Webbing and Tape Selection Guide

webbing and tape

Intro To Webbing and Tape

Webbing and tape can be used in a wide variety of products. Because of this, they come in many different forms: Polyester webbing. Vinyl facing. Furniture strapping. Heat bond tape. Double-sided seam tape. Hook and loop fasteners.


Each type offers distinct functions and features. Depending on the purpose, you’ll find some of these products in our Webbing & Tape and some in our Adhesives. Please note that these products are separate from those in our binding section.


To see how each type is broken down, read through the quick guide below.


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Quick Guide to Webbing and Tape

  • What is webbing and tape?
  • What is webbing and tape used for?
  • How do you install webbing and tape?

    • Types of Webbing

    Webbing can be either tubular webbing or flat webbing. Flat webbing is a solid weave of the fabric. It's often used for straps on bags and backpacks. Tubular means that the webbing is woven in the shape of a tube then flattened to offer double layers. Tubular webbing has many safety applications for kayaking, anchor climbing, and camping.


    There are many types of fabrics used for webbing tape. These fabrics include canvas, acrylic, nylon, polypropylene, polyester, and cotton twill. The type you use will depend on your specific application. We have many tape and marine webbing products available for you in a variety of widths, colors, thicknesses, and materials.


    To see how each product type is broken down, read through our quick guide below.

    Fabric Webbing

    webbing loop
    webbing strand

    Fabric webbing or strapping is typically made with a basket or tight weave construction. The webbing fabric comes in materials like polypropylene, polyester, nylon, Dacron®, cotton, and acrylic.

    Check out each type for specific features. The breaking strength of heavy-duty webbing is anywhere from 130 to 6000 lbs., depending on the size and material. Cotton webbing normally has the lowest breaking strength while polyester webbing has the highest. Applications include tie downs, shade sail edges, bundling, banding, apparel, upholstery, bag straps, furniture strapping, curtain reinforcement, outdoor gear, decorative trim, and marine canvas functions.

    Fabric Tape

    fabric tape loop
    fabric tape strand

    The main distinguisher between fabric webbing and fabric tape is that tape typically isn’t as strong. Made from a twill weave structure, fabric tape is often made from cotton. The strap material offers a lightweight construction best used for fabric binding, tying, or finishing raw edges. Fabric tape is best if you’re looking for a natural and inexpensive option.

    Heat Bonding Tape

    thermo bonding tape loop
    thermo bonding tape strand
    vinyl welding tape loop
    vinyl welding tape strand

    Bonding tape is commonly referred to as heat tape, heat seal tape, thermos or thermal tape, or welding tape. By placing the tape between two pieces of fabric and applying heat, the fabric will cleanly bind together. Bonding tape eliminates the need for sewing and creates a stitch-free, waterproof seam. It’s used in conjunction with an RF (Radio Frequency), Hot Wedge, or Hot Air welder.

    Note: Please ensure the fabric you use for this method is heat-compatible. Some common heat-capable fabrics are acrylic and vinyl.

    Seam Seal / Double-Sided Tape

    seam seal tape loop
    seam seal tape strand

    Seam seal tape wears many names in the fabrication world: seam tape, double-faced or double-sided tape, transfer tape, basting tape, and Seamstick. All refer to a clear, double-sided adhesive tape with a paper transfer backing. While there are countless uses across industries, fabricators typically use the tape for tacking down fabric prior to sewing seams. It’s great for upholstery fabric projects, custom awnings, boat sails and other marine applications, bonding and laminating, and more.

    A few distinctions to keep in mind when selecting the right seam tape:

    • Transfer tape = used on acrylic fabrics
    • Rubber tape = strong adhesion; used on acrylic and vinyl fabrics; known to turn slightly yellow over time
    • Acrylic tape = not quite as adhesive as rubber; used on all fabrics; will not turn yellow
    • Super Seamstick = very strong adhesion; used on acrylic and vinyl; holds up well in the sun

    Hook and Loop Fastening Tape

    velcro nylon tape hook loop
    velcro nylon tape hook strand

    Most commonly associated with the VELCRO® brand namesake, hook and loop fastener tape is used for fastening and bundling. It consists of two mating strips (the male/hook side and the female/loop side) that adhere when pressed together. This eliminates the need for snaps, buckles, or other fastening hardware. Some product types include an adhesive backing to mount objects to surfaces. Many are suitable for outdoor use. Applications include tying, bundling, mounting and adhering, and many industrial uses.

    Reinforcing Tape

    reinforcing tape loop
    reinforcing tape strand

    Reinforcing tape is also called reinforced tape, fiber tape, or filament tape. Generally made from clear laminate and polyester scrim, the non-adhesive tape is strong, stable, and weather resistant. The fiber reinforced tape is used to support pressure points on awnings, boat covers, enclosures, and more. Because it's waterproof, it' perfect for outdoor and boating applications.

    Disclaimer:

    The purpose of this guide is to give fabricators some general guidelines and product information. Read all our Product Guides.

    This guide should not be considered as the sole source of information on webbing and tape. This guide is strictly informational.

    Please reach out to your local customer care team for more guidance.

    Think we’ve forgotten something? Reach out to us via Chat!

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