture barrier is required. 

Pro® Duct 120 is great for securing and holding bulky objects together. That makes it useful for a range of creative or scientific projects.

This duct tape can adhere to wood, metal, cardboard, glass, fabric, ceramic and plastics. It comes in silver, black, tan, brown, red, olive drab, white, blue, green orange, yellow, burgundy and purple.

Not only will this Pro® Duct 120 hold your STEAM projects together, it can add a wonderful element of color and decoration!

UGlu can replace hot glue and works on a wide variety of surfaces for STEAM projects

UGlu® is Versatile and Can Replace Hot Glue

UGlu® is one of our most popular tape products. There are so many different ways you can use it! But what is UGlu®? UGlu® is a double sided tape that performs like a liquid adhesive. It’s “The Strength of Adhesive, The Convenience of Tape™.” 

UGlu® features an oversized release paper liner, making it super easy to peel and stick. It bonds well to plastics, metal, glass, paper, wood, foam, fiberglass, cement, ceramic, leather and more. It can also bond well to rough or uneven surfaces.

UGlu® bonds instantly, but it can be removed cleanly if you need to. It is also much safer than hot glue gun since it requires no power or heat; that’s a bonus for the classroom!

For attaching small details or decorations to a STEAM project, we recommend UGlu® Dashes™.

For securing heavier objects, you might want to apply larger strips or a 3”x 3” patch (see our UGlu® Family Pack or the UGlu® Power Patch.)  UGlu® can also be cut down to size with scissors.

Pro 882L Copper Tape can be used for a simple STEAM LED project

Bonus: Check out this Copper Foil Tape Experiment!

I also want to share with you a simple STEM LED circuit project we’ve previously published. In this project, we use our conductive Pro® 882L Copper Foil Tape to demonstrate how electricity works! Click here to check it out.


Looking for the right tape to suit your needs? Ask the Pros!

Here at Pro Tapes®, we’ve made it our goal to provide customized solution to our customers’ unique challenges.  Our experienced customer success team is happy to help you find the tape that meets your needs. Contact us today at sales@protapes.com.

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DIY Balloon Numbers with UGlu® by Rosaura Villafaña https://www.protapes.com/blog/diy-balloon-numbers-with-uglu-by-rosaura-villafana/ Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:29:50 +0000 https://www.protapes.com/blog/?p=4869 Our guest artist Rosaura Villafaña brings you an awesome DIY balloon number tutorial you can try out for your next birthday or other event!

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Today, our guest artist Rosaura Villafaña (@rdecoart on Instagram) brings you an awesome DIY balloon number tutorial you can try out for your next event! These light-up balloon numbers are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, New Year’s parties and more.

Gather your UGlu® and other supplies for the balloon arrangement

Supplies You Will Need:

  • UGlu® Dashes
  • Balloons
  • Foam Board
  • Construction paper or scrap paper
  • Ruler
  • X-Acto Knife or Scissors
  • Battery-operated LED lights

Draw and cut out your numbers to your desired size from the foam board

Step #1: Prepare Your Number Bases

Draw and cut out your numbers to your desired size from the foam board.

To make this process easier, you can first draw out your numbers on construction paper or other scrap paper, then use it as a template to draw on the foam.

Cut 12 inch long foam strips to create the 3D shadowbox effect for your numbers

Step #2: Create the Foam Border for your Numbers

Cut 12” long strips (about 1” wide, but you can adjust it as needed). These strips will line the edges of your numbers to create the 3D, shadowbox effect.

To figure out how many strips you will need to cut, you can measure out the width of the strips along the edges of your numbers and make tick marks, then count it up.

When you’re ready, use UGlu® Dashes to attach the strips along the edges of your numbers.

UGlu® Dashes are very easy to use:

  • Just peel a dash off the paper liner
  • Stick the dash down on your first surface (the edge of the number)
  • Peel the small paper liner off the back of the dash
  • Attach the strip to the side of the number, and press on it for a few seconds

By the way, if you made a mistake and didn’t cut enough strips to cover the whole number edge the first time, don’t worry! You can always cut more foam strips to the exact size you need.

Use UGlu® Dashes to attach the battery case and lights to the back of your numbers

Step #3: Add in your LED Lights with UGlu®

Time to add the GLOW! I used a battery-operated LED light kit for this project. Make sure to test out your lights before and after you add them to your numbers to make sure they work.

Use UGlu® Dashes to attach the battery case and lights to the back of your numbers. Your balloons will go on top of this.

Keep in mind that you want to place the battery case somewhere that will be easy to reach later, so you can switch the lights on or off. I like to put it in the bottom corner of my numbers, and plan to put a balloon combination there that will be easy to reach behind.

UGlu® Dashes are perfect for sticking the balloons to your foam and to other balloons

Step #4: Fill your Numbers with Balloons

Finally, you can start filling your numbers in with your balloons!

UGlu® Dashes are perfect for sticking the balloons to your foam and to other balloons. With UGlu®, the balloons should sit nice and securely inside your numbers!

I used a mix of balloon sizes to create a cool “mosaic” look. I placed bigger balloons inside the numbers the fill them up (plus, the LED lights show through very nicely.) Then I used smaller balloons along the edges to make a sort of “border.”

You can make so many awesome color combinations with your balloon numbers! Try different colors of balloons and LED lights.

Enjoy your finished Light-Up Balloon Numbers!

That’s it- how easy was that? You can make so many awesome color combinations, too. Try different colors of LED lights, color matched to your balloons. You could even take an extra step and paint or spray paint your foam pieces to blend in, too!

When it comes time to display your balloon numbers, remember that UGlu® can help too! Use UGlu® to secure your numbers to a floor, wall, table and more.


To learn more about Rosaura and check out her beautiful balloon arrangements, visit her Instagram: @rdecoart

Questions about our products? We’re here to help! Reach out to our Customer Success team at sales@protapes.com.

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Pro® Body Tape for Everyday Attire and Costumes https://www.protapes.com/blog/pro-body-tape-for-everyday-attire-and-costumes/ Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:58:17 +0000 https://www.protapes.com/blog/?p=4844 Pro Tapes® is excited to present our premium double-coated, skin-friendly body tape to help all kinds of wardrobe and wig adjustments!

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Pro® 1502, also called Pro® Body Tape, is the perfect double-sided tape for easy wardrobe adjustments that keep you looking great all day long!

Are you going into the office and need to look on-point and professional? Are you performing in a play and need a costume adjustment? Or just wearing your favorite outfit that is nearly picture-perfect, but needs a slight fix on a button or seam? Pro Tapes® is excited to present our premium double-coated, skin-friendly body tape to help with all these wardrobe adjustments!

Pro Tapes® has developed this product to solve the everyday hassles, like a collar that won’t stay in place on your favorite shirt or a button come loose. You can use our it to adjust the fabric or straps on gowns and dresses, or attach toupees & wigs securely and discretely.

The possibilities of when to use Pro® Body Tape are nearly endless!

Features & Benefits of Pro® Body Tape:

  • Skin-friendly and gentle pressure-sensitive adhesive
  • Clear adhesive is nearly invisible and discrete
  • Easy to tear by hand and apply
  • Breathable and safe on hair
  • Removes cleanly & easily
  • Can be repositioned and re-applied
  • Made in the USA
Pro Body Tape is used in many industries including wedding and bridal, tailors and seamstresses, entertainment and party supply, and more

Use our skin-friendly Pro® Body Tape to:

  • Attach toupees, wigs and other hair pieces
  • Create and make alterations to professional costumes, cosplay, and clown outfits
  • Hold straps, buttons, clothing hems and seams in place
  • Attach decorations and embellishments for body art, special FX makeup, and face painting
  • Secure lavalier microphones for television, theatre, and public speaking
  • Fix bothersome areas of clothing causing calluses & blisters
  • Hold up and adjust face masks, even without ear loops

Pro® Body Tape is essential for a variety of industries, including:

  • Entertainment (clowns, dancers, performance art)
  • Party Suppliers
  • Weddings and Bridal
  • Tailors and Seamstresses
  • Fashion and Makeup

QUESTIONS? THE PRO TAPES® TEAM IS HERE FOR YOU!

To learn more, visit our product page here.

Our experienced sales team is here to help you learn more about the endless possibilities of our product offerings. Reach out to us any time at sales@protapes.com.

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Protect Sanitized Surfaces with 3M™ Durable Protective Film https://www.protapes.com/blog/protect-sanitized-surfaces-with-3m-durable-protective-film/ https://www.protapes.com/blog/protect-sanitized-surfaces-with-3m-durable-protective-film/#respond Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:37:48 +0000 https://protapes.com/blog/?p=4376 3M™ has developed a new product which protects sanitized surfaces like screens and desks from abrasion due to frequent disinfecting.

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Protect sanitized surfaces and inhibit the growth of bacteria with 3M™ Durable Protective Film. Learn more about this new product, and discover what Pro Tapes® can offer you, too!

These days, facility managers in schools, universities, gyms, medical offices, and more, have implemented expansive new sanitizing procedures to combat the spread of Covid-19 and other communicable diseases. 

Unfortunately, harsh cleaning chemicals used in these processes can wear down surfaces over time. For this reason, 3M™ has developed a new product which tackles both issues at once.

Protect Sanitized Surfaces with 3M™ Technology

Introducing: 3M™ Durable Protective Film.

3M™ Durable Protective Film is engineered with an EPA-registered silver ion antimicrobial hardcoat. The hardcoat has been put through the Taber Test Method, and is confirmed to give your surfaces a boost to their abrasion resistance.

In addition, the antimicrobial agent interferes with the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, to protect surfaces longer between cleanings. 

Watch our Demo Video:

Frequently sanitized surfaces where 3M™ Durable Protective Film could be used

There are many surfaces which can benefit from the additional protection of 3M™ Durable Protective Film. To give you an idea, here are a few key surfaces that are often “high-touch” areas which require additional sanitation:

  • ATMs, Point-of-Sale keypads
  • Door handles, elevator buttons, light switches
  • School desks, benches, handrails
  • Shopping carts
  • Phones, tablets, and other touch screens
  • Airport kiosks
  • Restaurant tables and counter tops
  • Medical/dental tables and counter tops
3M Durable Protective Film can be used on high touch surfaces like tablets, desks, handrails, and more

Two product options:

Different surfaces and applications require different approaches. To this end, we provide two versions of 3M™ Durable Protective Films to best suit your end application.

3M™ Durable Protective Film 7750AM (Permanent)

  • Utilizes 3M™ Adhesive 400 for clarity and resistance to yellowing (when exposed to UV light)
  • High clarity/transparency
  • Excellent for permanent to semi-permanent applications

3M™ Durable Protective Film 7760AM (Removable)

  • Utilizes 3M™ Adhesive R3500 for good initial tack
  • Offers excellent UV resistance
  • Excellent removability; removes from most substrates*

*The user will have to determine if this product is suitable for the intended application

For additional guidelines on sanitizing protocols to follow in your facility, please visit the CDC’s page on Cleaning and Disinfecting your Facility.

3M Durable Protective Film is engineered with a silver ion microbial hardcoat which protects from abrasian and inhibits the growth of germs

Combine with Pro Tapes® Converting Technology

In addition, Pro Tapes & Specialties® offers an expansive array of converting capabilities. For this reason, 3M™ has partnered with us to offer their 3M™ Durable Protective Film.

We now offer standard stock sizes, as well as the ability to cut custom widths, lengths, and die-cut shapes. Check out our Virtual Tour to discover all of our capabilities!

Questions? Reach out to our sales team anytime at sales@protapes.com.

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How Do You Make a Custom Chalkboard or Dry Erase Board? Pro Tapes® Shows You How! https://www.protapes.com/blog/how-do-you-make-a-custom-chalkboard-or-dry-erase-board-pro-tapes-shows-you-how/ Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:12:34 +0000 https://protapes.com/blog/?p=4183 Are you looking for a custom chalkboard or dry erase board solution? We're happy to introduce two tape products, Pro® Chalk Tape and Pro® Dry Erase Tape!

The post How Do You Make a Custom Chalkboard or Dry Erase Board? Pro Tapes® Shows You How! appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

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Are you looking for a custom chalkboard or dry erase board solution? We’re happy to introduce two of our tapes that could be just what you’re looking for! Read below to learn more.

Are you a teacher or a parent trying to create the best learning environment for your children at school or at home? Maybe you own a business (restaurant, salon, etc.), or you’re an artist or a DIY type of person looking for a custom solution to easily take and keep notes somewhere easy to see?

You should get to know about Pro® Chalk Tape and Pro® Dry Erase Tape!

Pro Chalk and Pro Dry Erase are easily applied, easily removed, and with no mess

Pro® Chalk Tape and Pro® Dry Erase Tape are easy to apply, easy to remove, and leave no mess behind! They’re as easy to write on as a conventional chalkboard or dry erase board, and they erase cleanly every time.

These features make both products suitable for both at-home teaching or in-school lectures. Use it in the classroom to highlight the new lesson for the day, or write out project due dates and keep them handy!

Pro Chalk Tape and Pro Dry Erase Tape are eco-friendly and safe for children

Restaurant or food business owners can let customers know what their specials of the day are with a custom-placed and sized chalk or dry erase board. At home, you can use it to organize and label things in your home office or kitchen; just check out this DIY calendar we made with Pro® Dry Erase Tape!

Take a closer look at Pro® Chalk Tape:

Pro Chalk Tape is a printable and removable chalkboard film tape

Pro® Chalk Tape is a printable, removable chalkboard film tape. Pro® Chalk Tape comes in many different sizes, and can be custom cut & printed.

This tape has a polycoated kraft release liner which makes it easy to cut, peel and apply. The textured, slate grey film provides a great surface for drawing or writing.

Use Pro® Chalk for labeling, posting daily menus and to-do lists, making message boards in the home, school or office, and more! It’s a great product for crafting, personalizing items, and homeschooling.

Take a closer look at Pro® Dry Erase Tape:

Pro Dry Erase be written on with any standard dry erase marker

Pro® Dry Erase Tape is an erasable surface tape that quickly transforms your work surface into a white board. It works with any standard dry erase marker and erasers!

Pro® Dry Erase tape comes in many different sizes. It is available in roll form, standard sheet size, and even wider custom whiteboard sizes.

Its removable acrylic adhesive makes it easy to reposition and re-apply without leaving residues on the surface.


THE PRO TAPES® TEAM IS HERE FOR YOU!

Questions? Let our experienced inside Sales team help you learn more about our product offerings! We can help you identify the right solution for your project.

You can reach out to us any time at sales@protapes.com

The post How Do You Make a Custom Chalkboard or Dry Erase Board? Pro Tapes® Shows You How! appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

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