Console, Artist and Opaque Black Photo Tapes: Studio Tapes Explained

Three tapes that are not gaffer

Paper and cloth tapes for labelling, masking and backdrops.

Gaffer tape holds things. These three do quieter jobs: writing on, blocking light, and covering a studio wall. Using gaffer for any of them is the usual mistake — it is too strong, too thick, and you cannot write on it.

Published technical data

What each is for.

Pro Console — Artist / Console Tape

Backing	Flatback paper
Adhesive	Synthetic rubber, no silicone
Tensile strength	30 lbs/in
Elongation	2.5%
Thickness	5.8 mils
Adhesion to steel	57 oz/in
Service temperature	4°C–66°C (40°F–150°F)

Printable with pen or marker, repositionable, and it will not stain or ghost on removal. The white is pH neutral, which is why it is used on artwork.

P743 — Opaque Black Photo Tape

Backing	Impregnated paper
Adhesive	Synthetic rubber
Tensile strength	21 lbs/in
Elongation	7%
Thickness	6.1 mils
Adhesion to steel	50 oz/in
Service temperature	7°C–38°C (45°F–100°F)

Opaque matte black: a complete light block for photographic masking, with clean removal and no residue.

Pro Digital Cloth studio backdrop material, green

Pro Digital Cloth — Studio Backdrop Tape

Backing	Matte cloth, flame retardant
Adhesive	5 mil acrylic
Liner	Tan paper release liner
Flame resistance	1999 NFPA 701 Test #1
Service temperature	21°C–38°C (70°F–100°F)
Colours	Blue, green

A flame retardant matte fabric with adhesive on one side — for covering a studio surface rather than taping to it.

Figures are Pro Tapes published technical data sheet values for products Artstag supplies. Typical values — not for use in writing specifications.

Choosing

Quick rules.

Need to write on it? Console or artist tape. It takes pen and marker, and it lifts off a console or a case without ghosting.
Need to block light completely? Pro Photo. Opaque black, matte, no reflection into the lens.
Covering a studio surface? Pro Digital Cloth — flame retardant matte fabric that keys cleanly and meets NFPA 701 Test #1.
No silicone in the console tape adhesive, which is why it is safe on faders and equipment surfaces.
Note the narrow temperature ranges. Pro Photo is rated 7°C–38°C and Digital Cloth 21°C–38°C — these are indoor studio products, not outdoor ones.

For green screen work specifically, see taping for green screen.

Common questions

Frequently asked.

What tape can I write on for labelling a console?

Console or artist tape — a flatback paper tape that takes pen or marker, is repositionable, and removes cleanly without staining or ghosting. Its adhesive contains no silicone, which is why it is safe on console surfaces and equipment.

What tape blocks light for photography?

Pro Photo tape. It uses an opaque black impregnated paper backing with a matte finish, giving a complete light block with no reflection, and removes cleanly with no residue.

Is artist tape the same as masking tape?

No. Ordinary masking tape can stain, yellow and ghost. Artist tape is a premium flatback paper with a clean-removal synthetic rubber adhesive and a pH-neutral white, which is why it is used around artwork and on equipment.

Can these tapes be used outdoors?

They are indoor studio products. Pro Photo is rated 7°C–38°C and Pro Digital Cloth 21°C–38°C, which is far narrower than the 10°C–93°C range of gaffer tape.

Need the right tape for your job?

Artstag supplies Pro Tapes products direct across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Tell us the surface, the environment and how long it needs to hold, and we will point you to the right product.

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Console, Artist and Opaque Black Photo Tapes.