# What kind of tape should I use to tape a blackout curtain to a wall **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 14, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775 "2024-10-14T17:44:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/1 "2024-10-14T17:44:49Z")
I bought a blackout curtain to cover my bedroom window, and it came with velcro fasteners to attach it to the wall. The velcro sticky pads work well but I was thinking of also taping the perimeter of the curtain to the wall, just to prevent any sunlight from getting in from the cracks. What type of tape is best for this kind of thing? I was thinking a tape that was maybe 2" wide, but from what I saw online a lot of tapes are not recommended to be used on painted walls. Also if the tape itself could be black in color, that would be good. Would regular duct tape work for this, or is there a special tape for taping something to the wall? Also it would need to be one sided tape, not 2 sided tape. This is just to tape the perimeter of the blackout curtain to the wall. The blackout curtain is already attached to the wall using the velcro sticky tabs. The curtain itself is very lightweight. Its not a heavy cloth curtain or anything. It probably only weights a few ounces. The tape isn’t to hold it up, the velcro does that. The tape is just to tape the perimeter so light can’t leak through. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/2 "2024-10-14T17:48:29Z")
Don’t use duct tape. I’ve used duct tape on latex painted walls and the residue is very very hard to remove. It’ll eventually get brittle and stop working, too. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/3 "2024-10-14T17:50:15Z")
Yeah thats what I read too. Scotch makes a one sided tape that is good for painted walls, but it is only 3/4" wide. I am guessing I could use that, but the narrow width may make it hard to tape the perimeter securely. > **[Scotch® Wall-Safe Tape](https://www.scotchbrand.com/3M/en_US/p/d/cbgnhwus1651/)** > > Photos are precious. Art is precious. So is your paint and drywall. Display the things you love without ruining your walls with Scotch® Wall Safe Tape. There isn’t another adhesive like it. Easy to use, strong and safe tape like our tried and true... ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/4 "2024-10-14T17:51:01Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > the narrow width may make it hard to tape the perimeter securely. Turn it 90 degrees and use 2-3 pieces adjacent/slightly overlapping? ---
**Author:** ![NinthAcolyte](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ninthacolyte/32/13676_2.png) [@NinthAcolyte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinthAcolyte)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/5 "2024-10-14T17:51:39Z")
They make [black painter’s tape](https://www.amazon.com/STIKK-Painters-Removal-Finishing-Decorative/dp/B09XBSFL2F), which comes in 2-inch width. Not sure how long-lasting it would be, though. Personally, I use thumbtacks to secure the edges of my blackout curtains to the wall. I fold the edge of the curtain and tack it so that they don’t show. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/6 "2024-10-14T17:57:17Z")
Gaffer’s tape might work but it’s expensive. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/7 "2024-10-14T18:19:19Z")
The blackout curtains I’ve bought come with enough velcro to cover the entire perimeter and then some. If you want something more temporary I’d use painters’ tape. Duct tape or regular masking tape will be nasty to clean up. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/8 "2024-10-14T18:23:54Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Gaffer’s tape might work but it’s expensive. From what I’m seeing on Amazon it starts at $10 a roll, so its not that bad. > **[Amazon.com: EdenProducts Professional Grade Gaffer Tape 2" x 30 Yards, Floor...](https://www.amazon.com/Gaffer-Tape-Parent/dp/B0DFMT7LWV)** > > Buy EdenProducts Professional Grade Gaffer Tape 2" x 30 Yards, Floor Tape for Electrical Cords Cable Tape, Non-Reflective Matte Finish Gaff Tape, No Residue Multipurpose Black Gaffers Tape 2 inch: Gaffer Tape - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on... ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/9 "2024-10-14T18:25:53Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Gaffer’s tape might work Seconded. > **[Gaffer tape](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaffer_tape)** > > Gaffer tape (also known as gaffer's tape, gaff tape or gaffa tape as well as spike tape for narrow, colored gaffer tape) is a heavy cotton cloth pressure-sensitive tape with strong adhesive and tensile properties. It is widely used in theatre, photography, film, radio and television production, and industrial staging work. > While sometimes confused with duct tape, gaffer tape differs in the composition of both the backing, which is made from fabric as opposed to vinyl or other plastics, and the a... ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/10 "2024-10-14T18:30:32Z")
One problem with using tape is that it may permanently bond to the wall after a while. It may come off fine if it’s left on a few days, but after a few months it may be hard to get off. Even those velcro pads may cause damage when you try to remove them later. If you are trying to block all light from coming in the window, one option would be to attach the curtain directly to the window. The tape would likely come off easier from the glass or plastic edging than it would from the wall. The 3M command strips may work for what you need. They are double-sided sticky and typically come off the wall without damage. Space them around the perimeter of the window. Stick the velcro pads to the command strips. This should allow you to velcro the curtain to the command strips and then take the strips off later. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/11 "2024-10-14T18:53:27Z")
To that point, our bedroom window has horizontal blinds. After changing out our curtains to blackouts, I wanted to stanch the perimeter light leakage. My tactic was to cut a piece of Reflectix just larger than the interior window opening, shove it up against the window (interference fit), and leave it there. The blinds cover it. It virtually disappears when viewed from the front of the house, and it adds just a skosh more R-value to the window/curtain assembly: > **[Double Reflective Insulation | Reflectix, Inc.](https://www.reflectixinc.com/products/double-reflective-insulation/)** > > About the Product: The Reflectix® Double Reflective Insulation is the most versatile, widely-distributed, energy-efficient product that we manufacture. The characteristics that make it so attractive include ease-of-handling and installation, more... And it was cheap. And I already had the product on hand from a previous project. At night, it’s pitch black in our room now. Ahh. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/12 "2024-10-14T18:54:20Z")
I haven’t used gaffers tape much but from what I see on the Internet, it’s likely to damage painted walls. Painters tape is designed to be removed without damaging paint, so that would be my first choice. However, as I’ve learned from experience, even painters tape will damage paint if left on for a long time (like months). I would probably use painters tape but remove and replace it every few weeks. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/13 "2024-10-14T18:57:11Z")
Fair point: > [@](#): > > Will gaffer tape remove paint? > > It depends more on the paint and the surface than the gaffer tape. If the paint is old and flaky, for instance, the strong bond of gaffer tape may pull some of it away. If you are looking for a tape to use on painted surface, especially if it will stay up for a while, consider using masking or painters tape. [**SOURCE**](https://www.gafferpower.com/pages/faqs-gaffer-tape) And – like you – I’ve had bad experiences with either of the latter (masking/painters) if left for more than a few days. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2024, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/14 "2024-10-15T00:33:12Z")
If you _ever_ want to remove the tape without repairing the drywall and repainting, then only use painters tape. Period. Why do you need zero percent light transmission? Is your mission really that stringent that you’ll wreck walls to reduce the last 1% leaking around the velcro pads? ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2024, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/15 "2024-10-15T02:48:38Z")
If we’re giving alternative advice…I got myself some paper blackout shades for my bedroom some 15 years ago or so. They’re nice because they hang inside the window, so there’s very little change for light leaking. They’re cheap and easy to cut. I have them up behind some regular blinds and I haven’t looked out my bedroom window since 2009. And it’s pitch black in here at night (with lots of light pollution). Granted, I’m never trying to get pitch black in my room mid-day so I don’t know what light leak from direct sunlight is like. But they seem to be doing quite well. I think @DavidNRockies solution is the most surefire for making sure there’s no light whatsoever, but if the look of it concerns you, try paper shades. That is, if this new curtain doesn’t solve the problem. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2024, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/16 "2024-10-15T02:58:27Z")
^This. They are dirt cheap. Work very well. They fit inside the casing(well, cut to fit) Your black out curtain will hang freely in front of it. ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Tom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9fc348/32.png) [@Big\_Tom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Tom)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2024, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/17 "2024-10-15T19:23:32Z")
Hardboard tempered panel is like $13 a 4’x8’x1/8" sheet. Back in the day, I cut pieces to “just fit” in the window opening. No light will come through that. I made mine tight enough, so I had to push it into place. No light around the edges. ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/18 "2024-10-16T20:45:53Z")
Gaffers tape gets nasty over time. It will either get brittle and flake off unevenly or turn to goo. Depends on the elemental exposure. This is coming from someone who spent many years working in theater and using gaff tape. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/19 "2024-10-16T20:49:56Z")
Thanks. I didn’t know that as I’ve only used it for short amounts of time. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-tape-a-blackout-curtain-to-a-wall/1008775/20 "2024-10-16T21:55:53Z")
Push pins might work along the sides. They would just make tiny holes that could be easily patched when you move out.