Different types of reflective tapes exhibit varying levels of reflectivity, resulting in different sight distances. The reflectivity and efficiency of the photometric components within the film contribute to these variations. For instance, high-intensity type 3 glass bead-based reflective tape offers three times the visibility compared to standard engineer grade type 1 glass bead films. Prismatic reflective tape takes visibility even further, providing approximately three to four times the visibility of high-intensity tape. This wide range of intensities in reflective sheeting caters to diverse applications and visibility requirements. Brighter tapes are ideal for applications that demand long-distance visibility, high-intensity tapes are suitable for medium-distance applications, and Engineer Grade reflective tapes are well-suited for closer distances.
To facilitate a comparison of reflectivity across different technologies, we will consider white as our constant. Below is an image showcasing several types of reflective tape, ranging from standard engineer grade to prismatic SOLAS. Additionally, a chart is provided to illustrate reflectivity in candelas.
| Engineer Grade | High Intensity | Air Backed Prismatic | Metalized Prismatic | SOLAS |
| 80 Candelas | 250 Candelas | 500 Candelas | 700 Candelas | 1,000+Candelas |
Within each type of film, the color of the tape also plays a significant role in visibility. Bright colors like white, yellow, and orange reflect more candelas and are more visible at long distances. Colors like red and green, on the other hand, are more visible at closer distances. These less bright colors often make a good background for white, such as on traffic signs with a green background and white letters. As an example of reflectivity, V82 by Oralite reflects at 700 candelas for white, 470 for yellow, 280 for orange, 120 for red, 120 for green, and 56 for blue. The brighter the return of light, the farther away the tape can be seen. The chart below is an example of how color affects reflectivity and sight distance. Note that a blue prismatic tape is less bright than a white engineer grade.
The application of the tape is another crucial consideration. Reflective tape applied to flat surfaces may have a different visibility range compared to tape applied to curved surfaces. Additionally, reflective tape placed at an angle to oncoming traffic will be far less visible due to the high entrance angle.
Viewing conditions, such as ambient lighting, fog, rain, and distance, also impact the visibility of reflective tape. In optimal clear conditions at night, a speed limit sign sheeted with bright prismatic type 8 or 11 film can be seen from thousands of feet away. However, in adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, or fog, the visibility distance can be reduced to hundreds of feet.
Finally, the surface area of the applied reflective tape also plays a significant role in visibility and sight distance. A larger sheet of reflective tape returns more light and can be seen from a greater distance compared to a smaller sheet. Therefore, the size of the tape should be considered when determining the desired visibility range.
In summary, on a clear night with modern headlights shining on the tape, a one square foot of engineer grade reflective sheeting should be visible beyond 300 feet away. High-intensity type 3 tape would be visible from around 600 feet, while prismatic tapes like High intensity type 4, type 5 V82, and Type 11 can be seen from about a half a mile away. Larger sheets of any of these films can be seen even farther away.
It is crucial to consider these factors and select the appropriate reflective tape for your specific application to ensure optimal visibility. For more detailed information on reflective tape visibility, you can visit www.tapefinder.com and click on the contact link at the top of the page.