A Comprehensive Guide to Cutting Tape Without Issues

Cutting tape with scissors can sometimes lead to the tape sticking to the blades. Here are some tips to help prevent that:

Use Sharp Scissors

Ensure your scissors are sharp. Dull blades can cause the tape to stick more easily. Keeping your scissors sharp will minimize the adhesive's contact with the metal, thus reducing the likelihood of sticking.

Cut at an Angle

Instead of cutting straight across, try to cut at a slight angle. This can help minimize contact between the tape and the scissors. A slight angle can also provide a cleaner cut, further reducing the chance of sticking.

Wipe the Blades

Occasionally wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol or a cloth to remove any adhesive residue that may cause sticking. Adhesive residue can accumulate over time, leading to more frequent sticking issues. Regular cleaning keeps your blades free from buildup.

Use a Tape Dispenser

If you have a tape dispenser, it can help keep the tape taut, making it easier to cut without sticking. Tape dispensers are designed to keep the tape under tension, which helps in maintaining a straight cut and reduces the chance of the tape sticking to the scissors.

Cut in Small Sections

When cutting a long piece of tape, try splitting it into smaller sections. This reduces the amount of tape that can stick to the scissors at once. It's a simpler, more manageable method, especially for longer tapes.

Use Wax Paper

For especially sticky tape, you can place a piece of wax paper under the tape before cutting. This can help prevent it from sticking to the scissors. Wax paper is a silicone impregnated paper, which is more effective than regular paper or kitchen parchment for this purpose.

Holding the tape taut and level as you cut is crucial. This ensures a clean and precise cut.

Alternative Methods

For scenarios where you need to cut duct tape, using a knife is preferable. Start the incision and then tear the tape along the cut. This method works well when precision is needed and the tape is too thick for scissors.

For those who struggle with scissors, using bandage scissors can be an effective solution. Bandage scissors are known for their sharp blades and design, which makes them less prone to sticking.

Using the right tape can also make a difference. Buying cheaper or lower-quality tape can sometimes be beneficial. I once used duct tape from a dollar store and experienced no sticking problems. However, if the tape is exceptionally sticky, it may still adhere to the scissors regardless of the quality.

Helpful Tips

Tearing the tape if possible can remove the risk of sticking. Some tapes may not tear easily, but this is an option if you can.

Using a tape dispenser can reduce sticking as they have a serrated cutting edge and minimal contact with the tape. This helps in tearing the tape without significant contact with the scissors.

For a more cumbersome but effective method, place a piece of parchment paper on a cutting board, with the tape sticky side down. Use a knife to cut the tape. Parchment paper is a silicone impregnated paper, which is different from regular wax paper. It is very useful in the kitchen and in preventing sticking.

Keeping Your Scissors Clean

The blades of the scissors should be cleaned regularly to remove any adhesive residue. This can be done using an adhesive remover like Goo Gone. While a small amount of residue may remain and help prevent future sticking, it could have a minor effect on the tape, especially for long-term projects like scrapbooking. Clean any residue off the blades before continuing for optimal results.

These tips should help you cut tape more easily without it sticking to your scissors. The key is to find a way to work with the tape's propensity for sticking.

The only other option is to buy dollar store tape that won't stick to anything. If my suggestions were more helpful than dollar store tape, please hit the upvote button below.