Floor tape and signs are important for navigation, organization, and safety, but a little know-how can help you make the most of your floor markings. From where and how to apply to the best methods for removal, we’ve gathered answers to our customers’ frequently asked questions about floor marking tape and signs. Ready for your next industrial floor marking endeavor? Start here to find the answers and information you need, all in one convenient place.
What Is Floor Marking Tape Used For?
Floor marking tape is used to provide visual cues in warehouses, industrial facilities, shopping centers, schools, office buildings, healthcare facilities, and other public or commercial spaces. Floor tape and signs can mark hazards or encourage caution, provide directional cues, improve traffic flow, support organization, reinforce 5S or Lean Management principles, or help a facility comply with OSHA or other regulatory standards.
What Are the Different Types of Floor Marking Tape?
We offer different types of floor marking tape to target specific locations and goals, including heavy-duty Superior Mark floor tape, durable mid-range Last Mark floor tape, and inexpensive vinyl floor tape. Often, Superior Mark products are preferred for their durability, ease of installation, and variety of customization options.
Other types of floor tape are available for specific needs or application locations, such as hook-and-loop carpet tape, non-skid or anti-slip tape, reflective tape, and glow-in-the-dark tape. Floor signs, markers, and pre-cut kits can be used in conjunction with tape to provide visual cues in a warehouse or industrial facility.
What Is the Benefit of Beveled Edges in Floor Tape?
The primary benefit of beveled edges on floor marking tape is the ability to prevent damage to the floor markings caused by heavy traffic, reducing how frequently the tape or signage will need to be repaired or replaced.
What Does the Color of Floor Marking Tape Mean?
The color meanings of floor marking tape may vary depending on the facility, industry, and any applicable standards or regulations. However, some color meanings are standardized for maximum consistency across industries:
- Red floor marking tape often indicates immediate danger
- Orange tape is used to provide warnings
- Yellow floor tape is most frequently used to identify hazards or urge caution
- Green tape and signs are usually associated with health and safety information, such as the location of first aid kits
Are Floor Markings Required by OSHA?
OSHA requires visual cues for accident prevention and hazard identification, but the exact method of marking is not always dictated. Floor marking tape and signs offer a convenient approach to complying with OSHA standards because they are durable, customizable, easy to install, and available in a range of color options or pre-cut kits to make compliance easy. When using floor signs to satisfy OSHA requirements, pay careful attention to industry-wide color codes, placement and installation requirements, and special standards for first aid, fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, emergency exit routes, and other specific applications.
How Do You Prep Floors for Tape?
To prep floors for tape or sign application, start by thoroughly cleaning the surface and surrounding area. Follow these steps to clean tile, hardwood, concrete, or other hard floors before applying tape or signs:
- Remove any tape remnants, paint scraps, or adhesive residue left over from previous markings.
- Sweep to clear the surface of dirt and debris.
- Use a heavy-duty degreaser to remove any oil or grease, then spray the area with high-percentage isopropyl alcohol.
- Absorb excess moisture with a clean mop, then allow the floor to dry completely.
Before application, test the floor for cleanliness by pressing a small piece of tape to its surface: If the adhesive shows debris, repeat these steps until it comes up clean.
How Do You Apply Floor Marking Tape?
To apply pressure-sensitive floor marking tape or signs, first clean the floors and allow them to dry completely. Then, mark your application area, remove any liner or backing, press the adhesive to the floor at the start of the installation area, then adhere to the pre-marked area. Once applied, activate the pressure-sensitive adhesive by tamping down the tape using at least three passes of 150 pounds or more. Our Floor Marking Tape Application Guide has step-by-step instructions to help you plan, apply, and maintain your floor markings.
Is Floor Tape Easy to Remove?
The proper method for removing floor tape depends on the type of tape: Low-quality tapes, including duct tape, may require special adhesive removers, buffing, or scraping due to residue and bits of tape left behind. Heavy-duty Superior Mark tape is designed for clean, damage-free removal. Simply use a putty knife or other sharp tool to lift the edge of the floor tape, then pull it at a 90-degree angle to break the adhesive bond. This same approach can be used to remove reusable hook-and-loop tape from carpeted surfaces. Our Floor Marking Tape Removal Guide walks you through the basic steps required to remove floor markings.
How Long Do Floor Signs Last?
How long a floor sign lasts depends on the material with which it’s made and how it is installed. Inlaid mesh floor signs are permanent, while vinyl, rubber, and Superior Mark signs are designed to be removable but are durable enough to stand up to heavy daily traffic. To extend the life of floor signs, closely follow all application instructions. You can also add a beveled edge sign guard for better protection.
What Tape Won’t Leave Residue on the Floor?
Superior Mark or Last Mark tape will not leave residue on the floor when it is applied properly. To avoid residue on or damage to carpeted floors, use hook-and-loop backed floor tape designed specifically for use on these surfaces.
Floor tape and signs can be a part of a comprehensive approach to creating a visual workplace, so use this FAQ guide to brush up on the basics and prepare for your floor marking installation project. Find out more about using floor tape in warehouses and industrial facilities in our Resource Center.
