We once wrote a blog about the differences between duct tape and gaffa tape. And you may also already be familiar with the handy applications of gaffa tape, but we still regularly get asked what exactly gaffa tape is. Because if you see duct tape and gaffatape next to each other in the photo, there doesn't seem to be much difference. But there is definitely a difference. So in this blog, we will take you a little deeper into this indispensable product for the professional and DIYer. Find out what exactly gaffa tape is, learn more about its history and explore the various brands available at Tape-Deal.com.

The benefits of gaffa tape
Gaffa tape, also known as gaffer tape, is not just any tape. It is a robust, water-resistant adhesive tape with a woven fabric and plastic layer that make it extremely durable.

• Strong and versatile: Whether you are a theatre director, a sound engineer, a photographer or a DIYer, gaffa tape is your best friend. It can be used to manage cables, mark surfaces, repair equipment and even creative projects.
• Ease of use: Gaffa tape tears off easily, without the need for cutting tools, making it quick and efficient to use. In addition, it typically leaves no sticky residue upon removal, making it ideal for temporary applications for up to 3 months.
• Professional quality: While gaffa tape may be slightly more expensive than standard duct tape, its stricter specifications and reliability justify the price. It is designed for professional use and offers consistent performance even under demanding conditions.
• Reflects minimally: Gaffa tape comes in a variety of colours. The matt variants are ideal for stage use as it does not reflect.

The history of Gaffer Tape

Gaffer tape found its origins in 1959 when Ross Lowell, a filmmaker and founder of Lowel-Light, transferred the adhesive from Johnson & Johnson's Permacel tape to silver fabric. This created the first version of gaffer tape, which soon found its way into theatres, film sets and other professional environments in the entertainment industry.

Since then, gaffer tape has come a long way, with different brands each offering their own unique properties and applications.

Ross Lowell was a film producer and, in addition to camera operators, often had to deal with lighting technicians, people who make sure that the right amount of lamps and therefore light are hanging or standing in the right place in a studio, for example. This profession of lighting technician is called "gaffer" in America, and since they were by far the most likely to work with the tapes, this tape type was given the name "gaffer".

In the Netherlands, illuminators are actually hardly ever called gaffers, and over the years a corruption of the word gaffer took place along with some kind of abbreviation. This then became gaffa. "Hand over the gaffa!"

Brands and range
At Tape-Deal, we understand the value of high-quality gaffa tape, which is why we offer an extensive range of different brands:

• Nichiban, Deltec, Kip, Magtape and Gerband: These brands are known for their versatility, reliability and the fact that they leave no residue on removal. Are perfect for both temporary and permanent applications.
• TD47 Products: Our own brand, TD47 Products, offers affordable high-quality gaffa tape, ideal for everyday use.
• Gafer.pl: A newcomer to our range, Gafer.pl offers an excellent alternative with durable, manually tear-off tape in various colours and widths.
• Defender: Besides heavy-duty quality duct tapes, Defender also offers gaffa tape for a wide range of applications.
• Pro Gaff: As the market leader in the US, Pro Gaff is known for its premium quality and diversity of colours, widths and lengths.

Whether you're a Roady, an event organiser, an artist working on an Art project or a Gaffer taping off his lamp cords, you'll find the perfect gaffa tape for every job at Tape-Deal. Explore the possibilities and choose the tape that best suits your needs and budget!

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