SLAA Photographic Tape is a black opaque masking tape designed for light blocking, photographic masking and film processing applications. Its matte, low-reflectivity surface helps prevent unwanted light and reflections, while the flexible crepe paper backing conforms easily to curved and irregular surfaces.
Light Blocking
Opaque black backing helps prevent unwanted light transmission.
Matte Surface
Low-gloss surface minimizes unwanted reflections and glare.
Easy to Tear
Hand-tearable backing allows quick and convenient application.
Clean Removal
Designed for reliable temporary masking with minimal adhesive residue.
Tape Description
What Is Photographic Tape?
Photographic Tape is a specialized black masking tape designed for applications where light control and low reflectivity are important. It features an opaque black crepe paper backing with a matte surface that helps block unwanted light and reduce reflections.
The tape is suitable for photographic studios, film processing laboratories, darkrooms and other imaging applications. It can be used for masking unwanted areas of negatives, sealing film envelopes and metal film containers, repairing camera bellows, and protecting film holders from light leaks.
Its flexible paper backing provides good conformability around corners, edges and curved surfaces. The tape can also be torn by hand, making it convenient for temporary masking, sealing and repair applications.
Why Use Black Photographic Tape?
Standard masking tapes are primarily designed for painting and general surface protection. Photographic tape is designed for a different purpose: controlling light and reducing reflections in photographic and film-related applications.
The opaque black backing helps prevent unwanted light from passing through the tape, while the matte surface reduces reflections. This makes photographic tape particularly useful for darkrooms, film processing, negative masking and camera equipment.
Feature | Photographic Tape | Standard Masking Tape |
Light Blocking | Opaque black backing | Generally not designed for light blocking |
Surface Finish | Matte / low reflectivity | Usually standard paper finish |
Main Applications | Photography, film, darkrooms | Painting and general masking |
Tape Features
Opaque Black Backing
Designed to block unwanted light for photographic masking, film processing and darkroom applications.
Matte, Low-Reflectivity Surface
The non-glossy black surface helps reduce reflections and glare around cameras, film and photographic equipment.
High Initial Adhesion
Provides quick and reliable bonding during temporary masking and light-sealing applications.
Highly Conformable
The flexible crepe paper backing conforms easily to curved, uneven and irregular surfaces.
Hand Tearable
Easy to tear by hand for fast application without cutting tools.
Minimal Adhesive Residue
Designed for clean and convenient removal after temporary masking applications.
Tape Applications
Darkroom Masking
Used to mask unwanted areas and control light during photographic processing and darkroom work.
Negative Masking
Suitable for masking unwanted portions of photographic negatives and transparencies during reproduction and contact printing.
Film Holder & Container Sealing
Used to seal film envelopes, metal film containers and film holders against unwanted light exposure.
Camera Bellows Repair
The flexible backing conforms to camera bellows and can be used for temporary repair and light sealing.
Photographic Equipment Masking
Helps cover reflective surfaces, logos, openings and other areas where unwanted glare or light needs to be controlled.
Film Processing & Photo Labs
Suitable for temporary masking, sealing and light-control tasks in professional photographic studios and film processing laboratories.
Technical Data Sheet
Property | Typical Value |
Backing | Crepe Paper |
Adhesive | Natural Rubber |
Color | Black (Matte) |
Total Thickness | 0.16 mm ± 0.02 mm |
Adhesion to Steel | 3.0 N/25mm ± 1.0 |
Tensile Strength | 50 N/25mm ± 10 |
Elongation | 10% ± 5% |
Temperature Resistance | 80°C (Short Term) |
Application Temperature | 10°C ~ 40°C |
Storage Temperature | 10°C ~ 50°C |
Shelf Life | 12 Months |
Sizes & Customization
Photographic Tape can be supplied in standard finished rolls or customized to meet specific application and packaging requirements. Custom roll widths, lengths and packaging options are available for qualified orders.
· Custom width
· Custom length
· Custom core size
· Private label
· Custom packaging
· Jumbo roll supply
Frequently Asked Questions
What is photographic tape used for?
Photographic tape is used for light blocking, darkroom masking, negative masking, film processing, camera bellows repair, and sealing film holders or containers against unwanted light.
What is the difference between photographic tape and regular masking tape?
Photographic tape is specifically designed for light-control applications. Its opaque black backing helps block unwanted light, while its matte surface reduces reflections. Regular masking tape is primarily designed for painting, surface protection and general masking.
Is photographic tape suitable for darkrooms?
Yes. The opaque black backing and low-reflectivity matte surface make it suitable for darkroom masking and light-sealing applications.
Can photographic tape be used to repair camera bellows?
Yes. Its flexible crepe paper backing can conform to curved surfaces, making it suitable for temporary camera bellows repair and light sealing.
Can photographic tape be torn by hand?
Yes. The crepe paper backing is designed for easy hand tearing, allowing quick application without cutting tools.
Does photographic tape leave adhesive residue?
The tape is designed for temporary masking and convenient removal with minimal adhesive residue under appropriate application and storage conditions.
What color is photographic tape?
SLAA Photographic Tape No. 5966 is supplied in black with a matte surface to help minimize unwanted light and reflections.
