Gaffer tape
Gaffer tape, gaffer's tape, gaff tape[1] or gaffa tape[2] is a strong, tough, cotton cloth pressure sensitive tape with strong adhesive properties. It is used in theater, film and television productions as well as during live performances and any other kind of stage work. While related to duct tape, it differs in that it can be removed cleanly because it uses a synthetic petroleum-based adhesive rather than a natural rubber adhesive.[3] The tape is often referred to as a production expendable because it is discarded after the production process is complete.
It is 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.
Invention
Gaffer tape, according to photographer David Bailey, was created in Britain.[5]
Uses
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; although PVC tape (AKA electrical tape) will come away more cleanly from a mixing desk.
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[citation needed]. A matte finish keeps the tape from reflecting light so the tape blends in with the typical stage floor of a theatre.[6] Gaffer tape combines excellent strength properties with the ability to be ripped 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 and typically does no harm to whatever the tape is applied to. 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.[7]
Gaffer tape generally costs 3 to 4 times the amount of a roll of duct tape of equivalent length; this is because it is manufactured in much smaller volumes, and to different specifications that make it easy to tear and to remove cleanly.
See also
References
- ^ Lawler, Mike (2007), Careers in Technical Theater, Allworth Communications, Inc., p. 97, ISBN 1-58115-485-2, 9781581154856
{{citation}}: Check|isbn=value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "gaffer tape n. (also gaffa tape, gaffer's tape)" Oxford English dictionary (second ed.), 1989
- ^ Cool Tool: Gaffer's Tape, retrieved 2007-10-29
- ^ Church of the Holy Gaffer Tape - Top Tips for Gaffer Tape, archived from the original on 2007-11-12, retrieved 2007-10-29
- ^ Wiseman, Eva; Conner, Megan; Shaitly, Shahesta (2012-03-17). "Great British design: six favourites". The Guardian. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
- ^ gaffers tape from permacel and pro gaffer, retrieved 2007-10-29
- ^ Gaffers Tape - Goodbuyguys.com, retrieved 2007-10-29