Best brand of tape to use on leather?

[SUP]

I often purchase patterns to make leather items. I need to stick those patterns onto the leather. with sticky tape and then take it off once the pattern is cut. That is when the problem arises. The tape invariably leaves sticky residue behind. I have tried several different types of tape but they either do not stick well or they leave a residue. I have clearly not tried the correct tape. 

What would be the best brand to use for this?

[fredk]

I use green 'Frog' tape. Have you got that brand there?

[fredk]

Further down the page a chappie has posted 'Templates' and he mentions his 'green tape'

Ask him the brand

[SUP]

I'll do that. thank you. But I need it to be transparent or at least translucent. Isn't green tape opaque? That is why I have been using masking tape but it makes a mess, especially on veg tanned leather. Cleaning requires saddle soap and scrubbing which, of course, ruins the surface. I've tried every other transparent/translucent tape I could find around here but like I said earlier, they either do not stick of leave residue. 

Edited July 21, 2024 by SUP

[fredk]

Why does it need to be translucent?

Frog Green or Yellow are low tack painters tapes. Green is lowest tack, but even Yellow is far lower than regular paper masking tape.  I've been using them for years

[BlackDragon]

Do you need it translucent because you cover the entire pattern with it?

I've used blue tape to hold patterns onto the leather

[SUP]

I need translucent tape because I cover the stitching holes with it and then punch through it. Directions from all the pattern sellers, at any rate. Prevents the paper from tearing, 

[fredk]

There is a product called Frisket. Its a translucent painting masking material. afaik its only available in sheets or a roll 10 inches in width. You would need to cut it into tape size widths. Its very low tack

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Frisket-Cleanly-Removable-Adhesive-Self-Adhering/dp/B004O7AENS/ref=asc_df_B004O7AENS/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697225711392&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9425414613565909889&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007334&hvtargid=pla-306935321735&psc=1&mcid=c62d28f3e02833db9b4962ff62e66dc5&gad_source=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Frisket-Cleanly-Removable-Adhesive-Self-Adhering/dp/B001F6J18K/ref=asc_df_B004O7AENS/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697225711392&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9425414613565909889&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007334&hvtargid=pla-306935321735&mcid=c62d28f3e02833db9b4962ff62e66dc5&gad_source=1&th=1

I use short sections of Frog Green tape and just join up the missing parts a la a dot-to-dot puzzles

 

[SUP]

Oh. That looks like it could work. Thank you.

 

[DJole]

21 hours ago, SUP said:

I often purchase patterns to make leather items. I need to stick those patterns onto the leather. with sticky tape and then take it off once the pattern is cut. That is when the problem arises. The tape invariably leaves sticky residue behind. I have tried several different types of tape but they either do not stick well or they leave a residue. I have clearly not tried the correct tape. 

What would be the best brand to use for this?

What I do for my patterns: I make them larger than the leather, so that they fold over the edges (2 opposite edges), and I use masking tape on the back (flesh side) of the leather to  hold the pattern in place. 

[Littlef]

What I typically do, after I work out a pattern, is I use spray contact adhesive, and glue my pattern to posterboard, so its rigid.  Then, I have a few different sized paper weights to help hold it down, in addition to holding it with my non-dominant hand, as I scribe around the pattern.  

[SUP]

 See, when I make my own patterns, I usually  design it on paper, trace it on cardboard, mark all the stitching holes, cut and then use that as the template on the leather.  Sometimes, I do not even make the cardboard template, like for knife sheaths, which are individual for each knife. When using paper, the paper weights work well or taping to the back, as you both suggest, @Littlef and @DJole. And both work well. Since the pattern is my own, I have an idea of where the stitching holes will be and don't need to punch through the paper.

I need the transparent tape for when I purchase patterns - I do that to learn different techniques from sellers who have good video guides for the products, like dieselpunk.ro. I end up with a completed project and have learnt something new at each turn. But he, like others, has patterns that need to be stuck onto the leather and the stitching holes punched through. Punching through paper without the sticky tape layer really can cause the paper to tear. So it is needed. That is where it becomes a problem. I have a bag full of leather scrap that are all sticky. Ergo the question here. 

[TonyV]

22 hours ago, SUP said:

I'll do that. thank you. But I need it to be transparent or at least translucent. Isn't green tape opaque? That is why I have been using masking tape but it makes a mess, especially on veg tanned leather. Cleaning requires saddle soap and scrubbing which, of course, ruins the surface. I've tried every other transparent/translucent tape I could find around here but like I said earlier, they either do not stick of leave residue. 

I suspect you're complicating things unnecessarily. Simply taping a pattern to a piece of leather shouldn't be a sticky mess.  I don't use the pattern to cut out the leather, I tape the pattern to the very lightly dampened leather, trace it with an awl, remove the pattern and tape, then cut out.  Any painter's tape should do just fine.  A small bit of tape here and there is plenty to hold the pattern while I trace.  Then, removing the painter's tape is a snap.  If there is any minor residual adhesive, it is easily removed with a bit of denatured alcohol.

[SUP]

@TonyV have you seen the patterns available online, along with the instructional videos? I suspect, not. Please do look at them - they are on Etsy. Most of the videos are free,  You will get an idea of what I am talking about. When I say that the leather is sticky, It does not indicate a 'sticky mess'. it just means that some of the glue remains behind. A bagful of sticky scrap does not mean a sticky lump; it means scraps of leather which have glue somewhere or the other. 

 

 

[TonyV]

17 minutes ago, SUP said:

@TonyV have you seen the patterns available online, along with the instructional videos? I suspect, not. Please do look at them - they are on Etsy. Most of the videos are free,  You will get an idea of what I am talking about. When I say that the leather is sticky, It does not indicate a 'sticky mess'. it just means that some of the glue remains behind. A bagful of sticky scrap does not mean a sticky lump; it means scraps of leather which have glue somewhere or the other. 

 

 

My answer remains the same.  A little bit of painter's tape to hold it while tracing (not cutting) the pattern.  Any residual adhesive, which is rare, is easily cleaned off with denatured alcohol.  Easy Peasy.

I create most of my own patterns, I know how to make evenly spaced holes without taping up my patterns, and I have never bought anything from etsy.  I have learned a thing or 2 about how things are done by listening to more experienced craftsmen, however.

Edited July 22, 2024 by TonyV

[SUP]

 @TonyV  Thank you for your help. 

You have not looked at any of those videos, have you? 

I create my own patterns too and one certainly can't do so if one does not know how to create the stitching holes for them!  

And I learn new techniques as well, from those who are experienced enough to make patterns and teach along the way. Great way to learn. I hope I never reach a point where I think I know everything and there is nothing more that I can learn. How horrible that would be for me! 

Edited July 22, 2024 by SUP

[BlackDragon]

I've used a few of dieselpunk.ro's patterns. They're great patterns and a great way to learn.

Since I didnt have the same style hole punch as he did I used dividers along the perimeter of the cut leather to layout where to use my pricking irons. For any internal hole where I cant use the dividers I use an awl to make an indent through the pattern where the holes should be then use my pricking iron.

[TonyV]

5 hours ago, SUP said:

 @TonyV  Thank you for your help. 

You have not looked at any of those videos, have you? 

I create my own patterns too and one certainly can't do so if one does not know how to create the stitching holes for them!  

And I learn new techniques as well, from those who are experienced enough to make patterns and teach along the way. Great way to learn. I hope I never reach a point where I think I know everything and there is nothing more that I can learn. How horrible that would be for me! 

You're very welcome.  I'm always pleased to try to help those willing to accept help, even when it doesn't conform to preconceived notions.

[SUP]

 

8 hours ago, TonyV said:

I'm always pleased to try to help those willing to accept help, even when it doesn't conform to preconceived notions.

Very magnanimous of you indeed. It's a pleasure to talk to people with such big hearts.

Popcorn anyone?

Seriously, if anyone does know about the type of tape I am asking about, I would love to know. 

All others who are feeling combative, go out into your yards and kick a few rocks. 

Edited July 23, 2024 by SUP

[DJole]

23 hours ago, SUP said:

I need the transparent tape for when I purchase patterns - I do that to learn different techniques from sellers who have good video guides for the products, like dieselpunk.ro. I end up with a completed project and have learnt something new at each turn. But he, like others, has patterns that need to be stuck onto the leather and the stitching holes punched through. Punching through paper without the sticky tape layer really can cause the paper to tear. So it is needed. That is where it becomes a problem. I have a bag full of leather scrap that are all sticky. Ergo the question here. 

Oh, I think I see what you mean now.  
I have some patterns (templates now, since I have glued them onto cardstock) that I need to be taped securely to the leather.
So what I have done is this: I used clear packing tape to cover the pattern. If I am using the pattern on damp leather, to trace tooling lines, or punching holes, or cut-out pieces, etc., the tape goes on the front and back faces of the template (paper top, cardboard/cardstock bottom). 
So now the paper doesn't tear, since it's reinforced by the cardstock it's glued to, and by the plastic tape layer. This also means I can tape it to the leather (around the edge, to the back side) without tearing the pattern when I am finished. 
Is this closer to what you are looking for?
 

[Mablung]

I used a couple dieselpunk.ro patterns recently. Scotch tape seemed to work just fine without leaving residue. It did, however, pull up some of the fibers when removed from the flesh side of veg tan, but that is likely inevitable. 

[SUP]

@Mablung I tried scotch tape but it keeps coming loose. Must try it again. 

 

@DJole My aim is not to protect the pattern. It is to protect the outside leather, what will become the scraps.  Sticking the pattern all around prevents it from moving as I punch or cut and the paper gets loose.  I usually don't use a pattern more than once. If I can add something between the paper and the punch, the paper will not tear and I can stick it down in only a few places. So something like what you describe. Thank you for the idea.

 

 

[Mablung]

3 minutes ago, SUP said:

@Mablung I tried scotch tape but it keeps coming loose. Must try it again.

 

I had to rub it down a little bit. That took a bit of the top finish off the grain side, but that’s easily remedied with crazy horse leathers I’ve used recently. That aside, I haven’t had trouble with it coming unstuck or leaving residue, when a little friction was applied. Doesn’t take much, just a few quick rubs after initial application.

[SUP]

@Mablung I'll try that. I did rub it down of course, but it was probably not sufficient.

I am beginning to suspect that virtually any sticky tape will either leave a residue or take off a bit of the surface of the leather if it is transparent. I don't know about the opaque ones.

[sparctek]

I use the 1/4" size of this tape: https://makersleathersupply.com/collections/must-have-supplies/products/mls-double-sided-tape-1-4  

I use it on the under side of the template, then use a piece of scrap leather to remove some of the tacky from the tape. I can use a pattern several times before i have to replace the tape. One caveat, this does not work for veg tan leathers.

hope this helps.