Tape for targets

[Twdmar]

I am looking for advice on tape I can put on the edges of target boards. Most of our targets are wood frame covered with foam and a paper face glued on.
Unfortunately the edges of the paper are fragile. What kind of tape will stick well, be durable and not have the adhesive slip in hot weather? Duct tape is a no go for sure.

 

[hpshooter]

I am looking for advice on tape I can put on the edges of target boards. Most of our targets are wood frame covered with foam and a paper face glued on.
Unfortunately the edges of the paper are fragile. What kind of tape will stick well, be durable and not have the adhesive slip in hot weather? Duct tape is a no go for sure.

I have had good results using the clear packaging tape (scotch by 3M, 1.88" wide by 82 yards) running 1/2 the width on the target face and the other half on the backer. My backers are double thickness corrugated cardboard and I cut them maybe 1/4 wider and taller than the face so the tape can wrap around the baker and seal the edges. Seems to be reasonably water resistant.

This tape is so thin and sticky that it can be vexing to use and goes easier with two people stretching it taunt and lowering it onto the face and backer.

 

[Twdmar]

I have had good results using the clear packaging tape (scotch by 3M, 1.88" wide by 82 yards) running 1/2 the width on the target face and the other half on the backer. My backers are double thickness corrugated cardboard and I cut them maybe 1/4 wider and taller than the face so the tape can wrap around the baker and seal the edges. Seems to be reasonably water resistant.

This tape is so thin and sticky that it can be vexing to use and goes easier with two people stretching it taunt and lowering it onto the face and backer.

That's kind of what I am thinking other than some expensive flashing tape. Might try some strapping tape with the fiberglass threads in the tape.

 

[hpshooter]

That's kind of what I am thinking other than some expensive flashing tape. Might try some strapping tape with the fiberglass threads in the tape.

3M makes a standard weight and a heavy weight version of the tape both seem to work.

 

[Uthink Uknow]

I guess push pins are a no no?

 

[bsekf]

Staple gun with 1/2 inch staples works for me. I use heavy corrugated cardboard, that welders come in, for my backer.

 

[JASmith]

Painter’s tape in 3/4 to 1” width works for me.

BTW, one can easily tear the tape into squares to use as informal aiming dots.

 

[Twdmar]

This is for targets that go in a carrier that a person then manually moves up and down to score shots for the shooter. A well made target will last years as long as the center is repair correctly. Just hoping to give them some more durability along the edge in the wind and during handling.
Push pins are unfortunately not going to work and staples can only help if something else like tape or fabric is used.

 

[Drolds72]

This is for targets that go in a carrier that a person then manually moves up and down to score shots for the shooter. A well made target will last years as long as the center is repair correctly. Just hoping to give them some more durability along the edge in the wind and during handling.
Push pins are unfortunately not going to work and staples can only help if something else like tape or fabric is used.

Guessing staples should be avoided as well, if someone is pulling pits in the event that it gets hit and is sent flying at person. If edges are curling up, hit it with some 3m spray adhesive.

 

[NateHaler]

Why is a duct tape a 'no go'? (Or call it gaffer's tape, 100 mph tape, or 'prisoner' tape if you prefer.)

 

[Twdmar]

Guessing staples should be avoided as well, if someone is pulling pits in the event that it gets hit and is sent flying at person. If edges are curling up, hit it with some 3m spray adhesive.

Yes, I would prefer to avoid staples. And super 90 with a strip of fabric may be an option.

Why is a duct tape a 'no go'? (Or call it gaffer's tape, 100 mph tape, or 'prisoner' tape if you prefer.)

Duct tape is great but the not best at Temps we get here so if I can, I'd like to do it once.

 

[divingin]

This tape is so thin and sticky that it can be vexing to use and goes easier with two people stretching it taunt and lowering it onto the face and backer.

If you have access to a melamine or similar surface, lay the target out, run the tape on one edge onto the table surface, peel and flip, then fold the tape over the edge to the back.

Alternatively, try taping the target paper to a same-sized panel of cardboard. Tack the 4 corners, then run the tape around the edges. If you really want it to last, tape the face and back as well, which will afford some amount of water resistance.

 

[Twdmar]

If you have access to a melamine or similar surface, lay the target out, run the tape on one edge onto the table surface, peel and flip, then fold the tape over the edge to the back.

Alternatively, try taping the target paper to a same-sized panel of cardboard. Tack the 4 corners, then run the tape around the edges. If you really want it to last, tape the face and back as well, which will afford some amount of water resistance.

A good idea but the targets are 6'x6'

 

[Dave Marshall]

My club moved away from wood frames and cardboard years ago.

We use sheets of foam insulation board cut to the size we want. New, full size targets get glued on initially. The edges get rigid plastic flashing glued on to protect the edges. Repair centers get glued to corrugated plastic and velcro’d in place for use. We get probably three or four seasons of match use from them without splinters, screws or staples constantly stabbing everyone that touches them.

If it’s downrange from the firing line, it’s going to get shot at one point or another. Figure this into your plans and you’ll be far less frustrated when it happens.

 

[divingin]

A good idea but the targets are 6'x6'

Packing/sealing/mailing tape on the edges, then. Wouldn't be exactly cost effective to do the entire target, and that goes beyond just reinforcing the edges. If you don't want to fold it over, you can just run a strip even with the edge of the target. It'll stop it from tearing.

Gaffer's tape (mentioned above; more stable adhesive compared to duct tape) is great, but way too expensive for what you're trying to do (a large duct-tape sized roll runs about $50 for real gaffers tape.) You can get an 8-pack of heavy duty packing tape from Costco for under $30.