Essential accessories: Gaffer tape
It is very easy to take gaffer tape for granted. After all at some point in our lives we will have all used it for something. However you may find the story behind gaffer tape quite interesting…
Gaffer tape can best be described as a blend of strands of cotton cloth, vinyl and adhesive. It is pressure sensitive so will stick without any additional solvent or activation agent like water as it just needs to be pressed down. It differs from duct tape as it has a synthetic adhesive finish so it can typically be removed without leaving a residue. Gaffer tape is often referred to as a production expendable because it is discarded after it is used.
It gets its name as it is typically used by the gaffer on a film or television set. In the film-making industry this person is an electrician who is responsible for managing the lighting. Gaffer tape consequently is the type of tape which they frequently use to do things like stick wires to walls to keep them out of picture, attach fixtures or props to each other or for temporary mends on pieces of theatre lighting equipment. Camera assistants also use it for blocking – marking the places where the actors are supposed to stand on camera.
The benefits of gaffer tape are that it is convenient (as it is pressure activated so can be applied immediately without other materials to make it stick), relatively cheap and does not mess up whatever it is applied to. It also comes in many colours although the favourite will always be matte black.
Where can I get gaffer tape at the right price?
Gaffer tape is available from many DIY stores on the high street but if you are a gaffer or someone else who works as part of a filming or theatre production team then the most convenient option would be to pick it up while shopping for gear online. One firm which boasts a tremendous array of theatre lighting equipment and accessories including gaffer tape can be found at the appropriately named Essentialstagesupplies.co.uk.
At essentialstagesupplies.co.uk our wonderful, affordable gaffer tape is durable and hard wearing, and will not lose its stickiness. We are renowned for supplying the most sought after theatre lighting!
