Butyl Tapes vs Acrylic Tapes: Know the Difference

Not all adhesives are created equal. Sometimes you want an adhesive that’s modestly sticky and easily reversed—like a sticky note. Other times, it needs to be darn near irreversible. High-performance building contractors also need to consider adhesive tapes capable of withstanding temperature extremes and volatile moisture conditions; adhere to a wide variety of substrates; and tolerate the dust and dirt found on the surfaces of the building materials or the job site.  Choosing the right adhesive polymer is often the difference between success and failure. Here’s what you need to know.

 

 

What Is Butyl Tape, Exactly?

 

Butyl tape is an example of a synthetic rubber adhesive. It’s a solvent-based adhesive that is formulated in the lab instead of coming from a rubber tree. All types of rubber adhesive are thermoplastic, so exposure to high heat will soften the adhesive and impact its effectiveness. However, butyl adhesives are formulated to be less sensitive to temperature variations. They stay more flexible in cold weather and more stable in high temperatures than natural rubber adhesives. Because butyl tapes are extremely durable,  with have good flex properties, they are often used in applications where an airtight bond is required. In fact, most butyl tapes also come with a liner since the adhesive system is aggressive and forms a permanent bond to the surface it sticks to – even if that surface is itself!

 

When Are The Advantages of Butyl Tapes?  

 

Advantages:

 

• High initial tack­—has a more aggressive hold on contact than acrylic adhesives
• Has a high level of adhesion because it bonds to a huge variety of surfaces
• Less expensive than acrylic adhesive
• Impermeable to air
• Waterproof so it works well in situations where water is a factor

 

Disadvantages:

 

• Even though butyl adhesives are less sensitive to temperature variations they still cannot match the range or performance of acrylic adhesives.
• Does not hold up over time to direct exposure to UV light or chemicals
• Susceptible to oxidation and may darken or discolor

 

Ideal for:

 

• Seaming and flashing windows and doors
• Repairing leaks

 

What Is Acrylic Tape, Exactly?

 

Acrylic tapes are either water- or solvent-based. They are created by crosslinking monomers to create polymers with specific properties. Acrylic adhesives are naturally tacky so they don’t require as many additives during the manufacturing process as rubber adhesives. Offering a good balance of adhesion, shear and tack, tapes with acrylic adhesive systems are resistant to thermal and UV degradation. They can be used on many surfaces and perform in a much wider application temperature range – typically anywhere from -30°F to 300°F.  The only real downside is the cost; these tapes cost a bit more than the rubber or asphaltic tapes. Builders often use acrylic tapes to completely seal a home, creating an airtight envelope.

 

When Are The Advantages to Acrylic Tapes?

 

Advantages:

 

• Offers superior durability and longevity on polar surfaces (i.e. metal, glass, and polycarbonates)
• Will not break down when exposed to extreme temperatures, UV light, chemicals or oxidation
• Color stable and resistant to aging (will remain clear and not yellow)
• Have a high level of cohesion (ability to stick to itself)
• Are considered “greener” or more environmentally friendly in that do not off-gas or pollute landfills

 

Disadvantages:

 

• Needs time (usually 24-72 hours) to fully set
• Poor adhesion to low energy or non-polar surfaces
• Impermeable to air only on polar surfaces
• More expensive than butyl adhesives

 

Ideal for:

 

• Seaming vapor barriers, house wraps, and rigid foam insulation

 

As always, the adhesive compound is just one factor that should be taken into account when selecting the right tape for the right application. Characteristics like backing, strength, and permeability, as well as environmental conditions and substrate, are a few other factors that can impact the job, and ultimately, its success.  

 

We are one of the leading acrylic bonding tape suppliers in China, if you want to buy acrylic bonding tape or Acrylic Bonding Tape, we will be your best choice.