Applying floor tape is surprisingly straightforward, especially when compared to painted lines that require significant prep or drying time. But each step in the simple process is equally important, not the least of which is the final step: tamping. This process activates the pressure-sensitive adhesive found on high-quality Superior Mark® floor tape and signs, ensuring a strong seal and lasting durability. Use this guide to learn the importance of tamping floor tape after installation, which equipment to use, and the essential steps for successfully tamping floor tape.
Why Tamp Floor Tape?
Tamping is the process of applying weighted pressure to ensure proper adhesion, and it is an essential step of floor tape installation. Recessed adhesive and patented beveled edges make our Superior Mark® floor tape the best choice, but the markings will fail prematurely if the tape is not tamped properly. Even markings like dashes and dots or small sections of tape used to make repairs must be properly tamped in order to stick and stay.
Floor Tape Tamping Equipment
Tamping requires significant weight—at least 150 pounds—to provide enough pressure to activate the adhesive properly. The rear wheel of a forklift or other heavy machinery can work when necessary, it’s best to use equipment designed specifically for tamping.
- A tamper cart operates exactly as it sounds: Its purpose is to provide the right weight and pressure to activate the strong adhesive on heavy-duty floor tape.
- The Superior Marker® Cart is tape application equipment that’s designed to improve the installation process by laying the tape, then tamping it to complete the installation.
- The Kaizen Cart functions as a tape storage cart but also features a built-in tamper roller that activates floor tape adhesive.
Our floor marking equipment features two types of rollers—one soft and one hard—to apply pressure. The hard roller applies even pressure, while a soft roller accommodates the slight bumps and unevenness of the floor, allowing the tape to conform to the surface. Working together, these two tamper rollers offer the highest quality application.
Tamping Instructions for Superior Mark® Tape and Signs
Tamping is the final step in floor tape application. It activates the pressure-sensitive adhesive and ensures a durable seal against the floor surface. Whether you’re using floor marking equipment such as a Kaizen cart or application cart, make sure it meets the requirements for proper tamping: The equipment must weigh a minimum of 150 pounds and the tamping wheel should be at least 2 inches wider than the tape being tamped. Then, follow these tape tamping steps to finish the installation of Superior Mark® floor tape, other floor tape, or floor signs:
- Start at the beginning of the floor marking application and tamp the product in the same direction as it was applied.
- Complete a minimum of three passes along the entirety of the markings to ensure that the product properly conforms to the floor surface.
- Do not twist or turn the tamping device, which can cause damage to the tape or sign. For taped lines, follow the path of the tape exactly to avoid damaging it.
Superior Mark® signs are made up of multiple strips of floor tape so you can follow the same general tamping instructions; just make sure you cover each square inch of the sign a minimum of three times to ensure proper adhesion.
No dry time is necessary for Superior Mark® tape and signs, so once the tamping process is complete, the area can be reopened to foot and vehicular traffic. Explore our Resource Center for more tips on applying and maintaining floor marking tape.
