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Picked up some 3M tape the other day and just trying to establish the best way to put it on.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated
Prep - Make sure your rail is scrupulously clean, your fingers too.
Application - go carefully, peel a only few inches of backing at a time as you apply the tape, use one of those plastic windscreen scraper/squeegee things that you get from ski/snowboard shops to squeeze bubbles out as you go.
Positioning - helps to have the board on it's side (so you can see the full rail) straddle it and work along the rail, better if someone can help you hold the board steady.
Coverage - forward about a foot beyond where you can reach with your paddle, back to about a foot or so behind where you normally stand should be enough.
NB - the adhesive on the 3M stuff is pretty aggressive, if your tape looks a little crooked and you're tempted to lift it...don't...you risk lifting the paint on your rail. If you really must remove the tape, a little careful application of heat from a hair dryer will soften the adhesive, peel the tape back along itself (ie parallel to the rail, not perpendicular). A citrus-based goo remover will take off any residue.
Hope that helps.
(Edit: I stopped using the 3M stuff, I'll spend the extra $$$ for RailSaver Pro)
Sounds like a big commitment. For an alternative solution to rail abuse you could try electrical
tape run around the paddle edge. Lay it down on the edge folding down onto the two paddle faces.
This very cheap and easily reversible technique works well.
Just for info....best tape I have found is helicopter tape....they use it on the rotor blades for some reason.
Goes on easy with few air bubbles and works fantastic...and stays on.
I once bought Surftech tape - it was AWFUL!!
try RADZ rail tape $40 for 4 metres better than 3m imo.
will post link where i get it.
I have only ever used the Naish stuff but I have found dipping my finger or thumb in water and using the pad of my thumb/finger works to get almost all the air bubbles out. The water just helps your finger slide over the tape and you only need a little so getting water under the tape is no issue.
It was so effective my mate asked if I was going to put tape on my new board and it was already on.
This works
Put all of those in the bin and by either Railsaver Pro or Ion rail protector no chips or damage to that part of the board ever again.
Rail Saver Pro, Had it on my regular board for nearly 1 year. Use the board most Weekends only in surf. No damage, no marks, tough stuff and easy to put on if you let it get warm.
No hesitation in recommending the stuff and there is an Aussie Distributor now!
Yep ... I have to agree the Rail Saver Pro is great. It has a cross hatched raised pattern (knurled) that makes the tape seem thicker than it actually is.
When I first applied it there were a few bubbles that I couldn't get out, despite rubbing them with around 20 mm timber dowel.
The tape has been on a couple of months now and no sign of the bubbles, highly recommend.
I purchased mine from 2up Sup Newcastle.
On this topic team, best way to get the old stuff off and then remove the residue? Thanks heaps - Cooper
I have been using the 3m tape for years and have found it does the job well. There is a company putting out a kit with two 2m rolls of it in there, I know SurfFX stocks the kit.
Be careful to not use anything with a texture on your rails, we saw a board yesterday with what looked like the tape they use for grip on stair treads used as rail tape. Both the rider of the board and another person who tested it complained that the board didn't sit well in a wave, felt uncontrollable, and unresponsive. The only thing we could put it down to was the use of a textured tape on the rail, so time to remove it and test again. I haven't heard the outcome of any further test as yet.
I've have about 50 different sup boards over the years and never used rail tape once.. and never had one rail chip from my paddle.
All you need is this.. www.seabreeze.com.au/News/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/How-to-protect-your-paddle-blade-with-tape_7770254.aspx
Your welcome......
www.bunnings.com.au/bear-48mm-x-25m-clear-all-weather-tape_p1661582
Dont waste your money on that bunnings stuff as it is to thin and will cause more damage whrn you try and pull it of.
If it was any good we would all be using it!!
Jacko
I guess the 10 boards I have had it on, and removed from 3 of them, never with a problem are just luck . I am certainly not saying it as good as the 3M, and thats with me never using 3M either, but it certainly represents good value for money.
I guess the 10 boards I have had it on, and removed from 3 of them, never with a problem are just luck . I am certainly not saying it as good as the 3M, and thats with me never using 3M either, but it certainly represents good value for money. get ready Laurie to lock this topic could get nasty!!
I guess the 10 boards I have had it on, and removed from 3 of them, never with a problem are just luck . I am certainly not saying it as good as the 3M, and thats with me never using 3M either, but it certainly represents good value for money. get ready Laurie to lock this topic could get nasty!! 
I hit my rails all the time, and if chippies were making a killling, id be in your store for the good stuff rather than buying second hand boards and cheap, thin, imitation rail tape..... even though it works
So don't think I will now get the bunnings special as I got a tip tonight than sounds like a winner. If it worked I will let you know.
Also this helicopter tape that everyone speaks of , where do you get it? Not many helicopter shops in Adelaide
Team, could someone please post info on removal of old tape and residue. Thanks heaps
ION rail tape is also very good. Comes in colours which is useful for hiding old paint chips!
Straddie,
As above, get an edge started and peel. Once all tape is removed I just use "Diggers Wax and Grease Remover" In the paint section of Bunnings with all the other "Diggers" products like Turps, Metho, Acetone, Thiners etc.
