It looks like ordinary painter's tape from the hardware store, but its appearance can be deceiving. Most clean-release tapes like this are not inherently elastic. That's great for painting, but it's not very useful as a temporary tape when used in veneer joinery. The ideal tape is one is made with PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) and can be stretched and return to its original size. The elasticity is critical because it pulls and holds the veneer edges tight while the standard veneer tape sets up.
This clean-release tape has the ideal amount of stretch and a strong memory so that it pulls back with enough force to keep unruly joints tight. I can't stress enough that this is not the same tape found most hardware stores. Don't let the blue color mislead you.
What's nice about this tape is that the user can control the strength of the "return". In other words, if it's stretched lightly then it will gently hold the veneer seam tight. Increase the stretch and it will work more aggressively to pull the seam closer together.
Made in the USA.
Size: 11/16" x 180'
Thickness: .004" (+/- .001")
Instructions: Traditional Joinery Method
Instructions: Modern Joinery Method
This tape can also be used on the face of the veneer as a simple solution for keeping seams tight. Traditional water-activated paper tape is not needed with this joinery method. Use the same technique as described above to set the tape, but apply it to the face of the veneer instead of the back side. Carefully remove the tape, as shown above, after the panel has been pressed.
This process works on most, but not all species. It's always a good idea to test on scrap materials first. Since this is a PSA tape, removal is more difficult if the panels are clamped with excessive pressure. For vacuum pressing, 21" Hg of vacuum is typically recommended.
Review by Gregg Bahney
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This is an awesome product and a real time saver versus traditional tape. One thing to consider when using, my shop was quite cold the first day I used it so I placed a heating blanket on the press. The tape came off pretty easy but did leave a lot off residue. I had to use acetone twice and then a good deal of sanding. I am pretty sure it was the heating blanket because I used it 3 more days with the same glue and same veneer and no blanket and it came off very cleanly. I will definitely be using it in the future.
Review by Ronnie Davis
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I'm among the converts of people who stopped using the wetted veneer tapes and just switched to using this blue tape for veneer joinery. I saw it mentioned on a woodworking forum and the a few of the forum members posted pictures of their panel layups with this tape so I gave it a shot. Man I wish I know about this tape sooner. I am so done with wet tapes. This blue tape holds the seams tight and doesn't leave markings or impressions on the veneer. It looks like regular blue tape from the paint aisle at the hardware store but there are random crinkled lines in it which I think are what allows it to stretch and spring back. Removal needs to be done slowly though. If you just rip it off, the tape will shear or the veneer grain will pull up a bit. Go slow and follow the instructions on the website. Also happy to report that this website and its owner are a wealth of great information. The owner responds to emails right away. They also shipped my most recent order (for this tape) within an hour of getting my order. That is incredible!
Review by Keith Gotschall
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Easy to see why this is a required item for successful veneering. It's not painter tape. It has a stretch that allows you to easily pull edges together. Will 100% use this over "regular" tape of any kind. Care does need to be used when removing. A session in the bag will really have it set down and you need to carefully find the edge and pull in the correct direction to not pull fibers up as well.
Review by Jeff Woodward
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It really is different than [painter's] blue tape. And it does stretch a bit. Super helpful for stitching seams. Just as Joe says. Recommended although not essential. But - why not have the best to do your best?
Review by Wade Christifano
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I have been working with veneers since 1982 and I have used 3 hole kraft veneer tape for most of my project lay ups. Yes it is sometimes a pain to remove that tape but that is just part of veneering. I found a post on a woodworking forum that this tape was better for veneer seams. I tried it out and can say that this is a better veneer tape. It is easy to remove and the tiny amount of stretch it has is great for tugging joint lines together. The tape comes off easy compared to kraft tape, and it doesn't leave impressions on the veneer. On a large layup, the time I spend using tape (applying and removing) is reduced by 75%. I'm happy to report that I will not use traditional kraft tape anymore.
Shipping was a little expensive when I ordered one roll a month ago. But on my order this morning the shipping was very reasonable - though I had a lot of other items on my order. Otherwise, this is a great place to buy veneering tools and veneer. The owner will answer any questions you send very quickly.
Review by Jim Schumacher
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Don't even both with the brown or water water activated tape. I just use this tape to hold my veneers together and then peel it off after the project comes out from the vac bag. It cleanly peels off of most species. I've done 24 piece sunbursts with it this way!
Review by Craig Hammel
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Joe is right about this tape being different from painter's tape. It stretches just enough to be very effective holding seams tight. I just bought three more rolls!
Review by Martin Wilkerson
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I've been buying these tape for years from Veneer Supplies. I don't even bother with the kraft water-activated tape anymore for layups. The blue tape stretches enough to hold my seams tight but it's not so sticky that it doesn't come off the veneer very easily. Orders are always shipped very promptly from Veneer Supplies and the customer service here is superb.
Review by Andrew Timko
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Great product! I used to try and make do with painters tape and veneer tape, but always fought it. Tried this stuff and my life has changed. I have gotten into chessboards recently which doesn't seem difficult, however perfect alignment for a great project is important. This helps me to pull in those fine veneers that may not want to play nice well for a great glue up. I am very happy!
Review by Dave Johns
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Good stuff, shipped and received on time and without any damage. The website description was also accurate and fair. I would recommend this product to anyone interested.
Review by John Laupheimer
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This does just what it says. It pulls veneer pieces together temporarily while you paper tape the face sides. The tack is enough to hold but still is easy to remove. Well worth having on the shelf. It is also good for light clamping use on boxes and the like.
Review by Dave Agostini
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This is the first time I used this tape for a veneer project. I have previously used regular blue painter tape. But, I love this tape! It far out performs the regular old blue tape.
Review by Ken Gebhardt
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It does take a little time to get to know exactly how to work with this but once you know it pulls seams together and comes off easily. I will buy this again it's that good!
Review by Mark Parker
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This stuff is great! Just the right amount of stretch and stick. I used it for book-matching veneer and then put regular veneer tape on other side. When that was dry, I removed the blue tape. Removes easily too.
Review by Larry Fisher
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While this tape is excellent for taping veneers together, I mainly use it to glue the binding and purfling on my harp soundboxes. It's strong, flexible and is the best that I've used.
Review by Robert Stewart
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This is the perfect tape for veneer! I should have known that Joe would have this item. It works exactly as described and has the perfect stretch factor.
Review by Aaron Saxton
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I had cracked veneers that had dried apart...regular veneer tape just couldn't hold it properly. It would take forever to get the tape dry enough for each staple to hold anything - and even then it as too stiff. This tape however, did the job. It has just enough tension to "pull" the pieces together and is strong - and comes off remarkably easier than regular tape. Wish I had this tape a long time ago.
Review by Bob Cole
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I have been using many types of "blue" and "green" tape with my veneers for quite some time. Since I ordered, and used, this tape I use no other. I highly recommend its use. It "pulls" veneer edges together and leaves no residue. What more could you ask for?