Many people consider duct tape the magic cure-all for anything that needs quick repair. In the entertainment industry, however, a more ideal cure-all can be found. Gaffers tape, also known as gaff tape or gaffa tape, can be used to secure electrical wiring, create props, attach flags to flag poles, hang pictures, repair sets and even temporarily hem or patch costumes.

The unique nature of gaffers tape makes it durable yet easy to rip by hand. Additionally, the tape is waterproof, but most important it doesn’t leave a sticky residue when removed from walls, carpeting, fabrics, furniture or other surfaces. Is there any wonder why this incredible adhesive tape is the primary requirement for workers in the entertainment industry? Everyone involved in entertainment from directors and producers to stagehands and production assistants uses it. It is literally the glue that holds Hollywood together, and it may be the primary thing that makes sure that, no matter what, the show will go on.

Gaffers tape is constructed from a matte-finish vinyl fabric and then coated on the underside with a special rubberized adhesive that gives the tape its residue-free quality. Set designers and others work onstage or in television and movie sets use a lot of standard gray gaff tape for holding together sets and making repairs that won’t be visible to the camera or the audience. For repairs in high-visibility areas, colored tape works better. It comes in a wide range of hues and can be used to repair furniture as well as in the actual construction of certain props. Since the vinyl fabric can be written on with pen or pencil, gaff tape and its narrow version known as spike tape is also frequently used for labeling film canisters, props and more.

Workers from every industry have a particular tool without which production would come to a halt. In the entertainment industry, that tool is gaffa tape. Whatever the name it happens to be called, there is no doubt that this stuff keeps productions rolling. Whether lighting crews need to secure electrical wiring, costumers need to make last-minute alterations or set designers need to fix a painting to a set wall, this miracle tape will always come to the rescue.

Gaffers tape has been the preferred tape used by stage crews for performing arts, television productions, conventions centers, DJ's, wedding planners, designers, and many other professionals, and will likely remain the tape of choice for a long time to come.