ipg Tape: 7 Questions People Ask Most (From Someone Who’s Made the Mistakes)

Everything You Wanted to Know About ipg Tape (But Were Afraid to Ask)

If you're here, you're probably trying to figure out if ipg tape is right for your project, which type to use, or how to avoid a costly mistake. I've been handling tape orders for about 6 years now, and let me tell you—I've made some real doozies. I wrote this to answer the questions I wish I'd asked before my first big order. This was accurate as of Q1 2025, but pricing and specs change, so double-check current details before you commit.

1. What exactly is "ipg tape"? I see it everywhere.

When people say "ipg tape," they're usually talking about tape manufactured by Intertape Polymer Group (IPG). They're a big deal in the industrial and packaging world—think double sided tape, water activated tape (the paper stuff that needs a tape machine), duct tape, masking tape, aluminum foil tape ... the list goes on. It's not a single product; it's a whole family. If I remember correctly, they make over 50 different tape types for everything from sealing boxes to bundling cables. The confusion is fair—'ipg' could mean a handful of things depending on context (photonics? ad agencies?), but in the building and packaging space, it's tape.

2. Is ipg tape better than the cheap stuff from the hardware store?

The short answer: for most commercial or industrial jobs, yes. The longer answer involves total cost of ownership (TCO), which is a framework I now use for every purchase. The 'budget' tape at the hardware store might cost $3 a roll. An ipg industrial-grade equivalent might be $8. Looks like a bad deal, right? I once ordered 200 rolls of the cheap stuff to "save" $1,000 on a contract. We had to re-tape almost 30% of the boxes because the adhesive failed in the heat. The redo cost us over $1,800 in labor and materials, plus a pissed-off client. The $8 roll would have cost less in the long run. People think expensive tape is about upfront cost; the reality is the expensive tape is about preventing the cost of failure.

3. What's the deal with water activated tape (WAT)? Is it worth getting a tape machine?

This was true maybe 10 years ago when WAT was seen as messy and slow. Today, it's a different story. A water activated tape machine (which ipg makes) gives you a super strong, tamper-evident seal. WAT bonds to the cardboard fibers, so it's not just sticking to the surface. For heavy shipments or high-value goods, it's worth it. Here's the catch—the TCO includes the machine rental/purchase, the tape itself, and the space it takes up in your warehouse. I'd say it's worth it if you're shipping more than, say, 100 boxes a day. For smaller volumes, a good quality pressure-sensitive tape (like an ipg duct tape) is simpler and cheaper.

4. How do I choose between double sided tape and mounting tape?

Fair question, and honestly, I messed this up in my first year (2017). I was mounting signs for a trade show and used standard double sided tape. It looked fine on my screen. The result? Signs started peeling off by day two. The cost? $890 for reprints and a 1-week delay. Double sided tape is for lightweight, temporary bonds—think papers, photos, light trim. Mounting tape (which is basically a thick, foam-based double sided tape) is for heavier, permanent bonds. It fills gaps and handles vibration. For anything structural or semi-permanent, go with mounting tape. For quick crafts or temporary placement, standard double sided is fine. That's a lesson I'll never forget.

5. What’s the biggest mistake people make with ipg tape?

Most beginners assume all tape is the same. They order a generic "industrial tape" for everything. That’s like using a hammer for every job. The ipg line has a specific tape for duct sealing, one for masking paint lines, one for bundling cables, and another for packaging. I once approved an order of masking tape for a job that needed high-temperature resistance. We lost $450 plus a lot of face. The mistake is not asking about the environment. Is it hot? Cold? Do you need UV resistance? Food safety? Always answer those three questions before picking a tape. The assumption is that one roll fits all; the reality is a well-matched tape saves you from a disaster.

6. Can I use ipg tape for [random thing, like making brown paint]?

Haha, I get this a lot. People search for tape, and then for how to make brown paint, and they get confused. No, you can't use tape to make paint. But I will say, for mixing colors like a dark brown, you’d typically blend red, yellow, and blue. That’s not relevant to tape. But if you’re wondering if ipg tape works for masking off areas while you paint? Yes, absolutely. That’s what the masking tape and delicate surface tape are for. Just don’t try to mix it. Use the right tool for the job. Similarly, people ask about "milk glass" and "wine glass"—no, tape won’t really help you there. But if you’re packaging wine glasses or milk glass vases, I’d recommend a double-sided tape for cushioning or sealing the box. It’s surprisingly good for securing fragile items in custom packaging.

7. What’s the best ipg tape for sealing boxes for shipping?

Personally, I’d go with ipg’s water activated tape if you have a tape machine, or their heavy-duty acrylic duct tape if you don’t. The acrylic adhesive is great for long-term storage and temperature shifts. The rubber-based stuff (like most hardware store tape) is cheaper and tackier, but it fails faster. For most shipping, you want a tape that bonds to recycled cardboard well. Again, think TCO: the cheap tape might fail in transit, costing you returns and angry customers. That’s not a savings. For standard e-commerce orders, a 3-inch wide, 2.0 mil acrylic tape is a sweet spot. For heavy pallets, step up to the reinforced tape. If I remember correctly, ipg has a specific "Filament Tape" for bundling that is insanely strong. I've used it to secure a whole pallet of doors. No issues.

I hope this helps. Feel free to message me if you have specific questions—I’ve probably made the mistake before.