Varieties of PSA tape

Transparent tape (or general purpose office tape) has a transparent film backing and an acrylic or synthetic rubber based adhesive.

'Gaffer tape' is normally based on a heavy fabric or plastic tape. The name derives from its use by gaffers in the entertainment industry among others, to hold down cables particularly to obviate or prevent tripping hazard and to stop damage to the cables and equipment.

Duct tape (sometimes referred to as "duck tape") usually has a fabric backing and many uses, but is mainly used by people needing to tear tape by hand.

"Box sealing tape" ("Parcel tape", UK) is a type of packaging tape which is a clear or opaque used for closing packages for shipment. It is usually two inch (48 mm) or three inch (72 mm) wide and is made of a polypropylene or polyester backing.

Masking tape is used to cover areas that shouldn't be painted. It usually has a paper backing and an adhesive designed to remove from surfaces (within a limited time).

Electrical tape is made of materials like vinyl that do not conduct electricity.

Surgical tape is an adhesive bandage used to hold a dressing on a wound.

Double-sided tape is adhesive on both sides of a backing

"Adhesive transfer tape" does not have a backing material

"Filament tape" or "Strapping tape" has filaments (usually fiberglass) embedded into the adhesive for extra strength.

Spike tape is a thinner version of gaffer's tape that is usually bright colored. Used to mark places of furniture or actors on a stage.

Hockey tape is a cloth tape used for grip on hockey and lacrosse sticks.