Gaffer tape, also known as gaffer’s tape, is a heavy cotton-based tape known for its powerful adhesive and ability to stretch to great lengths without tearing. It’s very similar to duct tape, except that duct tape is highly reflective, while gaffer tape isn’t because of its matte finish. Unlike duct tape, gaffer tape also can be torn by hand rather than needing to be cut with scissors, and it can withstand much higher temperatures without melting. It’s also waterproof, doesn’t pull paint off walls, and doesn’t leave behind any residue when removed. Gaffer tape has long been widely used in the entertainment and photography businesses for TV productions and radio productions, photography, theater, and other similar work, though it’s not limited to these uses. Here are a few rolls of gaffer tape we recommend.

What to Consider in Gaffer Tape

Here are a few things to think about before buying gaffer tape:

• Thickness: The general standard thicknesses for gaffer tape are 2 or 3 inches. These sizes should work admirably for most of your purposes. However, there are thinner and thicker options out there. Gaffer tapes range anywhere between 1 to 8 inches thick, but non-standard sizes can be much harder to come by.
• Color: Most gaffer tape will be black, gray, or white, but that is by no means a comprehensive list. Like its cousin duct tape, gaffer tape can come in a whole rainbow of colors if need be. These can be handy if, say, you have a tear in a red vinyl chair, and you want the tape to blend in seamlessly with its color, or a theater set requires a more colorful tape for a better aesthetic on stage. While you may not find gaffer’s tape in every shade, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a roll that is at least in the right color family.
• Quantity: Like a lot of tapes, gaffer tape is most often sold in individual rolls. The length of tape per roll will vary depending on the company and manufacturer, which is one factor worth keeping an eye on. If you’re someone who uses gaffer tape for work, find yourself going through it quickly, or simply want to have extra on hand just in case, consider buying a set of multiple rolls at once. This tends to be more cost-efficient in the long run.

Best Heavy-Duty: Professional Grade Gaffer Tape by EdenProducts

This premium, industrial-grade gaffer tape is robust and reliable for all your needs. This lab-tested tape is tough and sticky enough to even adhere to steel and is resistant to heats of up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s waterproof and resistant to abrasions, which makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use alike. The soft matte material ensures that the tape won’t leave any film or residue behind, nor will it remove paint or disrupt or tear any surfaces you might attach it to, whether you’re taping down stage cables or repairing furniture. This gaffer tape can be used on any surface, be it carpet, bricks, metal, wood, concrete, artwork, and more. It can also substitute for other types of tape, such as athletic or painter’s tape. You also have the choice between three colors, black, tan, and white, to better match different surfaces. This gaffer tape is 2 inches thick and offers 30 yards per roll.

Most Color Choices: Gaffer Power Premium Grade Gaffer Tape

If you’re looking for a colored gaffer tape, this model offers a wide range of options while still offering professional-grade quality. You can choose from 21 colors spanning from classic white and black to fluorescents to more muted colors and even two camouflage prints. No matter what color gaffer tape you need, the odds are good that you’ll find the shade you’re looking for here. It’s also industry standard, pressure-sensitive tape, with a strong adhesive that won’t lose its stickiness and peel over time. It holds down all kinds of gear and cables on several surfaces without dislodging but can be taken off with ease. And it won’t leave residue behind or otherwise damage your gear or surfaces in the process. For all its strength, this tape is easily torn by hand no matter how long a piece you require. Like all gaffer tapes, it’s resistant to water and non-reflective. Each roll comes with 30 yards of 2-inch-thick tape.

Best Value: Tape King Gaffers Tape Rolls

If you’re someone who goes through gaffer tape fairly quickly, this value pack might just be the right choice for you. For one low price, you receive two rolls of gaffer tape, each 2 inches thick and 30 yards long for a total of 60 yards (180 feet) with each purchase. The rolls come shrink-wrapped to protect them from gathering dust and debris and losing their stickiness. Both are black in color, non-reflective, and easy to cut and tear. This gaffer tape is also waterproof and resistant to vapors and abrasion, and it won’t leave messy adhesive scum behind when removed. It works on multiple types of surfaces, even irregular ones, for multifunctional value, whether you’re securing cables and wires or trying to keep your carpets securely in place.

Also Great: AmazonBasics Gaffers Tape

This quintessential gaffer tape is available with several different purchasing options while maintaining its strength and quality across them all. This gaffer’s tape is available in white or black and 2 or 3 inches thick. Whichever combination of color and thickness you buy, you’ll receive 90 yards of tape on each roll. This gaffer tape is made of coated cotton cloth that is as flexible as it is strong. Both colors have a non-reflective matte finish that is designed to make them less noticeable. This tape has impressive holding power but can be removed with ease, leaving your surfaces free of damage or residue. It’s ideal for taping loose cords and cables down to walls, floors, and more, to help prevent tripping and falling or damage to said cords, but it can be used for many other purposes as well.