What Is ATG Tape, and How Do You Apply It?

ATG tape, also known as adhesive transfer tape, is a two-sided adhesive used to frame pictures, to secure mat boards and dust covers. 

This tape bonds strongly and permanently to plastic, vinyl, metal, and fabric, making it an excellent tool for framing and other household activities. Let us learn more about ATG tape and its dispenser.

What is ATG tape?

It is a two-sided tape used in tape dispensers to save time and make application easier. ATG is an abbreviation for ‘Adhesive Transfer Gun,’ and because adhesive transfer tapes are reverse-wound (the underlying liner is on the backside of the tape as it is unwound), they must be used with the ATG dispenser gun. Adhesive transfer tapes are wound on plastic rather than normal cardboard reels and may be fitted into an ATG tape gun to attach lengths to your material as required.

ATG tape is available in a variety of widths and adhesion levels, ranging from 6 mm (your gun might need a specialized adaptor for 6 mm tape), 12 mm, and 18 mm tapes. Adhesion tape is offered in permanent, high tack, and peelable versions. These tapes are commonly used for display and poster work, photo mounting, art show and POP displays, mock-ups, all display usage, presentation folders, and sometimes for craft and scrapbooking. You can easily get it from an online tape store.

An adhesive transfer tape is a type of adhesive that is applied to a liner just enough to adhere to the majority of the item while allowing the user to remove the liner. The adhesive, on the other hand, remains on the substrate. This material is substituted for double-coated tape. This tape delivers dependable performance in construction and industrial environments such as die-cutting and automated dispensers, thanks to a strong 55 lb. densified kraft paper release liner.

Are ATG Tapes Acid-Free?

Acid-free ATG tapes are available in the market. These tapes are a double-sided, pressure-sensitive acrylic reverse-wound adhesive with a detachable kraft paper liner. The adhesive adheres to a variety of surfaces and is used to attach a matte board to picture frames as well as standard double-sided tape applications.

ATG Tape Applications

Adhesive transfer gun tape is the go-to solution for crafts like scrapbooking, picture framing, photo mounting, and other types of graphic arts. ATG tape is widely used to make strong, long-lasting connections with wood, glass, paper, most plastics, paint, and metal foils. There are other products available that are acid-free, or pH-neutral, guaranteeing that the tape will not discolor or ruin your photograph or artwork with time. ATG Tape works well as a substitute for double-sided tape.

ATG tape has a wide range of applications. The dispenser is suitable for the following projects because it ensures a good, smooth application of adhesive with minimum mess, no tape bunching, and the ability to produce straight lines:

• Attachment for trimming and molding
• Customized packaging and point of purchase
• Attachment of signage and graphics
• Assembly of appliances and automobile interiors
• Print assembly for commercial use
• Picture framing and matting
• Attachment of fabric, foam, and gasket
• Photo albums and scrapbooking
• Putting heirlooms inboxes
• Photomontage
• Cards/stationery
• Posters
• Presentations
• Projects for science fairs
• Message boards
• Mounting a nameplate

What is an ATG Dispenser?

The ATG stands for adhesive transfer gun or advanced tape glider, which means that this sort of tape is worthless unless it’s used with the right tape dispenser. ATG tape dispenser (adhesive transfer gun) is a device used to apply a reverse-wound adhesive transfer tape. 

The tape is constructed and wrapped in such a way that the sticky side faces out. You can use the ATG dispenser to apply the adhesive while also peeling out the liner and re-threading it into the dispenser. These dispensers are used for light-duty installation in recurring print and frame operations that require a uniform glue application.

How Do You Fill the ATG Dispenser?

1. To proceed, use the clasp on the bottom of the handgun to open the case.
2. Lay the pistol diagonally on a flat surface and detach the hinged cover.
3. Feed the tape onto the larger front mechanism in a clockwise direction.
4. Install the tape roll as close to the gear mechanism as feasible while taking care not to damage anything. You have to turn the tape roll downward.
5. Keeping your finger on the trigger, slowly draw the tape over the larger roller, down under the tiny smooth roller, and back over the tape. Make certain that there is no slack in the tape.
6. You can now let go of the trigger. Make sure you have spare tapes to work with. Roll the tape counterclockwise beneath the second “take up” device, weaving the tape end in and out of the grooves. You can use the smaller black take-up wheel if necessary. Remove any extra tape.
7. Adjust the tension as needed by rotating the inner silver tension wheel counterclockwise (to loosen) or clockwise (to tighten). Although the manufacturer settings are mostly correct, you can modify them if necessary by following the instructions above.
8. Carefully snap the lid shut, and you’re ready to tackle all of your paper crafting projects!

Conclusion

You can easily apply the adhesive with an ATG dispenser now that you’re familiar with the process. ATG Tape is great for framing artwork, combining photos and clippings into scrapbooks, mounting photographs, and packaging prototypes.