How Do You Apply Floor Marking Tape?

Superior Mark® Floor Marking Tape is easy to apply. There’s minimal prep work compared to what’s required to paint warehouse floors—our floor tape can save you time, work hours, and money. For proper application of industrial floor marking tape, consider these easy floor prep and installation processes.

Plan Floor Markings In Advance

Before purchasing your floor tape, have a floor marking plan in place. What system will you use for your facility? Choose what colors you’ll use for which areas, how to convey specific messages, and what areas should be the first for tape application. A free sample kit allows you to test the application process and assess durability so you can make informed decisions.

To Prepare for Tape Installation

For the strongest, longest-lasting adhesive bond, floors must be cleaned thoroughly before tape installation. Remove any paint, tape pieces, or adhesive residue leftover from previous floor markings, then clean the floors thoroughly to ensure a strong bond. Paint removal isn’t a requirement, but cracking, deteriorating paint can compromise the bond, which may result in adhesive failure.

To clean the floor prior to applying Superior Mark® Floor Tape, sweep the surface well to clear dirt and debris. If necessary, use Superior Mark® Degreaser to clean heavy oils and grease, then spray the area with 70- to 90-percent Isopropyl Alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is a good choice for removing dirt, debris, grease, and oil because it cuts through the contaminants, then evaporates quickly.

Use a clean mop head to absorb excess liquid, then allow the floor to dry fully. Then, ensure no debris or contaminants remain on the floor. Press the adhesive side of a small piece of tape onto the floor, remove, and check the adhesive for debris. If any contaminants are left behind, repeat the floor cleaning procedure until the tape removes clean.

Applying the Tape

Allow the floor to dry thoroughly before applying the tape, measure and mark the intended application area, then follow these three simple steps for floor marking tape installation:

Remove the QuickPeel Liner backing from the pre-cut tape strip or floor sign, or peel back the liner at the beginning of the tape roll for straight-line application.
Press the tape’s adhesive to the floor at the start of the installation area, then apply the tape as planned—long lines, stripes, dashes, floor sign, or corner application.
Tamp down the tape using at least three passes of 150 pounds or more to activate the pressure-sensitive adhesive. Don’t twist or turn the tamping device as this may damage the tape.

: 1. Peel Away Backing

: 2. Apply Tape

: 3. Tamp Down

Then, open the area to traffic: There’s no dry time required, so the area is up and running again in minutes.

Quick Floor Tape Installation Tips:

Our floor marking equipment carts make tape application easier—application carts mean all supplies are contained, there’s less bending necessary to apply the tape, and the built-in cutter and tamper roller speed up the process.

When applying corners or beginning with a new length of tape, use butt splices rather than overlapping the ends of the tape.

Additionally, do not install tape over seams or joints. Instead, allow a gap of one inch on either side of the seam to prevent the tape from coming loose.

Floor Marking Tape Maintenance

Care and cleaning are simple: Our floor tape stands up to cleaning machines and chemicals without peeling, discoloration, or damage. It’s also durable enough to stand up to heavy foot traffic, vehicle and forklift traffic, and regular industrial facility wear and tear.

To ensure the tape application lasts as expected, follow these quick tips for floor marking tape care:

Choose the appropriate tape product for your intended installation.
When cleaning the floors, evaluate the marking tape for signs of damage and replace tape sections as necessary.
Our Superior Mark™ products are designed to withstand cleaning machines and chemicals for long-lasting durability and easy maintenance.

Diagnosing Tape Issues and Damage

While Superior Mark® Floor Marking Tape is a durable option designed to withstand daily industrial facility traffic, damage may happen. Common issues include:

Torn or damaged edges, usually caused by pallet dragging. Simply lifting pallets the width of a penny can reduce this damage. Other options include applying the tape in dots or dashes, or using corner markers rather than lines.
Stretched or misshapen tape, often the result of twisting or turning forklift wheels while resting on the tape. To prevent this type of damage, don’t apply tape in areas where forklift wheels must turn, avoid turning the wheels while on the tape, or apply the tape at least one foot away from where the forklift’s back wheels stop.
Adhesion issues or damage, most common if tape has been applied over an improperly cleaned floor. To prevent the tape from lifting or bubbling, ensure the floor has been cleaned properly before application.