The Sticky Truth About Selling Tape

In the automotive world, tape isn’t just a tool—it’s the unsung hero of countless jobs. Whether it’s delivering clean paint lines in collision repair or protecting surfaces during precision painting, tape underpins efficiency and quality in the workshop. But how often do we stop to consider what makes the best tape for the job? For distributors, understanding this is key to helping body shops thrive and stay ahead in a competitive market.

The role of tape in automotive work

Masking tape, for example, ensures clean paint lines, protects sensitive areas from overspray, and helps maintain professional results. Heat-resistant tapes are essential in high-temperature applications like powder coating or curing. With such varied demands, it’s clear that not all tapes are created equal.

From my experience at JTAPE, I’ve seen firsthand how much thought goes into developing tapes for specific jobs. It’s not just about sticking—it’s about making sure the tape performs under real-world conditions, whether it’s holding up under heat or peeling off cleanly to leave a perfect finish with no residue. Body shops depend on these products to deliver results that meet their high standards and keep customers happy.

Common challenges faced by body shops

One thing I’ve observed across countless shops is how often people literally stick with tape they know, even when better options are available. It’s not stubbornness—it’s practicality. If a tape has always worked well enough, why change? But the reality is, even minor inefficiencies can build up over time, creating hidden costs.

For example:

• Paint bleed and uneven lines that demand rework or touch-ups.
• Adhesive residue that takes time and effort to clean off.
• Inconsistent performance in high-temperature environments, causing rework, delays, and poor customer delivery.

These challenges are frustrating, but solvable. The right tape can eliminate problems, making work faster and smoother, enhancing quality. As someone who’s spent years in this industry, I’ve made it my mission to help bodiscover these solutions.

Trends in automotive tape technology

The tape industry isn’t standing still. Innovation is happening all the time, and it’s exciting to see how new products are changing the way workshops operate. Here are some trends I’ve noticed that are worth keeping an eye on:

• Temperature-resistant tapes: With developments in paint curing technology, these tapes are designed to handle extreme conditions, making them indispensable for high-heat baking or powder coating.
• Multi-function tapes: Some tapes now serve dual purposes, like masking and protecting, reducing the need for multiple products and simplifying workflows.
• Translucent tapes: These tapes provide a unique advantage by allowing visibility through the tape during application. This feature is particularly useful for alignment tasks, intricate designs, or ensuring proper coverage without guesswork.
• Eco-friendly: Sustainability is becoming a bigger focus, with manufacturers developing products that perform just as well as traditional options but with a smaller environmental footprint.

As these innovations emerge, I’ve seen how they’ve helped workshops work smarter, not harder. Keeping up with the latest trends is essential for staying competitive in a world where costs are rising for every business.

Insights from the auto industry

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting out into the field and seeing how body shops and OEMs operate. Every visit teaches me something new, whether it’s the challenges painters face when working with new designs of vehicles or the trade-offs fabricators make when balancing cost and quality. These insights shape how we develop products and help me better understand the needs of the industry.

One significant development I’ve seen is the booming role car manufacturers play as major buyers of tape. Manufacturers operate at a scale that demands not only efficiency but also an uncompromising level of quality. Automated tape application systems are now commonplace in vehicle production lines, requiring tapes that perform flawlessly under strict machine settings. Tapes must adhere reliably, handle rapid application speeds, and maintain consistency across thousands of uses without fail. Meeting these standards is a tall order, but it reflects the growing sophistication of the market.

This shift also highlights a broader trend—the industry’s burgeoning focus on total cost of ownership. Car manufacturers, like collision repair shops, are increasingly recognising that the upfront cost of tape is only part of the equation. Poor performance or inconsistent quality can lead to costly rework, delays, and wasted materials. By investing in higher-quality tapes that reduce errors and improve efficiency, businesses are achieving better long-term value and increased bottom line.

Wrapping up

Tape might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of automotive work, but the details matter. The right tape can save time, reduce frustration, and deliver better results.

For distributors, staying informed about the latest developments in tape technology and understanding the challenges workshops face is key to providing real value. At the end of the day, it’s not just about selling tape. It’s about supporting the people who use it, helping them achieve their best work, and making their lives a little bit easier. That’s the sticky truth about tape—and that’s also where I come in. I’m here to help, sharing my insights every month from manufacturing some of the best tape available and working in and around the automotive industry.

Thanks for reading.

Chris Jevons, Commercial Director, JTAPE.