Anybody who does DCC installs has a roll of Kapton Tape handy, as do I. But I find it impossible to handle the tape without getting my fingerprints/finger oils on it. Sometimes it renders the tape unusable as there’s little or no adhesion. Or, I would have to take a larger piece of tape and cut out the part my fingers have touched.
So DCC gurus, please impart me your knowledge of one of the Mysteries Of The Universe - how do you handle Kapton Tape without getting your fingerprints on it?
Nitrile gloves
Hi Metro,
Try washing your hands just prior to cutting and handling the Kapton tape. The oils from your fingers are the issue.
Tom
Hello All,
I quickly realized that Kapton tape doesn’t have much adhesive, compared to other types of tape.
When I use it I handle it by the edges, cut it longer than needed, and trim to length with a hobby knife or decal scissors.
Hope this helps.
I clean the end of a small screwdriver, stick it on the end of the tape and place it were it needs to be.
Tom
Welcome to the forums, Tom!
I use Kapton tape all the time, I suspect you happen to have more skin oils than some. The nitrile gloves are certainly one solution.
I hang a piece from my bench lamp, then grab the end with my tweezers and cut off the length I need. I then position it and press it into place. Obviously, you need to clean the surface you’re applying it to. When applied properly, I find it actually has decent adhesive.
Kapton tape has some advantages. It doesn’t make a mess when you remove it, and it’s very thin but strong.
Have you tried using a tape dispenser?
Having acquired one of these it reduced my handling of the tape itself.
I keep small sharp scissors at the bench and cut the tape off where it was handled and then use tweezers as others have mentioned to manipulate the tape. If I can, I trim it with a sharp hobby knife at the point of installation.
I rinse my fingers with MEK or Acetone to remove all oils or I’ll put on a pair of Black Nitrile Gloves that will allow the tape to come off the glove and not add oils to the tape or cause the tape to loose its stickiness.
Dan
I do was my hands with soap and water immediately before handling Kapton tape, but I also wear nitrile gloves for added precaution and to avoid any possibility of static electricity.
Rich
I’ve not really experienced a problem as you describe. That said, whenever I go to my basement I wash my hands first, mostly so I don’t leave human oils on my rolling stock, engines, etc. So that probably helps a lot regarding your issue.
Regards, Chris