Can anyone recommend a tape that would be safe for long term use on vinyl? I would assume that ordinary Scotch tape could stain or degrade vinyl if left on for a time, but maybe not?
Depends I guess on what you are using it for and how long, but I would highly recommend against any type of clear or Scotch tape. Your best bet is masking tape, and even beyond that, probably painter's tape, as it leaves the least residue and is easiest to remove. But even so, I would be hesitant to leave it on any figure long term. To remove the residue afterwards might require solvents that would be equally detrimental to the toy. I am sure the painters on here can probably speak to how long masking tape can safely be left on soft vinyl. It is also a not bad idea to buy a couple different brands and test them out first. For the low cost (relatively) I would do this to save myself from ruining a toy. Sometimes the really cheap stuff (e.g. dollar store) is best because it sucks (i.e. doesn't stick) and leaves the least residue, but sometimes the opposite is also true, and it 'melts' easier and can ruin whatever it is on. Better safe than sorry right.
Well, I want to use it for a toy that has a crack, both to keep the crack tight for aesthetic reasons, and to prevent it from getting any bigger. I figure maybe some of the vintage guys have had a similar issue and have needed to have something taped somewhat permanently. I am not worried about residue, as much as yellowing or the vinyl being "eaten" I do a lot of picking at yard sales, thrift store etc. and most plastic type items I have had with tape on them cleaned up fine with no stain or anything, but I know vinyl is on the more porous end of plastics, so yes definitely want to be better safe than sorry.
Ah okay, well that would be tough I think in the best of circumstances. At that point I might just consider glue, if you are considering leaving it on permanently and really want to avoid further cracking. There have been some threads here discussing vinyl repair too. I didn't realise this, but it seems that it could be the painter's green tape I know so well may be a Canadian thing (or maybe just coming up on websites here), but here is also a link to some other options: Painter's tape reviews
It's generally blue here, you crazy Canadians you! A rubber band wouldn't work, tape is definitely the way to go... I have it looking good with Scotch tape, for photographing or whatever, I just doubt it is a good idea for the long term. Even beyond this specific application, I am sorta just curious for future reference if anyone knows for sure of a good "archival" vinyl safe tape.
just look for acid free photo tape. somebody makes a nice masking tape for like taping papers or whatever to photos that doesnt leave any residue and is acid free. I cant seem to find it online though. edit: this may work well for you.. http://www.eofficedirect.com/PSTD99...ampaign=base&gclid=CMm-3dOR0LYCFQTd4AodgiIA_Q seems similar to what i was talking about.
Haha, we do like to do things differently it seems. There is a lot of expensive archival acid-free tape you can buy too, e.g. for framing and such, but with any of these you are sacrificing a lot of the binding ability. Stronger hold = more stuff left behind. I have done removal of tape on several other materials such as boxes, cardbacks, and some vintage toys, but whenever there is residue behind on the old stuff, it is usually really dried out, so I have just scraped away the surface of what I could, and left the rest - no solvents or anything. So is there a reason why you don't want to try fixing it permanently? Epoxy would probably be best.
the rubber will deteriorate and not only will it dry up and get brittle, but it will leave marks when you get rid of the band. you probably could clean up the marks with some soap and water. there might be a chance for discoloration with scotch tape...like a yellowing outline of where the tape was or if is in the sun, it would be like having sun-block on that one area. again...that would take years for discoloration to occur but still not worth the try. glue might be your best bet. if you want to leave the crack, i'd apply it to the ends to help prevent it from splitting even more. somewhere on here is a thread about what glue to use. don't just go out and buy glue because some glues work by melting plastics together and if you do it wrong, you'll end up with a mess of a toy.
Tape doesn't seem good for the long term. Presuming it is a hollow vinyl toy, take it apart, heat it up with a hair dryer to get the crack pliable and add some superglue to the inside to make the crack less noticeable. Believe me, I have some experience in this regard! http://www.kaijuzoo.com/sfpg.html
gluing on the inside is key...but it really depends on where the crack is because it might be an area where you will have one hell of a time trying to get glue to the inside. as we say in the industry: NMI = need more info. what toy? where is the crack?
Not to be cryptic, but I have certain (innocuous) reason for not mentioning the specific item. Thanks for the help everyone, I'll explore the options mentioned. Ill keep you posted if if my results are relevant.
Zap-a-gap nuff said, NOTHING works better on vinyl. I use it a lot and it completely bonds vinyl like its one piece. A very little also goes a very long way. Epoxy won't bond to vinyl. You will think it does at first, but overtime it will pop off if fiddled with. O and I've used all mentioned above, again zap-a-gap is best. Get the think kind so it doesn't seep through the crack though. And if you buy the kicker it will dry it instantly. Just be careful the kicker although dries it fast, can make a mess. If you use this practice first.
