The 9 Best Waterproof Tapes
This wiki has been updated 12 times since it was first published in December of 2017. Whether you need to seal a leaky pipe, keep a bandage securely fastened, or fix a hose that your dog chewed through, one of these waterproof tapes should be up to the challenge. Many can take care of business when the weather turns nasty or when under a lot of pressure, so you can go about your day without worrying. Some even have extra features like heat tolerance, UV resistance, and fun colors. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to the Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.
1. Nexcare Absolute
2. Gorilla Crystal Clear
3. T-Rex Gunmetal
Editor's Notes
March 08, 2021:
We removed the offering from Tape Ninja due to availability issues, but otherwise found that our selections were still the best the market has to offer in this category. While these tapes have come a long way over the years, it's not a very fast-moving technology, so not a whole lot has changed since our last update.
This list contains a lot of variety, as there are a number of situations where a waterproof adhesive can come in handy. Nexcare Absolute is meant for protecting wounds from the elements, Gorilla Crystal Clear can be used to fix anything from headlights to iPad screens, and TradeGear Electrical is mainly meant to be used on wiring. Some of these options are more versatile than others, but certain uses call for different strengths, sizes, materials, and features like heat resistance, flexibility, and UV-resistance. Because of this, you'll want to pay close attention to each tape's details before making your decision, especially if you intend to use it for high-stakes repairs.
June 26, 2019:
For our latest update, our priority was to maintain a diversified list with exemplary selections, which meant removing Kendall Wet-Pruf and X-Treme Self-Fusing due to recent complaints of ineffectiveness from customers. We felt that the super-strong Gorilla Crystal Clear, with its infinite uses, and the long-lasting Spartan Kinesiology would stand as more than adequate replacements.
You'll find options for every use, from automotive, plumbing, and HVAC (T-Rex Gunmetal, Flex Tape Rubberized, TradeGear Electrical, SolutioNerd Silicone Seal, Gorilla Crystal Clear) to physical therapy and injury recovery (Nexcare Absolute, Spartan Kinesiology), as well as emergency preparedness (Rescue Tape).
There are a few things to bear in mind when using waterproof tape. Arguably the most important thing to do before an application is to ensure that the surface in question is free of dirt and completely clean. Otherwise, the tape will be ineffective. It's also good to know that many plumber's tapes do not rely on adhesive, rather, they stick to themselves, so be sure to wrap it strategically. Many times, you'll need to shut the water off completely prior to applying it so that it has a chance to fully fuse to itself before being put to the test.
4. Spartan Kinesiology
5. ProTapes Pro Flex
6. TradeGear Electrical
7. Flex Tape Rubberized
8. Rescue Tape
9. SolutioNerd Silicone Seal
Sheila is a writer and editor living in sunny Southern California. She studied writing and film at State University of New York at Purchase, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree. After graduating, she worked as an assistant video editor at a small film company, then spent a few years doing freelance work, both as a writer and a video editor. During that time, she wrote screenplays and articles, and edited everything from short films to infomercials. An ardent lover of the English language, she can often be found listening to podcasts about etymology and correcting her friends’ grammar.