A short post this week about my favourite tape, which I use all the time. And I mean all the time.

Gaffer tape is a fabric tape that is heat resistant, sticks to many surfaces, and does not damage surfaces when removed. Gaffer tape is used in a variety of industries including, TV, radio, theatre, film and photography. It is also used by anyone who wants to fix something and remove it later without damaging what it is being fixed to. Gaffer tape is universally available, in rolls, and in a range of colours.

OK then, a blog post about gaffer tape. Well why not? I use this stuff all the time.

Gaffer tape or gaffers tape?

It does not matter. Both are commonly used. I use the term gaffer tape, but who am I to decide on this?

What is a gaffer?

A gaffer is, I believe, the chief lighting technician on a set. The term is also used by professional footballers about the manager or head coach. It is also used in other industries to refer to the boss.

So gaffer’s tape is the bosses tape! But that is not important……

Why gaffer tape?

Well for me the main reason that I use it is that it does not damage surfaces. I use it on shoots a lot, and normally I am sticking It to painted walls in other peoples buildings, so I don’t want to damage the paintwork when I take the tape off.

This has never happened to me but before you do this check on a discreet area first. And if the paint is defective this stuff will remove it – you have been warned!

What do I use gaffer tape for?

I use it in my photography work, and also when I am recording episodes of my Photography Explained Podcast. Nice plug there Rick!

Here is a quick list of things that I have used gaffer tape for.

• To hold back curtains on a shoot
• To fix loose cables on a shoot
• To hold open a door that kept closing on a shoot
• To stop unwanted stray light on a shoot
• To fix a light somewhere difficult on a shoot
• To fix misbehaving tree branches that were getting in the way
• To tidy up a swimming pool cover

So some real life photography uses. And some other uses now.

• To stop something moving around in my car boot (or trunk as some of you like to call it)
• To fix a fleece blanket in front of my office window (when recording podcast episodes).
• To hold cushions in place (when recording podcast episodes).
• To hold a chopping board in place that on a desk drawer I was using as a mouse mat when recording a course in my office.
• To fix a broken retractable washing line
• To keep annoying bamboo out of the way when I was trying to do some gardening
• To keep stuff in order in my garage

See, so many uses!

And my top tip for photographers is this

Wrap some around your tripod leg. This is what I have done. And it means that whenever I am out on a shoot I have some with me just in case.

What colour gaffer tape do I use?

Black. I do have a roll of white gaffer tape but I do not like it for some reason…..

How much does gaffer tape cost?

Not a lot. Less than a tenner for a roll that lasts, well it depends how much you use of course, but it can last ages.

Where can I but gaffer tape?

Amazon of course. And if you use this link then you get some gaffer tape and my thanks, and I get a small commission. You don’t pay any more, Amazon just get a little bit less, which I am sure they can afford….

Gaffer Tape 05.08.2022

It is of course available at other retailers as well.

OK – I am done. Like I say, short post this week but a good one, if I do say so myself!

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There is a You Tube video for this blog post which you can watch here on my You Tube channel.

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Simple.

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Cheers from me Rick