10 Questions You Should to Know about Reflective Tape Whoesale

This article consists of a collection of frequently asked questions about all the different types of reflective tapes. If you have a question to add, please me at .

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How does reflective tape reflect? Reflective tapes reflect light back to the source by receiving light, bending light, and bouncing it back to the source. Glass beads were originally used for this purpose, and later, in the s, prisms began to be utilized. Glass beads and prisms function in similar ways, with prisms being much more efficient and much brighter.

What kind of reflective tape is used on roadways? Reflective tape on roadways is MUTCD regulated, so virtually all the traffic signs you see use bright prismatic sheeting for the background. Type 4 or above films are used for signs mounted on poles. Type 8, Type 9, and Type 11 films are used for the overhead signs.

What are the different colored reflective tapes used for? In traffic and in general, each color of reflective tape sends a different message to the viewer. White is speed, red is stop, yellow is caution, orange is work zone, green is directions or guidance, blue is information, pink is incident management such as road closed, fluorescent lime is school zones. For non traffic applications, colors are used for other purposes. One example is blue for fire hydrants. Yellow for dumpsters and trash containers. Lime and red for the backs of fire trucks. And red and white for DOT regulated trucks.

What is the first thing to consider when selecting reflective tape for my application? The surface is the first thing to consider. Flat smooth surfaces can use any tape, but contoured, uneven surfaces or small diameter tubes should use a flexible, stretchable tape. And surfaces like road barrels or traffic cones need a reboundable flexible tape as well. Also, remember that non stick surfaces like powder coated surfaces or textured plastics would need to be prepped before applying any tape.

What is the second thing to consider when selecting reflective tape for my application? The second consideration for reflective tape should be the distance a viewer will be from the tape. This will determine what type and brightness you should purchase. Generally speaking, the higher the type (1-11), the brighter the tape. Also, keep in mind that a regulation may apply to your application, in which case you would follow those guidelines. Reflective tapes come in Type 1 through 11 and there are also many specialty tapes for specific applications. (Rail Car, SOLAS, DOT C2, etc..)

What is the third thing to consider when selecting reflective tape for my application? Color is the third consideration when selecting a retro reflective film. Each color of tape has a different meaning to viewers. If you are just trying to call attention to an object that you want viewers to avoid, then often any color will suffice. But if you are trying to convey a specific message, such as stop, use caution, or go, then a particular color should be used. See the question above about colors.

What is an example of using all three of the above considerations? Let's say you have a pair of bollards that you want to mark that are 4 inches in diameter with a smooth surface. Since the surface is smooth and not too tight of a diameter, any tape will wrap around the bollards. You need the bollards to be seen from 300 feet away. So a Type 3 would work, but a Type 4 or above would be better. A V92 or V82 (Type 5) would work well since it is very thin and wraps well. You want viewers to exercise 'caution' or 'stop' as they get to the bollards. So a Yellow or Red reflective film would work. Or use both. Either a wide band (4 inches) or two narrower bands (2 inches).

On two color striped reflective tapes, what do the stripe directions mean? Striped tapes come in three configurations. Block (no angle)|||||, Left Hand Slant (leans left from bottom to top)\\\\, and Right Hand Slant (leans right from bottom to top)////. Block patterns that do not slant designate that viewers should stop. Left Hand patterns indicate that viewers should go around and pass to the right. Right Hand patterns indicate that viewers should go around and pass to the left. End of road or road out barricades use a left slant on the right and a right slant on the left. This designates that cars should stop and not go around. \\\\//// The important thing is to slow way down and use caution when slanted tapes are present on roadways.

How do I remove reflective tape? Some reflective tapes are easier to remove than others, but the same method is used for all of them. Heat should be used to warm up the tape so that the adhesive softens. A hair dryer or heat gun on low will work. Then find an edge and peel as you heat. You can also use a plastic scraper that is made for removing graphics. (i.e. Little Chisler) Keep the edge lubricated with WD40 as you scrape to keep from scratching the surface. Once you have removed all of the film, remove the adhesive residue with an adhesive remover like Goo Gone, Goof Off, or another brand. Some remove residue better than others.

What is the brightest reflective tape? Oralite AP film is the brightest retro reflective sheeting that we know of. It is the base film for V82, SOLAS, P82 Photoelectric, Rail Gate Arm Tape, and more. Out of these films, SOLAS is the brightest and is used for offshore applications where extreme sight distance is critical. This is a metallized film. (The brightest Air Backed prismatic film is an Oralite Series Type 11 ' made for signs)

What is the toughest reflective tape? Single layer metallized films tend to be the most rugged of all reflective tapes. This is because they are made as a single fused layer with no delamination possible. Oralite DOT Tape, SOLAS Marine Tape, Rail Gate Arm Tape, Rail Car Tape, School Bus Tape, V92, and V82 are examples of this type of film construction. Tough single layer metallized prismatic reflective films are used in dynamic applications where they may be subject to rough treatment. These films hold together under abuse better than Air Backed Prismatic films like those used for traffic signs.

If metallized films are brighter and tougher, why are they not used for all reflective applications? This is a very good question. For many applications, metallized films are perfect. But for traffic signs, there are other characteristics that are needed, and Air Backed Prismatic films meet these needs. First is better chromaticity or vividness. Traffic signs have to be vivid in the daytime, and at night. Air backed prismatic tapes feature truer and more vivid colors than metallized films. Especially for white, yellow and orange. Second is longevity in a static application like a sign. In certain non dynamic applications like signs, Air Backed Prismatics last longer. This is due to their acrylic construction. Finally, air backed prismatic films reflect at broader angles, allowing cars to see them better. They put out a wider cone of reflectivity, which is perfect for traffic and vehicle headlights.

Does it matter how high or low reflective tape is placed? Yes, it makes a big difference in performance. The higher reflective tape is place, the less likely it is to receive light from oncoming headlights or other light sources. Retro reflective tape returns light to the source, but if light strikes below it, it will have no light to return.

What is Wide Observation Reflective Tape? All retro reflective tapes or sheeting reflect light back to the source of the light in what is called a cone of reflectivity. Wide Observation films spread light out using modified prisms that are more angled and deeper. Think of it like a spot light versus a bright floodlight, with wide observation retro reflective being the floodlight. More is illuminated by a floodlight, and more people on the receiving end can see the light.

Can reflective sheeting be printed on? ' Yes, you can print on reflective sheeting provided you use the right type of printer to do so. Engineer grade reflective, Oralite V98, and Oralite Work Zone films print nicely on wide format Eco Sol, Latex, or UV printers. Acrylic films like Oralite , Oralite and Oralite Type 11 are also printable with these machines, however, laminating is more important with these films.

If you print on reflective tape or sheeting, is it still reflective? Yes, the printed areas are still reflective, but just less so. For example, a white engineer grade reflective tape would reflect at 750 candelas. When over printed with red, the red color would reflect at closer to 130 candelas. Orange ink over white would be close to 200 candelas. Lower reflectivity is fine since those color printed areas create contrast with the brighter white, thus getting the attention of viewers.

How long will printed reflective sheeting last outdoors? Eco Sol prints will last 2-3 years outdoors without lamination and more than 5 years when laminated Latex inkjet prints will last 1-2 years outdoors without lamination and greater than 3 years when laminated. UV inks will last 1-2 years unlaminated outdoors and 3 plus years when laminated.

What types of printers will print on reflective films? There are three main types of printers and ink sets that print on reflective sheeting. Eco Solvent Ink Jet Printers, Latex Ink Jet Printers, and UV Ink Jet Printers. Eco Sol Inks, being solvent-based, can penetrate the substrate being printed on. Because of this, Eco Sol prints can be placed outdoors without lamination. Latex Inks are water based and do not soak into the surface. They sit on top of the substrate and are set with a heater that is built into the printer itself. UV Inks are resin based and also sit on top of the surface. They are set quickly during printing using UV light built into the printer. It is recommended that both latex and uv prints be laminated before placing them outdoors. Eco Sol prints are already outdoor durable, but benefit from lamination as well.

What colors of reflective tape are the brightest? Within any line of retro reflective sheeting, white is always the brightest. Yellow (Lime) is next, then Orange, then Red, then Green, then Blue, then Black, and then Brown. An interesting exception to this list is Black Rapid Air by Oralite. It is brighter than the Orange, but not quite as bright as the Yellow. So it is number three in the list.

"We are often asked by customers for advice on how to choose the right reflective tape for their needs. Based on this, we've put together this guide to help anyone choose the reflective tape, and try to answer all the questions you may have on the different types available."

How many different types of reflective tape for clothing are there?

Reflective tape is a great way to improve visibility while driving at night or during dark hours. There are a variety of reflective tape options available, so find the right one for your needs.

• Poly/TC Reflective Tape for Clothing

  • Attachment Type: Sew on
  • Color: Silver, grey, multicolor
  • Backing fabric: Polyester/TC
  • Width: Any width from 1cm to 140cm
  • Reflective coefficient: It typically ranges from 10 to 420 cd/lx/m²
  • Washability: Washing cycles of different products varies from 5 to over 100 times to meet different customers' requirements. We also have reflective tape for clothing that can endure industrial wash and dry cleaning.
  • Certification: EN , ANSI 107, AS/NZS , CSA-Z96, OEKO-TEX 100
  • Application: Vests, jackets, workwear, shirts, etc.

• FR Reflective Tape

  • Attachment Type: Sew on
  • Color: Silver, yellow, yellow-silver-yellow, red-silver-red
  • Backing fabric: Cotton/ Aramid
  • Width: Any width from 1cm to 140cm for silver color, 2'',3''and 4'' sizes are available for two-tone warning tape.
  • Reflective coefficient: It typically ranges from 10 to 420 cd/lx/m²
  • Certification: EN :; ANSI 107-; EN 469, EN , EN , NFPA , etc
  • Application: Fire fighting and electrical system with the requirement of flame retardant.

• Spandex Reflective Tape

  • Attachment Type: Sew on
  • Color: Silver
  • Backing fabric: Spandex fabric
  • Home wash cycles: 50 cycles @60''140''
  • Width: Up to 140cm (55''), all sizes available
  • Reflective Coefficient: >420 cd/lx/m²
  • Certification: OEKO-TEX 100; EN :; ANSI 107-; AS/NZS .4-; CSA-Z96-02
  • Application: Recommended for Medium to heavy Weight Fabrics, such as high-quality safety vests or jackets.

• Perforated Reflective Tape

  • Attachment Type: Sew on
  • Color: Silver, customized
  • Backing fabric: 100% polyester or T/C
  • Width: Up to 140cm
  • Reflective Coefficient: Up to 330 cd/lx/m²
  • Feature: Breathable, fashionable, and functional. The hole diameter and spacing in between can be customized as per customers' requirements.
  • Application: It is suitable for light fabric and safety protection products. This high-reflective fabric tape was improved for workers in hot, humid, and uncomfortable working environments.

• Self-Adhesive Reflective Tape for Clothing

  • Attachment Type: Stick On
  • Color: Grey
  • Backing Fabric: PET film and Polyester/TC
  • Width: Up to 140cm (55''), all sizes available
  • Reflective Coefficient: >330 cd/lx/m²
  • Packing: 50 meters/Roll, can do on customers' request
  • Application: Easy to apply on backpacks, raingear, bicycles, helmets, or other sports protections.

• Iron On Reflective Tape for Clothing

  • Attachment Type: Iron-On
  • Color: Grey, silver, multicolor, rainbow
  • Backing fabric: PET film and hot melt adhesive
  • Width: Any width from 1cm to 140cm
  • Reflective coefficient: It typically ranges from 10 to 420 cd/lx/m²
  • Certification: EN , ANSI 107, AS/NZS , CSA-Z96, OEKO-TEX 100
  • Application: It is suitable for using a computer or laser to carve a variety of fonts or patterns, and then heat them on all kinds of substrates.

• Reflective Ribbon

  • Attachment Type: Sew On
  • Color: Red, yellow, Customized
  • Backing fabric: Grosgrain tape, tricot fabric, oxford, etc
  • Reflective material: Iron on silver or high reflective heat transfer film; or sew on silver or high reflective tape
  • Width: The design and size can be customized for both transfer tape and webbing to meet different demands.
  • Application: Suitable for sewing on high visibility garments, sportswear, caps, bags, shoes, etc. and provide perfect protection in both daytime and nighttime.

• Reflective Piping

  • Attachment Type: Sew On
  • Color: Customized
  • Material: Reflective tape, cotton thread, mesh fabric
  • Backing fabric: Polyester/ TC/ stretch fabric, etc
  • Width: 1.3cm-3cm (customizable)
  • Application: Can be sewn on sportswear, vests, shoes, hats, caps, suitcases, etc. to increase nighttime visibility.

• Prismatic Tape

  • Attachment Type: Sew On
  • Color: Customized
  • Material: 100% PVC
  • Reflective coefficient: > 300 cd/lx/m²
  • Width: 1-15cm (customizable)
  • Thickness: 0.15mm, 0.21mm, 0.25mm, 0.28mm
  • Application: Recommended sewing on high-visibility clothing, life vest, bags, etc.

Table of Contents

• 1. What is reflective tape for clothing?

• 2. How does reflective tape work?

• 3. How far can you see reflective tape?

• 4. What is the application of reflective tape for clothing?

• 5. When should reflective tapes be used?

• 6. How to check the quality of the sew-on reflective tape?

• 7. Where to buy reflective tape for clothing?

• 8. How CHINASTARS do the quality control for reflective tape?

• 9. What certificates of reflective tape do CHINASTARS have?

• 10. Is Chinastars the manufacturer of reflective tape for clothing?

• 11. Can we get some free samples of reflective tape from Chinastars?

• 12. Do Chinastars keep stocks for reflective silver tape?

• 13. What's the regular leading time for reflective tape for clothing?

• 14. Do Chinastars accept small orders or quantities less than MOQ?

• 15. Are the reflective fabric tapes AZO-free?

• 16. Are the silver reflective tape poisonous metal free?

• 17. In case we want different widths of reflective fabric tape, can Chinastars cut it for us?

• 18. Can Chinastars print our company logo on the reflective tape?

• 19. Is reflective tape washable?

• 20. How do Chinastars define the washing cycles?

• 21. What are the main requirements of EN and ANSI 107 toward reflective tape for clothing?

• 22. If we want to change the base fabric of reflective tape, can Chinastars customize it for us?

What is reflective tape for clothing?

Reflective tape for clothing is composed of micro-glass beads embedded into base fabric such as polyester, TC, FR cotton, aramid or spandex fabric, etc. It reflects light directly to the original light source and enhances the visibility of anyone who wears it. Reflective tapes are extremely practical to still be seen well by other road users in poor visibility conditions.

How does reflective tape work?

Imagine that you are in a round room and you are in the center of the room. If you throw a ball toward the wall it is always going to come back to you. Reflective tape works similarly. The diagram below shows how the glass beads or prisms do this.

Since very little light is scattered when the light is returned, retro-reflective tape'appears brightest to an observer located near the original light source, therefore, it can help the eye perceive light in low-light conditions.

How far can you see the reflective tape?

Normally, the man who wears clothes with reflective tape on can be seen by drivers a hundred meters away in the darkness, which can surely avoid the occurrence of traffic accidents.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Hebei Top Tape.

What is the application of reflective tape for clothing?

Reflective tape is a clothing accessory that has some practical applications. The most common application is possible on work clothing as well as on leisure or sports clothing. When applied to work clothing, it is used for road construction and track maintenance work, transport companies, delivery services, etc. The reflective tapes are also suitable for making children even more visible in road traffic. In addition to clothing, this material can also be applied to "harder" surfaces such as bags, hats, shoes, and much more.

You will receive our reflective tape by the meter and can then have it cut by us (on request) entirely according to your wishes and apply it to the clothing or accessories. Depending on its nature, the reflective tape can be ironed, sewn, or pasted on garments.

When should reflective tapes be used?

Reflective tape is used to enhance the visibility of people who wear it when visibility conditions are poor. In the commercial sector, the reflective tape material is used in particular for high-visibility clothing in road construction, track work, or transport companies.

Reflective applications are not only useful on workwear, but also in leisure textiles. Reflective tape for clothing is used here, especially for pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists. It is also ideal for making dark children's clothing more eye-catching in poor visibility conditions in road traffic. To do this, simply sew the reflective fabric onto jackets, vests, pants, or backpacks.

How to check the quality of the sew-on reflective tape?

Not all reflective tapes for clothing are of the required quality. Many of the reflective tapes after a short operation and washing dramatically will lose their protective properties. So how to check the quality of reflective tapes?

• 1. Evaluate the appearance of the reflective tape. The surface of the material should be flat, flexible, and smooth to the touch; it should not have cracks, scratches, abrasions, creases, or bends.
• 2. The high-quality reflective tape has a fabric base. You can check the fabric by slightly bending the edge of the stitched patch. The largest manufacturers of reflective materials usually mark the fabric backing to confirm the quality standard of the tape. Also, confirmation of quality can be tagged with the logo of the manufacturer, which is attached to clothes, shoes, and briefcases. If there is a pattern on the reflector, it should not be smeared and/or washed.
• 3. At home, you can check the quality of the already purchased "reflector" like this. Aim the beam at the reflective tape - if you have a high-quality reflector in your hands, it will glow brightly in the beam. The reflective tape must work at any angle, for this, it is necessary to turn the tape in different directions while continuing to shine on them. The glow of the retro-reflective material should not deteriorate or fade. High-visibility clothing is often subject to special regulations regarding reflectivity. Chinastars reflective tapes for clothing are certified by SATRA, CALCOAST, AWTA, TEXTEST, UL, and SGS to meet the requirements of EN, ANSI107, CSA-Z96, AS NZS , etc.
• 4. Most important, are the area of application and washability, which in turn also depends on use. Chinastars reflective fabric tapes have excellent durability in home wash, dry cleaning, and industrial wash to meet various requirements of occupational apparel.

Iteam No. Backing Fabric Reflective Performance Home Wash Cycles Dry Cleaning Cycles CSR -2 Grey fabric 100% Polyester R>330 >25 - CSR -4 Grey fabric TC R>330 >25 - CSR -5 Silver fabric 100% Polyester R>420 >25 - CSR -6 Silver fabric TC R>420 >50 - CSR Silver fabric TC R>420 >100 - CSR -8N Silver stretchable fabric Polyester and Spandex R>420 >50 - CSR -9 Silver stretchable fabric Polyester and Spandex R>420 >25 - CSR -FR Silver flame resistant fabric 100% FR treated Cotton R>420 >50 >50 CSR -FR2Y Yellow-silver flame resistant fabric 100% FR treated Cotton R>420 >50 >50 CSR -FR2O Orangesilver flame resistant fabric 100% FR treated Cotton R>420 >50 >50 CSR -NM Silver flame resistant fabric 100% Aramid R>420 >50 >50 CSR -NM2Y Yellowsilver flame resistant fabric 100% Aramid R>420 >50 >50 CSR -NM2O Orangesilver flame resistant fabric 100% Aramid R>420 >50 >50

Where to buy reflective tape for clothing?

When it comes to safety and visibility during nighttime activities, reflective tape is a must-have. While there are a variety of places you can buy reflective tape for clothing, we recommend checking out online and in stores. However, the most economical and convenient is to buy directly from a manufacturer, and you will get better shipping options and quality oversight.

Chinastars reflective is a marketing influential manufacturer of reflective fabric and tapes in China. We have a wider variety of colors, sizes, and styles of reflective tape for clothing, making it easier to find what you're looking for. Plus, you can always find deals and discounts when you purchase your reflective tape in bulk.

How does CHINASTARS do the quality control for reflective tape?

The fact that the quality of Chinastars reflective tape for sewing is always consistently high is guaranteed by our ISO certified production. We also have a strict quality control system for reflective tape.

Before production, we inspect each lot of raw material, including glass beads, adhesive, base fabric, etc. During the production of the reflective tape jumbo roll, we have a record for each lot production and will test each lot jumbo roll. During slitting, we also will do a washing & reflection test for each lot and the QC will inspect each cutter's quantity, appearance, etc. Only after all the tests and inspections are finished and the results show good, then we will send out the shipment.

We also built a very good tracking system, each roll of reflective tape has its tracking number, with this number, we could get all information about its materials, production, testing results, etc.

Even if customers get some problems with the reflective tape and reflective fabric; we could feedback quickly and come out with a solution.

What certificates of reflective tape do CHINASTARS have?

Chinastars reflective tapes for clothing are certified by SATRA, CALCOAST, AWTA, TEXTEST, UL, SGS to meet the requirements of EN, ANSI107:, CSA-Z96, AS NZS , EN 469, NFPA 701, NFPA , NFPA , EN , ASTM F , etc.

Is Chinastars the manufacturer of reflective tape for clothing?

Yes. Chinastars have two factories located in Hangzhou and Huzhou. We are the leading manufacturer of reflective fabric tape in China and have been exported to over 100 countries for over a decade years.

Can we get a free sample of reflective tape from Chinastars?

Yes. We can provide a certain quantity of free samples for review, please feel free to contact us at [ protected]

Do Chinastars keep stocks for reflective silver tape?

Yes. We keep stocks for regular products that can be sent out immediately. Please feel free to contact us for more details.

What's the regular leading time for reflective tape for clothing?

We keep stock for regular products which can be sent out immediately. For non-stock products, our leading time is usually around 5-15 days depending on the products and quantity.

Do Chinastars accept small orders or quantities less than MOQ?

Yes. We keep stock for regular products. For stock products, we can accept small orders. For non-stock products, please contact our sales to see if we can lower the MOQ for you.

Are the reflective fabric tapes AZO-free?

Yes. We update our OEKO-TEX 100 and REACH certificates annually to make sure our reflective tapes for clothing are AZO-free.

Are the silver reflective tape poisonous metal-free?

Yes. We have a REACH report to prove that our reflective fabric is poisonous metal-free.

In case we want different widths of reflective fabric tape, can Chinastars cut it for us?

Yes. The full width of reflective fabric is around 140cm. We provide free cutting according to customers' requirements.

Can Chinastars print our company logo on the reflective tape?

Yes. We can do customized printing on the surface or back side of the reflective tape.

Is reflective tape washable?

Yes. Chinastars reflective fabric tape is washable. Washing cycles of different products vary from 5 to over 100 times to meet different customers' requirements. We also have reflective tape for clothing that can endure industrial wash and dry cleaning.

How do Chinastars define the washing cycles?

It means that after being washed for certain cycles according to international washing standards (ISO for home wash, ISO for dry cleaning, and ISO for industrial wash), the reflective value is higher than 100 cd/(lux'm2) (measured from angle 5°12').

What are the main requirements of EN and ANSI 107 for reflective tape for clothing?

Requirements for reflective tape mainly include reflective coefficient, physiological, and washing performance.

• 1) When measured on the new product at 5.0° entrance and 0.2°observation angles, the reflective coefficient shall be greater than 330 cd/lx.m².
• 2) After exposure tests like abrasion, flexing, folding at cold temperatures, rainfall, etc. the retro reflection coefficient shall be greater than 100 cd/lx.m².
• 3) After at least 25 washes, the reflective coefficient shall be larger than 100 cd/lx.m².

If we want to change the base fabric of reflective tape, can Chinastars customize it for us?

Yes. We'll test the base fabric to see if it's suitable for coating. If the test results are ok. We can customize it for you.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Reflective Tape Whoesale.