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Old 05-01-2015, 02:41 AM   #1
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VHB Tape

Good Morning - -

I had never heard of VHB tape until I started reading this forum & I am trying to understand what it can/cannot do.

In the process, I came across a "how to use" it on the fiberglassrv forum and would like to know how others have used this product and what are their hints and concerns are about the use of this tape.

Do these suggestions add up ?
Things to be careful of when using it ?
How have you used the tape ?
Successes & Failures ?
Do you have any regrets using it ?

Thank You for Your Time & Input.
Have A GReat Day & A Better Weekend.

uw

= = = =

VHB Tape Recommendations from 3m
A lot of folks are using VHB tape to attach various things to their Fiberglass campers. I posted this to another thread, but figured it might get buried, so here it is:

re:
3m VHB tape for solar panels, and awnings

3m's support has been excellent. We were at the annual trade show for our hardware store supplier in Orlando in late Feb. 2015. I had some questions about mounting a
solar panel with VHB tape. There was a member of the technical department at the 3m booth. He answered nearly all my questions and while I waited, he called another tech person at 3m when he did not have an answer to one of the questions.

That question was about surface preparation of fiberglass before applying VHB tape. The "VHB Tape" specialist on the phone call from the office recommended using Acetone to clean the fiberglass gelcoat, then clean off the Acetone residue with alcohol, (even though Acetone evaporates quickly, it does leave a very
light residue) and then a light scuffing using a Scotch Brite type pad or very light touch with very fine sandpaper before applying the VHB tape. He said Not to use MEK as a cleaner or prep, as that might soften the Fiberglass.

The tech rep. at the show also mentioned the fact that you should wait at least 24 hours, and preferably more, before putting full
weight on the item. He noted that one big reason VHB tape was developed was to hold Automotive Side Molding on to Cars and Trucks, and that in the past, 3m sold more VHB tape to Auto manufacturers than to anyone else. He also said that Scotch, "Extreme Mounting Tape" #414, sold at many hardware stores, is consumer packaging of VHB tape. That product is advertised to hold 20# for a 40" strip, or 1/2# per square inch. There is another Scotch 3m product that says it will hold 10#per 40" strip, but that is not true VHB tape. #414 is 1"x60", and sells for around $7-10, but appears about .025 thick--and most folks have been using the .045 thick VHB tape for most purposes on our FGRV's. So, if you can use the thinner version of VHB, it's available on the shelf at many Hardware Stores.


And, most all sizes and thicknesses are available through Grainger, but almost always require a 2 day wait. That was the case when I ordered some VHB tape to install bendable
solar panels on our Eggcamper. Grainger ordered it from a regional warehouse and I picked it up at the local branch store in 2 days. Still haven't installed the panels yet, but hope to soon. Maybe I'll install an awning with VHB also.


http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f56/vhb-tape-recommendations-from-3m-68841.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email& utm_campaign=Feed%3A+fiberglassrv+%28Fiberglass+RV +-+Emails%29

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Old 05-01-2015, 09:21 AM   #2
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Nearly everything I mount in the Escape is mounted with VHB tape. No holes, no marks -- works great. I'll bet I've used 10 feet of the stuff in our current Escape 19 and a similar amount in our former 17 B. All the Umbra hooks are mounted with VHB tape. I've had one "failure" where the item fell off. I simply cleaned the area with alcohol and remounted. It's been there, with heavy items hanging on it now, for quite a while. Great stuff!

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Old 05-01-2015, 10:39 AM   #3
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I use at least 200 ft a year of 3M VHB tapes every year for my products; selection of the right tape is one piece of the puzzle. Biggest success factor is prep and curing of the tape prior to attaching much weight; 24 hour minimum per 3M specs.
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Old 05-01-2015, 11:07 AM   #4
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My awning rails are attached with VHB. They have been hanging on the outside for two years. VHB is also used to attach the gutter material and now my new snaps. Pictures on our site. https://sites.google.com/site/ouresc...utside-awnings
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Old 05-01-2015, 11:19 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tractors1 View Post
I use at least 200 ft a year of 3M VHB tapes every year for my products; selection of the right tape is one piece of the puzzle. Biggest success factor is prep and curing of the tape prior to attaching much weight; 24 hour minimum per 3M specs.
Do you have a simple way of identifying which tape ( e.g. Number) and a handy retail outlet (e.g. Amazon )? Sourcing the tape is the biggest problem so you could help us all out on this one. Thanks.
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Old 05-01-2015, 12:25 PM   #6
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Amazon is a good source for smaller quantities of VHB tapes. My primary tape is RP-45 by 3M; outdoor rated closed cell foam. I use the 0.045 thick (1mm) as it conforms well to irregular surface, damps a bit more vibration, and is thick enough to be cut with a thin blade for removal if desired later.

It is a bit spendy - I pay about 5 cents an inch (wholesale) for 1 inch wide when buying 12 inch rolls.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...%2Ck%3Arp45+3m
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Old 05-01-2015, 01:08 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ksitte View Post
Nearly everything I mount in the Escape is mounted with VHB tape. No holes, no marks -- works great. I'll bet I've used 10 feet of the stuff in our current Escape 19 and a similar amount in our former 17 B. All the Umbra hooks are mounted with VHB tape. I've had one "failure" where the item fell off. I simply cleaned the area with alcohol and remounted. It's been there, with heavy items hanging on it now, for quite a while. Great stuff!

Klaus
I have been reluctant to use any kind of tape on the flat "wood" surfaces, for fear the surface could be pulled off, (like wallpaper). If I understand correctly, this tape is safe, isn't it?
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Old 05-01-2015, 02:01 PM   #8
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3M Command is safe, if you follow the instructions for removal.
VHB stands for "very high bond" so I doubt it is safe for that application, if you expect to remove it.
Attached Thumbnails
3M hook removal 1.jpg   3M hook removal 2.jpg   3M hook removal 3.jpg  
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Old 05-01-2015, 02:20 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo View Post
3M Command is safe, if you follow the instructions for removal.
VHB stands for "very high bond" so I doubt it is safe for that application, if you expect to remove it.

When are you going to start drilling holes Glenn

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Old 05-01-2015, 02:58 PM   #10
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The only holes I've drilled were into the bath wall beside the stove top. They are about 1/8 inch deep ( didn't want to go into the shower ) and were only needed for cosmetic reasons. The magnetic knife holder is actually held up with double-sided tape. Normally these screws would hold it. So I needed to fill those holes and hold the magnet bar to the mount.
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knife holder.jpg  
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Old 05-01-2015, 06:35 PM   #11
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I purchased a roll of clear VHB tape (#4910) from Amazon when I installed our window awnings in late 2012. I used the same product to install our solar panel mount this past year. I've been VERY happy with how well it has worked.
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Old 05-01-2015, 08:49 PM   #12
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Nice blog there, John.
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Old 05-01-2015, 10:20 PM   #13
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Thanks, Jim
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