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(Nano Tape) Alien Tape Vs. Gorilla Tape: Painted and Textured Walls, Broken Sunroof, Motion Sensor Lights

Last updated on March 30, 2024 / Reviewed by Ronald, a 🎖️10-year Adhesive Industry Veteran  @stickyaides in 🌉San Francisco

Alien Tape Vs. Gorilla Tape: What’s the Difference?

Nano tape is also called gecko tape and is marketed under the name Alien Tape. It is a synthetic adhesive tape consisting of arrays of carbon nanotubes transferred onto a backing material of flexible polymer tape. These arrays are called synthetic setae and mimic the nanostructures found on the toes of a gecko; this is an example of biomimicry.

using Alien Tape to fix a board on the wall
using Alien Tape to fix a board on the wall

The adhesion is achieved not with chemical adhesives, but via van der Waals forces, which are weak electric forces generated between two atoms or molecules that are very close to each other.

Alien Tape Vs. Gorilla Tape

Alien Tape Vs. Gorilla Tape(Nano Tape vs Gorilla Tape): Specs & Uses

🌡️Temperature Resistance

Alien Tape: -20°C to 80°C long term, up to 140°C short term

Gorilla Tape: Up to 93°C

🆚Features

Alien Tape: Reusable, clean removal

Gorilla Tape: Hand tearable, durable, superior bond to low surface energy surfaces

🛠️Common Uses

Alien Tape can be used to securely hang picture frames on various surfaces like painted walls and smooth surfaces; keep a vinyl rug in place, allowing for easy removal; hanging motion sensor lights, or Christmas lights.

Gorilla Tape provides a stronghold for keeping dog’s pee pads in place; Seals a broken sunroof temporarily: functions similarly to RV sealing tape but with less bulk.

Technical Info

Gorilla TapeAlien Tape
Total Score★★★★★★★★★
ColorBlackTransparent
Adhesive TypeNatural rubberSolvent acrylic
Total Thickness0.4318 mm2.0 mm

Let continue to see more details of gorilla tape vs alien tape:

Alientape Nano Double Sided Tape: The Ultimate Sticky Solution or Just Another Hyped-Up Gadget?

Alientape Nano Double Sided Tape
I love the convenience of my screen room, but I faced a problem with my light strips. Instead of drilling holes for wire covers, I opted for standard double-sided tape. However, due to the humidity in Florida, within just six months, the light strips would randomly detach from the ceiling. It became a recurring task to push them back up, only for them to hold for a week or so. I ordered a roll of Alien Tape and decided to give it a try.

✅Pros

Upon receiving the roll, I quickly realized that Alien Tape was unlike anything I had encountered before. Its stickiness was unparalleled, and I struggled a bit while handling it. However, once I managed to cut off pieces to secure each end of the light strips, I knew they wouldn’t be coming off the ceiling easily.

Alien Tape against Cat

It felt as though I might need a hammer and chisel to remove them. Although Alien Tape proved a little challenging to work with, its exceptional adhesive power made up for it. It was clear that this product would get the job done, and then some!

Alien Tape on my book

Alien Tape proved to be incredibly handy for small repairs and mounting relatively heavy objects. For instance, I successfully affixed a handle to a desk drawer that had never had one before.

It has been working flawlessly, allowing me to open and close the heavy drawer for about a month now, with no signs of letting go. Even if it does eventually lose its grip, I have plenty more tape at my disposal. Additionally, I used Alien Tape to fix a few spots on some old shoes where the soles were coming loose.

It held them together remarkably well. Furthermore, I mounted a heavy toothbrush holder onto the bathroom mirror, and it remains solidly in place. While I haven’t attempted to remove it from anything yet, I am pleased that what I have used of Alien Tape has proven its effectiveness in holding things firmly without the need for glue, screws, or drilling holes.

Is Alien Tape Heat-Resistant?

Yes, Alien tape is heat-resistant. It can withstand temperatures up to 200°F. It is also weatherproof and can be used indoors and outdoors.

Alientape Nano Double Sided Tape

💬Alien Tape Reviews Consumer Reports

Q: Does Alien Tape adhere well to a rough plastered wall?

A: I had a picture frame that I secured with alien tape on a rough-plastered wall. However, the frame started slipping and when I tried to remove it, it ended up tearing off the paint in certain spots. I must say, this tape is not very reliable when it comes to rough-plastered walls.

Q: Is the weight of 17.5 pounds applicable to the entire 7-foot length, meaning 2.5 pounds per foot?

A: Considering the tape’s durability, I believe the weight of 17.5 pounds refers to a significant length of the tape rather than the entire 7 feet. However, please note that I’m not an expert, but I have personally used it in various interesting situations where it worked fantastically!

Q: In the TV commercials, it is mentioned and shown that this alien tape can be used on painted walls. However, the description below states not to use it on painted walls. Can you clarify?

A: Based on the information I have, it is advised not to use tape on painted walls, especially on drywall surfaces. Removing the tape from a wall or painted surface can result in peeling off part of the wall or paint, even on wooden painted surfaces.

Q: I used the tape on my outside railing to hang the garland, but it didn’t work. Now I can’t remove the tape. How do I remove it? (Can alien tape be removed?)

A: It’s surprising that the tape didn’t work, especially if it’s difficult to remove from your railing. Please note that the tape has a clear backing on one side. Here’s how to remove adhesive from wall: to remove it, you can slide something under one end of the tape, grip it, and then pull it straight back over itself. Pulling upwards won’t be effective. Both sides of the tape have the same adhesive strength.
Once removed, you can wash it with soap and water, let it dry, and it will regain its shape and adhesive power. Store it in a plastic bag with the backing until you need it again.

CTA:list all comments

3 reviews

  • Harry M Jarvis
    February 2, 2024 at 12:05 am

    If I use Alien Tape on the bottom of a vinyl rug, can I easily remove the rug for monthly floor mopping without damaging the vinyl cushioned bottom?

    Reply
    • Ronald Stevens (administrator)
      February 2, 2024 at 12:21 am

      Yes, you can safely remove the rug without causing any damage to the vinyl cushioned bottom.

      Reply
  • Dave
    February 9, 2024 at 7:02 pm

    Allen tape used on a 10lb plastic speaker falls off after a couple weeks. Gorilla tape has held more than 3 months already. There is no long term weight comparison.

    Reply

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Gorilla Tape: Your Ultimate Solution to Heavy-Duty Fixes

Gorilla Tape, All Weather Outdoor Waterproof Duct Tape
For repairs and sealing around the house and yard, I’ve found Gorilla All Weather Tape works like a charm. This rugged butyl rubber tape has a reinforced backing to prevent stretching yet remains flexible after application.

✅Withstand Extreme Temperatures

What makes it so versatile is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures from frigid 25°F Minnesota winters to blazing 200°F heat. It’s proven invaluable for patching leaks, tears, and holes in all sorts of materials.

using Gorilla tape on leaking tube
using Gorilla tape on leaking tube

On exteriors, I’ve relied on it to seal stucco lanai walls, repair vinyl siding, fashion an emergency rear car window out of cardboard, and even fix a couple holes in an inflatable water slide for the kids. The slightly shiny black tape adheres powerfully to brick, pressure-treated lumber, painted textured walls (just be careful about pulling off paint), and more.

Drylok Vs Flex Seal

Drylok Vs Flex Seal: Waterproof Concrete Basement Floors, Damp Walls, Leaking Stucco, Cement Steps and Walkways

Indoors, it’s been a lifesaver for securing appliance hoses that keep popping loose, like on my washing machine (avoiding any internal air/water pressure areas). While not recommended for direct food/pet contact due to potential toxicity, it’s perfect for patching tarps, cargo carriers, and even convertible top vinyl if used with their Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape.

I found this tape to be incredibly useful when I used it to secure weather-protection plastic sheets over my rose tree during harsh weather conditions. It withstood high winds, heavy snowfall, and extremely cold temperatures. When it was time to uncover the plant in the spring, the tape came off relatively easily. I will definitely be using it again next winter.

Without a doubt, this duct tape is exactly what I needed. I’ve written an aricle to compare Foil Tape vs. Duct Tape, feel free to read it.

Foil Tape vs. Duct Tape

Foil Tape vs. Duct Tape: Seal Air Ducts, Insulate Pipes & Dryer Vents

Whether stopping a leak, patching a tear, or MacGyvering a creative fix, this tape’s versatility never ceases to amaze me. It’s a problem-solver that has saved me countless times and money. An absolute must-have for any DIYer’s arsenal!

❌Not Ideal for Hanging Heavy Objects

There are some limitations, however. It’s not ideal for hanging heavy objects or repairing stuffed animal fabrics. And while it may deter little hands from unplugging devices, it’s not a foolproof childproofing solution.

Gorilla Tape, All Weather Outdoor Waterproof Duct Tape

Does Gorilla Tape Leave Residue?

Well, yes it does. Due to a broken sunroof caused by an object from a logging truck, I had to use Gorilla Tape as a temporary solution to secure a waterproof covering. After applying Goo Gone as instructed on the bottle, I had to repeat the process twice to achieve a clean car roof. I also used a plastic scraper to assist in the removal.

💬FAQ of Gorilla Tape

Q: I attempted to fix a grill cover using regular gorilla tape, but it didn’t hold up under the sun and heat. Would this tape be more effective? Will the previous adhesive cause any issues?

A: I’m not entirely certain. It seems that most grill covers are typically made of canvas, which makes it difficult for the tape to adhere to the fibers. While this tape is incredibly strong and impressive, I’m unsure if it would work. However, I have heard of someone in a similar situation using a heat gun or blow dryer with tape on both sides of the cloth being repaired.
They heated up the tape to soften the adhesive and pressed it together, similar to sandwiching it between two boards, until it cooled down. It sounds like a plausible solution, although I personally haven’t tried it. I hope this information is helpful, and good luck with your repair. Even if it doesn’t work for this particular task, you’ll find this tape useful for other purposes.

Q: How does this tape adhere to painted and textured walls?

A: The bonding capability of the tape depends on the type of paint and the roughness of the texture. It should work well with oil or latex gloss paint. However, if it’s applied to latex flat paint, it might remove some of the texture when you remove the tape. I hope this explanation assists you.

Q: I just need something to keep my dog’s pee pads in place on my balcony, and I want them to come off easily when I need to dispose of them. Will this tape serve that purpose?

A: It will provide a strong hold, but removing it might be more challenging.

Q: Is this tape UL (Underwriters Laboratories) safe?

A: The Gorilla All Weather Tape is not recommended for use as an electrical tape since it doesn’t meet the UL requirements for electrical applications.

🔊 Before you go...

Don't be fooled by these topics:Gorilla Tape

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Ronald Stevens photoI’m Ronald Stevens, a Mechanical Engineer obsessed with adhesives, glue, and all things sticky! My passion began in childhood when I’d always be the one playing with glue during arts and crafts. And I’d spend hours researching and experimenting. Happy reading, and remember: stick with the best, and you’ll never be stuck in a mess!
Feel free to contact me and join our discussion:

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