ipg Tape Products FAQ: Choosing the Right Double Sided Tape, Aluminum Foil Tape, and More

Quick Answers to Your ipg Tape Questions

I'm an office administrator who handles purchasing for a mid-size construction supply company. Over the past five years, I've ordered hundreds of rolls of tape from ipg—everything from double-sided to aluminum foil. Here are the questions I get most often from our project managers and maintenance teams.

What exactly is ipg 591 double sided tape, and when should I use it?

ipg 591 is a high-performance acrylic foam double sided tape. It's designed for permanent bonding on smooth surfaces like glass, metal, and painted walls. I order it mainly for mounting signs and panels where screws aren't practical. One thing I learned the hard way: it doesn't work well on textured surfaces (like brick or rough wood). Skipping that check once cost us $300 in rework. So always test on a small area first.

Can ipg double sided tape hold a shower head with hose in place?

Not directly—you wouldn't trust double sided tape to support weight in a wet environment. But ipg aluminum foil tape (aluminum foil tape) is a different story. We've used it to seal gaps around shower head flanges and hose connections where moisture resistance matters. It's not a structural fix, but for temporary sealing or preventing drafts, it works well. The key is cleaning the surface thoroughly first (etching with isopropyl alcohol).

How to cook bacon in the oven with aluminum foil—and does ipg make a difference?

Great question! Cooking bacon in the oven is simple: line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, lay bacon strips in a single layer, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. The foil makes cleanup easy. Where ipg aluminum foil tape comes in: if you need to secure the foil edges to prevent curling or cover a torn spot, a strip of ipg aluminum foil tape holds up to oven temperatures (tested up to 400°F). We use this in our breakroom when the standard foil fails. Just make sure the tape isn't touching the bacon directly.

Is ipg 591 suitable for mounting milk glass panels?

Yes, milk glass (translucent white glass) is a popular choice for decorative partitions. ipg 591's acrylic foam provides strong adhesion to glass without leaving residue if you need to remove it later—though removal is tricky. I'd recommend testing on a small piece first because some milk glass has a textured back that reduces bond strength. For large panels, combine tape with mechanical fasteners. I skipped that step once and a panel shifted during installation. Four hours of rework and a $200 replacement later, I always use 'tape + clip' now.

What about ipg fiber laser marking machines? Do they use ipg tape?

ipg actually makes more than tape—they also produce fiber laser marking machines for industrial engraving. I don't order those personally, but our production team uses them. They sometimes specify ipg tapes for fixturing parts during laser marking because the tape's adhesive doesn't outgas under heat. If you're looking for a marking solution, ipg's laser machines are separate from the tape division, but both carry the same quality standard.

Which ipg tape should I choose between aluminum foil and double sided for general repairs?

Depends on the job. Aluminum foil tape (like ipg's) is best for HVAC ducts, oven sealing, and moisture-prone areas. Double sided tape is for bonding items to surfaces permanently. I keep both in our supply closet. A common mistake: using aluminum foil tape where you need structural bonding (it's not meant to hold weight). And using double sided tape where heat is involved (most double sids max out at 180°F). For $20 per roll, having both saves headaches.

Hope this helps you make better buying decisions. If I missed something, feel free to check ipg's spec sheets—they're actually readable (unlike some brands).