Adding a tape backer to Chemetal makes accent strip and small panel installation easier.
Layup isn’t always a layup, to use a sports reference. But in some scenarios Chemetal’s added tape backer makes it easier, cleaner, faster and more cost effective. It can eliminate the need to use glues and other adhesives. Chemetal can add a tape backer and cut material to size in-house.
Ordering Chemetal with an added tape backer is best for accent strips and pieces (when applying to a flat clean substrate) and small cut to size pieces. Chemetal can cut pieces to specific sizes with a tape backer and strips as narrow as .75” in up to 10 foot lengths. It is a low pressure option and will not withstand high heat application or machinery.
When to use an added tape backer:
Smaller cut-to-size pieces
Accent strips
Applying trim on millwork or furniture.
Covering / repairing existing installation
Adding a tape backer is usually done on Chemetal’s solid, thin metal designs in the 900, 800, 600, 400 and 300 Series (some designs). It’s generally not used on HPL metals because these designs aren’t best for thin strips because they show a laminate backer edge and in some environments can curl.
Chemetal can provide full sheets with an added tape backer but we don’t usually recommend it. Here’s why: The tape backer is unforgiving, when it sticks, it sticks, so it is difficult to reposition. Smaller areas are easier to align.
That said, we have used it successfully for years when customers request a solid Chemetal material with an added laminate backer. To apply, we use a two part process and a pinch roller to ensure alignment.
What is the tape part of the tape backer?
It’s a 3M® adhesive with a paper-like peel liner. We have been using this adhesive for years to apply a low pressure laminate backer to Chemetal metal designs. It bonds well and is not thick (to create a clean edge), nor does it “ooze” adhesive. This tape backer isn’t meant to be fabricated or used in high heat installations or in edgebander.
View tape backer tech specs here.
