Transparent tape is commonplace in business because of its versatility. You can buy transparent tape with or without a dispenser for general office use or box sealing. If your employees have desktop tape dispensers or metal, heavy-duty dispensers for shipping tape, look for suppliers who sell refill rolls of these products by the case.

Clear duct tape is another type of transparent tape. It isn’t as widely used as its silver counterpart, but it has just as many industrial uses with the added benefit of being less noticeable. Here are some of the other advantages clear duct tape offers:

1. Up to six times stronger than standard duct tape and other transparent tape products.

2. Withstands harsh weather and UV light.

3. Easier to tear than standard duct tape.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find transparent tape for general office use

The type of transparent tape that is used by most office workers is sold on dispensers or refill rolls. The refill rolls are less expensive but require you to buy a desktop dispenser. There are a few specialty types of transparent tape, such as double-sided and removable.

I recommend: Unifire has several varieties of transparent tapes, including the double-sided adhesive, and many of them include their own dispensers. Business Supply sells many name brands of clear tape by the individual roll and in value packs with dispensers.

Shop for strong, clear packing tape for shipping

Office mail rooms and shipping businesses need clear packaging tape for their packing needs. With packing tape, it's important that the tape is strong and sturdy so sealed packages don't bust open during shipping or storage.

I recommend: Uline Shopping Supplies has multiple brands of economy, industrial and heavy duty carton sealing tape, including their own brand and other name brands like 3M. eSupplyStore sells packing tape in either a two- and three-inch width, and offers it in quantities of 24 or 36 rolls at discounted prices.

Get clear duct tape for a variety of applications

Clear duct tape has a strong adhesive that sticks to rubber, metal, glass, wood, and vinyl surfaces. The two-inch wide transparent tape is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

I recommend: 3M sells 20-yard rolls of clear duck tape under the Scotch brand by individual rolls or by the case. Duck Products has it line of clear "duck tape", which is easily tearable and water resistant.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Colored transparent tape is available as an alternative to clear box sealing tape. Transparent colored tape may need to be special-ordered if you can't find the color you need.
• •  Buy transparent tape on convenient dispensers. Some tape dispensers are even reusable so you only need to reorder rolls of tape which will reduce your costs.