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If you're an electrician, a contractor working on a job site or just someone who enjoys tackling DIY projects, knowing the differences between types of tape can save you time, frustration, and even money.
Two of the most commonly used options—cloth tape and PVC duct tape—are both durable and versatile, making them essential additions to any toolbox.
However, while they might look similar at a glance, these tapes serve very different purposes. They are not interchangeable, and using the wrong one in the wrong context, especially in electrical work, can lead to poor results or even safety hazards.
This blog will outline the chemical makeup of PVC duct tape and cloth tape, how these materials affect performance and durability, and the ideal use cases for each type of tape.
Note: In this article, we refer to PVC duct tape (such as VTACK) as a substitute for traditional electrical tape, and cloth tape in place of what is commonly referred to as duct tape. This better reflects our product lineup at MSTOR.
Cloth Tape and PVC Duct Tape: Comparing Them
Let’s take a look at cloth tape and PVC duct tape in more detail.
Material
PVC duct tape is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or other vinyl-based plastics, which gives it a smooth, stretchy, and flexible texture. This stretchiness means it can wrap tightly around wires and irregular shapes, creating a secure seal without cracking or splitting.
The material is heat-resistant, non-conductive, and, while not waterproof, the vinyl material provides some protection against moisture and corrosion.
Cloth tape is made from a polyethylene (plastic) outer layer, woven fabric mesh (often cotton or polyester), and a rubber-based adhesive for a firm, long-lasting bond. This layered structure offers high durability and conforms to uneven surfaces, water resistance, and a strong grip on materials such as metal.
The differences in material aren't just technical; they're practical. Choosing the right tape means understanding what it’s made of, so you can match it to the demands of your project.
Strength
PVC duct tape creates a secure bond, but it is temporary; it’s strong enough to stay in place, but not so aggressive that it damages surfaces or leaves behind sticky residue. Its rubber-based or acrylic adhesive is engineered to adhere to wires, cables and other electrical components. The tape forms a tight wrap while still allowing for repositioning or easy removal.
PVC duct tape is great for electrical installations, repairs and temporary bonding. No residue is left behind on most surfaces, making it perfect for use on electronics, walls and tools.
The adhesion, however, is less aggressive, so it isn’t suitable for long-term bonding or heavy-duty repairs on non-electrical surfaces.
Cloth tape, on the other hand, is known for its strong adhesion. Its rubber-based adhesive forms a powerful bond with a wide variety of surfaces, including metal, wood, plastic, fabric, and glass.
The strong grip means it often leaves behind sticky residue when removed, especially after prolonged use or exposure to heat. This residue can attract dirt, damage finishes, or require extra cleaning with solvents, which may not be suitable for all materials.
Cloth tape is a good choice for long-term use and heavy-duty repairs.
Temperature
When choosing the right tape for a job, it's not just about what it sticks to! Temperature tolerance plays a role in how long the bond will last. Cloth tape and PVC duct tape have their strengths and limitations depending on heat, cold, and humidity.
Cloth tape can handle temperatures of up to 90 °C, but it doesn’t perform well under sustained heat. Over time, the adhesion softens and the tape starts to peel, slide, or melt, especially when applied to hot surfaces like sun-exposed metal, engines, or heated pipes.
In cold environments, cloth tape loses its flexibility as the adhesive becomes brittle and hardens, causing it to crack or detach. That said, why would you use cloth tape?
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It is water-resistant (not waterproof), meaning it can repel moisture on most surfaces.
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When applied to a non-porous, smooth surface, cloth tape holds securely for a long time, even in damp conditions (as long as temperature extremes are avoided).
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PVC duct tape is designed to adhere to surfaces, and tolerance for higher temperatures is more resilient in comparison to cloth tape. It also performs better in humid or slightly damp conditions up to 105 °C.
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Made from vinyl or PVC, PVC duct tape naturally resists moisture and corrosion, which is crucial for maintaining safety in electrical systems.
It’s important to understand that:
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PVC duct tape won't provide a watertight seal, so it isn’t suitable for plumbing or sealing applications where full waterproofing is non-negotiable.
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It is water-resistant, but not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to water will break the adhesive down, and moisture will seep through.
Versatile applications
Cloth tape is very versatile when temperature fluctuations aren’t a concern, as it works perfectly on wood, glass, metal, or plastic surfaces. What are its applications?
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Securing objects in place, such as holding up a broken car bumper or securing a loose panel.
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Patching up leaks. Although it’s not a permanent waterproofing option, it quickly seals minor leaks in hoses, pipes, or containers.
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Bundle items together, from cables to tools, without slipping.
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Expected repairs, such as a cracked phone case.
Its ability to conform to uneven surfaces and its easy tear-by-hand convenience make cloth tape a go-to solution for household fixes, DIY projects, and even outdoor applications.
PVC duct tape is specifically for electrical work, but its stretchy properties and installation methods can be a bit more limited. Its applications include:
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Insulate exposed wires (such as bare conductors) to prevent short circuits and shocks.
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Colour-coded electrical systems to identify wire functions quickly.
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Bundle cables neatly and organise wires and small cables in electronic setups.
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Temporary wire labelling or identification. PVC duct tape can be written on!
Its stretchy nature helps it conform to small, curved areas, but also limits its strength for structural repairs.
How do you choose the best tape for the job?
All in all, PVC duct tape is recommended for installing and securing electrical connections and ensuring safety when handling these electrical components.
Electricians use PVC duct tape every day, and it can be very helpful as a seal, a makeshift bandaid, and is non-conductive. However, for some people, it is difficult to cut without a knife or scissors, and although it’s not the stickiest, it sticks to itself well. PVC duct tape is designed for safe insulation of electrical wires and materials that conduct electricity.
On the other hand, cloth tape is a great choice for general repairs. It tears easily for making multiple sizes and lasts longer.
What happens if you use duct tape as electrical tape?
Cloth tape should never, ever be used to replace PVC duct tape. It doesn’t insulate and will not protect against a live current.
Cloth tape is flammable, so it presents a fire hazard; if you used it in place of PVC duct tape, it would heat up from the electricity and the adhesive would melt and catch fire.
Duct Tapes at MSTOR
VTACK™ PVC Duct Tape 48mm x 30m
This is a high-quality PVC duct tape and a solution for all of your bonding, sealing, and repairing needs. Versatile and reliable, it conforms well to various surfaces for a moisture-resistant performance. Let’s look at some of its key properties and features.
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Superior Adhesion: The PVC Duct Tape offers a high level of adhesion to various surfaces, ensuring a secure and long-lasting bond.
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Weather-Resistant: The PVC Duct Tape is resistant to a range of extreme weather conditions.
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High Strength and Durability: This tape boasts impressive strength and durability in a wide range of applications.
For carton/pallet quantities, please contact MSTOR for more information!
VTACK™ Premium Cloth Tape 48mm x 25m
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Condensation protection
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Prevents heat loss and noise between substrates
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An easy unwind for fast application
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Excellent holding power and high load capability
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Conforms well to a variety of irregular surfaces
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Excellent weathering and ageing, and long-term reliability
VTACK™ Double Sided White Cloth Tape
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Strong cloth backing provides excellent strength and protection
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High-quality adhesive with super-strong adhesion and high holding power
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An easy unwind release liner for fast application
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Conforms well to a variety of irregular surfaces
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Die-cuts and slits easily for custom sizing
VTACK™ Insulation Seaming Foil Tape 48mm x 50m
A premium-grade, flexible closure duct tape, it is manufactured using a metallised PET film with thickened and new VTACK formula cold-weather covalent acrylic adhesive system. For ease of application, the tape is produced as a hand-tearable tape and is so much tougher than traditional duct tape. What are some of its features in detail?
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Strong filmic backing provides excellent strength and protection
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High-quality adhesive with super-strong adhesion and high holding power
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An easy unwind for fast application
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Conforms well to a variety of irregular surfaces
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Die-cuts and slits easily for custom sizing
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Hand tearable for user convenience
Read: What is Double-Sided Tape Used For? Common Applications Explained.
Reinforced 2-way Foil Tape
This tape is laminated with a 2-way polyethylene mesh and coated with a high-strength, solvent-based, aggressive acrylic adhesive. What are some of the features?
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Excellent Peel Adhesion
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Superior Initial Tack & Permanent Bonding
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High performance in both Warm and Cold Weather
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Flexible & Durable
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Conforms well to irregular surfaces
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Outstanding Temperature & Ageing Resistance
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Will not delaminate with age
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Good Water & Fire Resistance
This tape is specially designed for sealing insulation joints and seams against moisture and vapour on PE mesh aluminium.
Require tape slitting, foam cutting, laminating, or foam cut to size? MSTOR is your one-stop shop.
Trustworthy Foam Suppliers Australia: Shop Online
Whether you’re needing reliable foam suppliers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth, MSTOR delivers a range of tapes to your door, including duct tape.
MSTOR has established a range of quality materials and products available Australia-wide. A trusted name, we have been supplying and servicing many industries, including automotive, insulation, building, construction, packaging, medical, and more.
Contact us now by emailing sales@mstor.com.au to bulk order and SAVE. Wholesale pricing is available, and we have customisable options for all projects.
Custom sizes and thickness available upon request! Please allow 2-5 business days for orders to be fulfilled.