Sellotape vs. Tape — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 1, 2024
Sellotape is a brand of clear adhesive tape widely used for wrapping and sealing, while tape encompasses a broad category of adhesive and non-adhesive tapes used for various purposes.
Difference Between Sellotape and Tape
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Key Differences
Sellotape, specifically, refers to a brand of transparent, sticky tape that is often used for gift wrapping, sealing envelopes, and minor repairs around the home or office. It's known for its clear appearance and strong adhesion, making it a household staple for general purpose use. On the other hand, tape as a general term includes a wide array of products such as duct tape, electrical tape, masking tape, and double-sided tape, each designed for specific tasks ranging from heavy-duty repairs to electrical insulation and painting.
Sellotape's primary appeal lies in its versatility and convenience. It can easily be torn by hand or cut with scissors, and it adheres well to a variety of surfaces such as paper, cardboard, and plastic. Whereas, the broader category of tapes offers specialized features: for example, duct tape is renowned for its durability and water resistance, making it suitable for outdoor repairs, and electrical tape is stretchy and insulative, ideal for electrical wiring tasks.
One notable difference between Sellotape and other types of tape is in their intended use and material composition. Sellotape is typically made from a polypropylene film with an acrylic adhesive, which is suitable for light to medium-duty tasks. In contrast, tapes like duct tape are made from a cloth or scrim-backed pressure-sensitive tape, which provides strength and flexibility for more demanding applications.
The aesthetic and functional aspects of Sellotape versus other tapes also vary. Sellotape is almost invisible on most surfaces, making it perfect for tasks where appearance matters, such as wrapping gifts. Other tapes, like masking tape, are designed to be easily removable without leaving residue, ideal for temporary placements or protecting surfaces during painting.
Despite the specific qualities of Sellotape, the choice between Sellotape and other types of tape ultimately depends on the task at hand. Sellotape is excellent for everyday household and office use, while other tapes are selected based on their material, adhesive properties, and resistance to elements, ensuring the right fit for specific projects or repairs.
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Comparison Chart
Type
Brand of transparent adhesive tape
Broad category including adhesive and non-adhesive tapes
Material
Polypropylene film with acrylic adhesive
Varies (cloth, vinyl, paper, etc.) with adhesives tailored to use
Use
General purpose, light to medium-duty tasks
Specialized tasks (electrical, painting, repairs)
Visibility
Clear, almost invisible on surfaces
Varies (transparent, colored, patterned)
Durability
Suitable for indoor use, light packaging
Ranges from light-duty (masking) to heavy-duty (duct)
Compare with Definitions
Sellotape
The go-to adhesive for temporary placements and decorations.
They hung the party decorations using Sellotape for easy removal later.
Tape
Reflective tape for safety and visibility purposes.
Reflective tape was added to the bicycles for night-time visibility.
Sellotape
A transparent adhesive tape for general purpose use.
She used Sellotape to wrap the birthday presents.
Tape
Double-sided tape for mounting and crafting applications.
Double-sided tape made hanging the posters on the wall easy.
Sellotape
A clear, sticky tape often used in crafting and sealing.
To repair the torn page, he carefully applied Sellotape along the edge.
Tape
A broad category of adhesive materials for binding and securing.
He used duct tape to temporarily fix the leak in the hose.
Sellotape
A brand of tape known for its strong adhesion and versatility.
Sellotape is a must-have for any office supply kit.
Tape
Electrical tape for insulating and protecting wiring.
To prevent short circuits, he wrapped the wires with electrical tape.
Sellotape
A household staple for minor repairs and wrapping.
She kept a roll of Sellotape in her drawer for quick fixes.
Tape
Masking tape for painting and surface protection.
Before painting, she outlined the windows with masking tape.
Sellotape
Sellotape () is a British brand of transparent, polypropylene-based, pressure-sensitive tape, and is the leading brand in the United Kingdom. Sellotape is generally used for joining, sealing, attaching and mending.
Tape
A narrow strip of material, typically used to hold or fasten something
A reel of tape
A dirty apron fastened with thin tapes
Sellotape
Transparent adhesive tape.
Tape
Long, narrow flexible material with magnetic properties, used for recording sound, pictures, or computer data
They put four songs on tape
Sellotape
Fasten or stick with transparent adhesive tape
There was a note sellotaped to my door
Tape
Record (sound or pictures) on audio or video tape
It is not known who taped the conversation
Sellotape
Adhesive tape.
Tape
Fasten or attach (something) with adhesive tape
A note taped to the fridge
Sellotape
To seal with adhesive tape.
Tape
A continuous narrow, flexible strip of cloth, metal, paper, or plastic, such as adhesive tape, magnetic tape, or ticker tape.
Sellotape
Transparent or semitransparent adhesive tape (trade names Scotch Tape and Sellotape) used for sealing or attaching or mending
Tape
A narrow strip of strong woven fabric, as that used in sewing or bookbinding.
Sellotape
Fasten or attach with sellotape;
The hotel manager scotch taped a note to the guest's door
Tape
A string stretched across the finish line of a racetrack to be broken by the winner.
Tape
A length, reel, or cassette of magnetic tape.
Tape
A recording made on magnetic tape.
Tape
A tape measure.
Tape
To fasten, secure, strengthen, or wrap with a tape
Taped the box so that it wouldn't fall apart.
Tape
To record (sounds or pictures) on magnetic tape or other electronic storage medium
The reporter taped the interview.
Tape
To measure with a tape measure.
Tape
To make a recording on magnetic tape or other electronic storage medium.
Tape
Flexible material in a roll with a sticky surface on one or both sides; adhesive tape.
Hand me some tape. I need to fix a tear in this paper.
Tape
Thin and flat paper, plastic or similar flexible material, usually produced in the form of a roll.
We made some decorative flowers out of the tape we bought.
Tape
Finishing tape, stretched across a track to mark the end of a race.
Jones broke the tape in 47.77 seconds, a new world record.
Tape
Magnetic or optical recording media in a roll; videotape or audio tape.
Did you get that on tape?
Tape
Any video or audio recording, regardless of the method used to produce it.
Tape
(informal) An unthinking, patterned response triggered by a particular stimulus.
Old couples will sometimes play tapes at each other during a fight.
Tape
The series of prices at which a financial instrument trades.
Don’t fight the tape.
Tape
(ice hockey) The wrapping of the primary puck-handling surface of a hockey stick
His pass was right on the tape.
Tape
A strong flexible band rotating on pulleys for directing the sheets in a printing machine.
Tape
Liquor, alcoholic drink, especially gin or brandy. Especially in prison slang or among domestic servants and women.
Tape
Clipping of red tape
Tape
To bind with adhesive tape.
Be sure to tape your parcel securely before posting it.
Tape
To record, originally onto magnetic tape.
You shouldn’t have said that. The microphone was on and we were taping.
Tape
To understand, figure out.
I've finally got this thing taped.
Tape
A narrow fillet or band of cotton or linen; a narrow woven fabric used for strings and the like; as, curtains tied with tape.
Tape
A tapeline; also, a metallic ribbon so marked as to serve as a tapeline; as, a steel tape.
Tape
To furnish with tape; to fasten, tie, bind, or the like, with tape;
Tape
To record on audio tape or video tape; - either directly, at the scene of the action tape, or indirectly, as from a broadcast of the action.
Tape
A long thin piece of cloth or paper as used for binding or fastening;
He used a piece of tape for a belt
He wrapped a tape around the package
Tape
A recording made on magnetic tape;
The several recordings were combined on a master tape
Tape
The finishing line for a foot race;
He broke the tape in record time
Tape
Measuring instrument consisting of a narrow strip (cloth or metal) marked in inches or centimeters and used for measuring lengths;
The carpenter should have used his tape measure
Tape
Memory device consisting of a long thin plastic strip coated with iron oxide; used to record audio or video signals or to store computer information;
He took along a dozen tapes to record the interview
Tape
Fasten or attach with tape;
Tape the shipping label to the box
Tape
Record on videotape
Tape
Register electronically;
They recorded her singing
Common Curiosities
Is masking tape paint-resistant?
Masking tape is designed to protect surfaces and resist paint bleed, making it ideal for painting tasks.
Can electrical tape be used as a permanent solution?
It's meant for temporary insulation and protection; permanent electrical fixes should be done professionally.
What type of tape is best for outdoor use?
Duct tape or specially designed outdoor adhesive tapes are best for weather resistance and durability.
How long does Sellotape last?
Sellotape can last several years if stored properly, though its adhesive may weaken over time.
Is Sellotape the same as Scotch tape?
Sellotape and Scotch tape are brands of clear adhesive tape, often used interchangeably, though they are competitors.
Can Sellotape be used on fabric?
While it can stick to fabric, Sellotape is not ideal for permanent fabric repairs due to washing wear.
Can you write on Sellotape?
It's possible but difficult due to its glossy surface; labeling tape is better suited for writing.
What tape is best for electrical repairs?
Electrical tape, specifically designed for insulating and protecting electrical wires.
Is there a tape that doesn't leave residue?
Yes, some masking and specially formulated tapes are designed to remove cleanly without residue.
Are there waterproof types of tape?
Yes, such as duct tape and specific waterproof adhesive tapes designed for water exposure.
What's the difference between double-sided tape and Sellotape?
Double-sided tape has adhesive on both sides for mounting, while Sellotape is adhesive on one side only.
How do you remove tape residue effectively?
Using a solvent like rubbing alcohol or a specialized adhesive remover can be effective.
Can Sellotape be recycled?
Sellotape itself is difficult to recycle due to its adhesive, though efforts should be made to minimize waste.
Is there a biodegradable tape alternative to Sellotape?
There are eco-friendly tapes available, made from biodegradable materials.
Why use reflective tape?
Reflective tape enhances visibility and safety in low light conditions, ideal for vehicles, bicycles, and safety gear.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
