Gaffer Tape for Photography

Techies in every industry — from sound and lighting to photography and videography — love and rely on gaffer tape. No matter what kind of project you’re working on, it’s always smart to have a roll or two in your gear kit.

What is Gaffer Tape?

Gaffer tape, also referred to as gaff tape, is a woven cloth tape used in a variety of technical applications. Gaff tape is stronger than most other types of tape. It’s also easy to apply and remove, and it comes in a range of widths and colors. It’s particularly handy for cable management and securing props.

What are the Most Common Types of Gaff Tape?

Standard gaff tape is two inches wide, but other popular widths include half-inch, one-inch, and three-inch sizes. Black is the most common color for gaff tape, but it also comes in white and a range of bright colors.

How to Use Gaff Tape

Gaffer tape is popular for use with technical gear like cables, cameras, and sound and lighting equipment. It can get hot without losing its effectiveness, the adhesive can stand up to significant force, and it removes cleanly without leaving residue on surfaces.

Lighting and sound technicians use gaff tape to secure loose cables and reinforce accessories like gel and gobo frames. They also rely on it to label equipment like sound and lighting boards for quick reference.

Brightly colored gaff tape is often used in filmmaking and in theater to make “spike marks.” These help performers and scenery technicians find their positions easily.

Why Use Gaff Tape Instead of Duct Tape?

Duct tape is another popular tape for many applications, but when it comes to expensive technical gear, it just isn’t as strong or reliable as gaffer tape. If you’ve ever struggled to rip off a piece of duct tape, you’ll love using gaff tape instead.

Because gaffer tape is made of woven cloth, you can easily tear it either lengthwise or widthwise to get a piece in the exact size you need. Gaff’s lack of sticky residue also makes it the best choice for use with expensive equipment. You can apply as much gaff as you want and still return your gear to its pristine condition afterward.

Top Brands for Gaffer Tape

Investing in high-quality gaff tape makes a big difference in any application. Trusted brands like Pro Tapes, Savage, and GaffGun produce reliable gaff tape in an abundance of colors and widths that will stand up to jobs on the busiest film sets and photo studios.