Gaffer Tape vs Spike Tape vs Console Tape
Gaffer tape vs spike tape vs console tape: what each one is for, widths, adhesives and colors, and which one to carry if you only carry one.
Short answer: Gaffer tape is the all-purpose cloth tape for securing cables, rigging and quick fixes. Spike tape is a narrow version of gaffer-style tape, usually 1/2 inch wide and in bright colors, used to mark positions on a stage floor. Console tape is a paper tape with a light adhesive, used for writing labels on mixing desks and gear. Many crews carry all three, but 2-inch gaffer tape can be torn down to do the job of spike tape in a pinch.
Walk into any theater, film set or live event and you will find three kinds of tape on the stage manager’s belt. They look similar, they are often stored together, and new crew members mix them up all the time. Here is what each one is for.
Gaffer vs spike vs console tape at a glance
| Gaffer tape | Spike tape | Console tape | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backing | Cloth | Cloth or vinyl | Paper |
| Typical width | 2 in (also 1 to 4 in) | 1/2 in | 3/4 to 1 in |
| Colors | Mostly black and white | Many bright and fluorescent colors | White or light colors |
| Adhesive strength | Strong, clean removal | Medium, clean removal | Light, very easy removal |
| Main job | Securing cables, rigging, fixes | Marking set and performer positions | Writing labels on consoles and gear |
| Write on it? | Yes, white works best | Sometimes | Yes, made for it |
Gaffer tape: the workhorse
Gaffer tape holds cables to floors, secures gear, covers light leaks and handles most quick fixes. It has a matte cloth backing that does not reflect light and an adhesive made to come off clean. If a crew carries only one tape, this is it. For a full buying checklist, see how to choose gaffer tape.
Spike tape: for marking positions
“Spiking” means marking where something goes: a set piece, a chair, a microphone stand or a performer. Spike tape is narrow so marks stay small, and it comes in many colors so each scene, act or person can have their own. Fluorescent versions glow under blacklight so crews can find marks during blackouts.
No spike tape? Tear 2-inch white gaffer tape lengthwise into narrow strips. White shows up well on dark stage floors, and it comes off just as cleanly.
Console tape: for labels
Console tape (also called board tape or artist’s tape) is a paper tape with a light adhesive. Audio and lighting operators run a strip along the bottom of a mixing desk and write channel names on it. Because the adhesive is gentle, it peels off expensive gear without a trace. It is not strong enough to hold cables or rigging.
For labels that need to last through load-in and strike, such as on cables, cases and road boxes, white gaffer tape is tougher. See black vs white gaffer tape.
What about painter’s tape and electrical tape?
- Painter’s tape is a paper masking tape for paint lines. It tears easily and is not made for cables or foot traffic.
- Electrical tape is a stretchy vinyl tape for insulating wire splices. It can leave residue and is the wrong choice for taping cables to floors.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use gaffer tape as spike tape?
Yes. Tear 2-inch gaffer tape lengthwise into narrow strips. White or colored gaffer tape is easiest to see on a dark stage floor.
Why is spike tape so narrow?
Marks need to be precise and small enough that the audience does not notice them. Half an inch is wide enough to see from the wings and narrow enough to stay discreet.
What is console tape used for?
Console tape is a light-adhesive paper tape used to label channels on audio and lighting desks. It peels off cleanly and is easy to write on.
Is spike tape the same as gaffer tape?
Spike tape is a narrow tape similar to gaffer tape, made for marking positions. Gaffer tape is wider and used mainly for securing cables and gear.
Related: gaffer tape for school and community theater
Bottom line
Gaffer tape secures, spike tape marks, console tape labels. If you only carry one, carry 2-inch gaffer tape, because it can be torn down to cover the other two jobs. See Wow gaffer tape in black and white, 2 in x 50 yd.
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