Gaffer tape: Difference between revisions
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m gaffers tape would not be appropriate for holding a drum kit in place. the adhesive is not strong enough for this application |
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The most common use for gaffer tape is securing cables to the stage floor or other surface, either for safety or to keep them out of view of the audience or camera. [[Clapper loader|Camera assistants]] use short strips of different colors to lay [[Blocking (stage)|blocking]] markers for actors. Similarly, a narrow version of gaffer tape, called [[spike tape]], is used in theatre productions for floor layout. It is also used whenever a quick [[ad-hoc]] fix is required, from temporarily attaching fixtures or [[Theatrical property|props]], to salvaging a broken piece of production equipment. In the absence of console tape or artist tape, [[Live sound mixing|live sound engineers]] may use a strip of white gaffer tape along the bottom of a mixing board, to label the channels used for a particular show. |
The most common use for gaffer tape is securing cables to the stage floor or other surface, either for safety or to keep them out of view of the audience or camera. [[Clapper loader|Camera assistants]] use short strips of different colors to lay [[Blocking (stage)|blocking]] markers for actors. Similarly, a narrow version of gaffer tape, called [[spike tape]], is used in theatre productions for floor layout. It is also used whenever a quick [[ad-hoc]] fix is required, from temporarily attaching fixtures or [[Theatrical property|props]], to salvaging a broken piece of production equipment. In the absence of console tape or artist tape, [[Live sound mixing|live sound engineers]] may use a strip of white gaffer tape along the bottom of a mixing board, to label the channels used for a particular show. |
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A slightly less common use for gaffer tape, but equally important, is that of a [[drummer]]. Gaffer tape is frequently used to stop a [[drum kit]] from shifting away from the drummer whilst playing. A notable occurrence this could have prevented was when [[Buddy Rich]]'s kick drum fell off the stage when he was playing on a live TV show. Gaffer tape is also used by drummers to reduce unwanted overtones on drums by sticking a piece on the head.<ref>{{Citation | title = How to Get the Best Sound from All of your Drums | url = http://www.waywood.com/damp.htm | accessdate = 2008-10-18 }}</ref> Also, if a drum head gets punctured or severely deformed during live play, gaffer tape can be applied to salvage the drum until the end of the set. |
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It is also widely used by [[audio-visual]] departments in [[hotel]]s and [[convention center|conference centers]] for holding down wires to [[podium|podiums]] and stages. It can also be used as a waterproof packaging tape and some grades even meet packaging certification standards such as [[ASTM]] D5486. |
It is also widely used by [[audio-visual]] departments in [[hotel]]s and [[convention center|conference centers]] for holding down wires to [[podium|podiums]] and stages. It can also be used as a waterproof packaging tape and some grades even meet packaging certification standards such as [[ASTM]] D5486. |
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Revision as of 17:12, 8 June 2009
Gaffer tape, gaffer's tape, gaff tape or gaffa tape is a strong, tough, cotton cloth pressure sensitive tape. It is used on theater, film and television productions as well as live performances and any other kind of stage work.[1] Gaffer's tape is often referred to as a production expendable because it is discarded after the production process is complete.
The most common use for gaffer tape is securing cables to the stage floor or other surface, either for safety or to keep them out of view of the audience or camera. Camera assistants use short strips of different colors to lay blocking markers for actors. Similarly, a narrow version of gaffer tape, called spike tape, is used in theatre productions for floor layout. It is also used whenever a quick ad-hoc fix is required, from temporarily attaching fixtures or props, to salvaging a broken piece of production equipment. In the absence of console tape or artist tape, live sound engineers may use a strip of white gaffer tape along the bottom of a mixing board, to label the channels used for a particular show.
It is also widely used by audio-visual departments in hotels and conference centers for holding down wires to podiums and stages. It can also be used as a waterproof packaging tape and some grades even meet packaging certification standards such as ASTM D5486.
The tape is manufactured in many colors, including fluorescent and custom colors, but the most common variety is matte black or dull grey. A matte finish keeps the tape from reflecting light so the tape blends in with the typical stage floor of a theatre.[2] It is easily torn by hand so no cutting tools are necessary. The adhesive used is a high quality synthetic rubber which leaves little or no residue when removed. It usually comes in 2"-wide rolls, and the cloth composition allows a consistent tear, which means it easily tears into two 1" strips, if needed. [3]
It is likely named for the gaffer, the head of the lighting department on a film crew. When cables are taped down on a stage or other surface, either for safety or to keep them out of view of the audience or camera,[4] they are said to be gaffed or gaffered.
Gaffers tape generally costs 2 to 3 times the amount of a roll of duct tape of equivalent length; this is because it is manufactured to different specifications -- to make it easy to tear and to remove cleanly -- and is therefore not a consumer good, not being manufactured in as large quantities.
References
- ^ Cool Tool: Gaffer's Tape, retrieved 2007-10-29
- ^ gaffers tape from permacel and pro gaffer, retrieved 2007-10-29
- ^ Gaffers Tape - Goodbuyguys.com, retrieved 2007-10-29
- ^ Church of the Holy Gaffer Tape - Top Tips for Gaffer Tape, retrieved 2007-10-29