How long is the shelf life of a typical roll of reflective tape? Like almost everything, this depends on a few factors. But before we discuss those factors, let’s talk about what shelf life means.
In the context of reflective tapes, “shelf life” refers to the period during which the tape can be stored under specified conditions while maintaining its optimal performance characteristics. Another way of saying this is that shelf life is the time that a roll of tape can sit in on shelf in its box and remain in like new condition. This is the time from when the tape is manufactured and the adhesive backing is applied to the time it needs to be applied and put into service. This is an important aspect to consider, especially for applications requiring high visibility and safety, such as in air and ground transportation, marine, and construction industries.
The shelf life of a roll of reflective tape is typically 1 to 2 years when stored in “favorable” conditions and between 2 to 4 years when stored under “optimal” conditions. These conditions include:
- Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Excessive heat is the number one way to degrade the adhesive layer.
- Humidity: Maintain relative humidity between 40% and 60%.
- Light Exposure: Keep away from direct sunlight and UV light to prevent degradation.
- Packaging: Keep the tape in its original packaging until ready for use to protect it from dust and contaminants.
Adhering to these storage guidelines helps ensure that the reflective tape retains its adhesive properties and reflective performance until it is applied.
So what happens to a roll of reflective tape that has gone beyond its shelf life? Often, it is difficult to find a difference between an older roll and a brand-new roll of tape, especially with tapes like Oralite V98, V92 or V82. These tapes hold up very well when stored in that they are dimensionally stable and have a waterproof liner. They are also single layer films which means that the main part of the tape is made in a single layer. This prevents issues with delamination.
For tapes such as engineer-grade reflective films that are plotter cut, the user may find that rolls stored for over a couple of years have become less pliable or brittle. They may tear easily and be more difficult to weed. They can still be used, but they are just more difficult to work with.
For tapes that are not plotter cut, such as air backed prismatic DOT tapes or sign sheeting that creates backgrounds for cut letters, they can also become brittle and less flexible. In some cases, the release liner can become difficult to remove, or the adhesive can migrate onto the surface of the tape due to it becoming less stable and oozing out from between the tape and the liner.
For printable reflective vinyl, being wrapped tightly together on the roll for a long time can affect print quality. Sheeting that has been rolled tightly for a long period of time tends to imprint the backing onto the glossy surface of the tape. This generally goes back to normal in sunlight as the material heats up, but for printing it may create an issue. It normally takes several years for a roll to become like this.
In summary, to ensure the best performance and longevity of reflective tape, it is crucial to store it under the recommended conditions and to monitor its age. Proper storage helps maintain the tape’s effectiveness for high-visibility and safety applications. When using inventory, always use the FIFO method (first in first out) to keep rolls fresh.
For more information, visit www.tapefinder.com.