Exterior tapes from 3M are designed for heavy duty outdoor applications and bonding materials permanently or temporarily to various surfaces. Two of 3M’s most popular exterior mounting tapes are the 3M Exterior Attachment Tape and the 3M Super Strength Molding Tape.
Both offer extreme bonding power for exterior projects, but they also have some differences in their features and ideal uses.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | 3M Exterior Attachment Tape | 3M Super Strength Molding Tape |
| Adhesive Type | Acrylic | Rubber |
| Bond Strength | Permanent | Temporary but strong |
| Removability | Not removable | Removable when heated |
| Thickness | 36 mil | 20 mil |
| Conformability | Less conformable on uneven surfaces | More conformable |
| Maximum Width | 4 inches | 2 inches |
| Key Uses | Permanently mounting exterior fixtures | Temporarily mounting exterior items |
Overview Of 3M Exterior Attachment Tape
3M Exterior Attachment Tape is an extremely strong double-sided tape designed for permanent bonding outdoors. Key features and uses include:
- Made with a thick acrylic adhesive that bonds aggressively to most building materials including wood, brick, concrete, stucco, metals and plastics.
- Bonds permanently and won’t lose adhesion strength even after prolonged exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, moisture and other outdoor elements.
- Thick 36 mil tape construction provides excellent gap-filling ability for uneven bonding surfaces.
- Ideal for attaching exterior items like light fixtures, wiring, downspouts, decorations, house numbers, etc permanently to exterior walls.
- Available in various widths up to 4 inches wide.
So in summary, 3M Exterior Attachment Tape is ideal when you need to permanently bond materials to outdoor surfaces. The acrylic adhesive delivers extreme strength to resist detachment from wind, vibration and other forces.
Overview Of 3M Super Strength Molding Tape
3M Super Strength Molding Tape is also an exterior-grade mounting tape designed for heavy duty applications. Key features and differences from the Exterior Attachment Tape include:
- Utilizes a reinforced rubber adhesive instead of acrylic adhesive. Provides excellent adhesion to most surfaces including wood, metals, glass, tile and plastic.
- Bonds aggressively like the Exterior Attachment Tape, but allows clean removal when heated with a hair dryer or heat gun.
- Can be reused multiple times after removal due to the rubber adhesive. Exterior Attachment Tape bonds permanently on first application.
- Thinner 20 mil tape for more conformability on uneven surfaces, but not as thick for gap filling ability.
- Resists moisture, UV light and extreme temperatures.
- Available in various widths up to 2 inches wide.
So the Molding Tape is preferable over the Exterior Attachment Tape when you need to mount something temporarily or want the ability to remove it easily. The rubber adhesive sticks aggressively, but lets go when heated.
Major Differences Between The Two Tapes
To summarize the key differences:
- Adhesive Type: Exterior Attachment Tape uses an acrylic adhesive which bonds permanently to surfaces. Molding Tape uses a rubber adhesive that allows clean removal with heat.
- Removability: Exterior Attachment Tape forms a permanent bond on first application. Molding Tape can be removed cleanly and reused multiple times.
- Thickness: Exterior Attachment Tape is 36 mils thick for maximum gap filling ability. Molding Tape is 20 mils thick for better surface conformity.
- Maximum Width: Exterior Attachment Tape comes in widths up to 4″ wide. Molding Tape comes in widths up to 2″ wide.
So in choosing between the two, consider if you need permanent or temporary mounting and the width required for your application.
Pros And Cons Of 3M Exterior Attachment Tape
Pros
- Creates permanent, weatherproof bonds to almost any building material
- Thick 36 mil construction fills gaps excellently
- Acrylic adhesive won’t lose strength over time outdoors
- High maximum width of 4″ for wide bonding areas
- Can support very heavy materials like lights and signs permanently
Cons
- Bonds permanently so can’t be removed or reused
- Fairly thick tape may not adhere well on uneven or curved surfaces
- More expensive than typical duct tapes and packing tapes
Also Read: Comparison Between Scotch Extreme Mounting Tape And 3M VHB.
Pros And Cons Of 3M Super Strength Molding Tape
Pros
- Rubber adhesive allows clean removal by heating tape
- Can be reused multiple times
- Thinner 20 mil tape conforms better to uneven surfaces
- Good for temporarily mounting items outdoors
- Resists moisture and UV rays like Exterior Attachment Tape
Cons
- Not as thick as Exterior Attachment Tape for gap filling ability
- Maximum width of 2″ not ideal for wide bonding areas
- Doesn’t form as permanent of bonds as acrylic adhesive
Typical Uses And Applications
3M Exterior Attachment Tape Uses
- Mounting exterior lights, cameras, motion sensors
- Attaching downspouts, gutters and trim permanently
- Mounting house numbers, outdoor signs and decorations
- Bonding siding, brick veneers and tile permanently
- Sealing around windows, doors and roofing permanently
3M Super Strength Molding Tape Uses
- Mounting holiday lights and decorations temporarily
- Holding wiring, cables and hoses in place removably
- Temporary repairs and part bonding for RV siding and seals
- Attaching protective films on exterior glass or plastic temporarily
- Mounting items for display booths, shows and events
So in summary, use Exterior Attachment Tape when you need a permanent weatherproof bond, and Super Strength Molding Tape when you need something adhered firmly but temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
3M Super Strength Molding Tape is used for temporarily mounting and bonding items outdoors. It sticks aggressively like a permanent tape, but can be removed cleanly when heated. Common uses are for mounting holiday decorations, wires, hoses and films temporarily on exterior surfaces.
3M’s strongest tape is the Exterior Attachment Tape. It uses a thick acrylic adhesive that bonds permanently to surfaces even when exposed to long-term sunlight, moisture and extreme temperatures. It is ideal for permanently mounting exterior lights, signs, trim and other fixtures.
3M Exterior Attachment Tape is a 36 mil thick tape that uses an acrylic adhesive to form permanent, weatherproof bonds on exterior building materials. It can support heavy items like signs and light fixtures permanently outdoors.
The strongest mounting tape is 3M’s Exterior Attachment Tape. With its 36 mil thickness and acrylic adhesive, it forms incredibly strong permanent bonds on outdoor surfaces that won’t fail over time from weather exposure. It can support very heavy fixtures like exterior lights.
Also Read: Is Ok Tape Better Than KT Tape?
Conclusion
For heavy duty exterior projects, both 3M’s Exterior Attachment Tape and Super Strength Molding Tape are excellent options. The main decision is choosing permanent versus temporary bonding and the appropriate thickness and width for your application. Consider the surface you’re mounting to, the weight it needs to support and whether removability is desired when selecting between these two tapes.
With their extreme adhesive strength and weather resistance, they are ideal for securely fastening almost anything outside your home.