Plastic tapes were introduced in 1935 for use in digital audio. They are extra stretchy, conformable and moisture resistant tapes.

They are available in various colors and sizes. Available in various materials but the first plastic tapes was acetate. They are easy to install and remove. They are highly adhesive and resistant to sun, water, oil, fungus and chemicals. They can generate high voltages when stripped from their backing. They provide electrical insulation, waterproofing and mechanical protection.

Plastic tapes have some disadvantages also. They tend to become brittle and dry out in time. They are prone to splitting under pressure. They leave permanent stain on notes.

Applications
They can be used to repair, decorate, color-code or identify. These tapes should be applied to clean, dry, smooth surfaces. Tape recording uses iron oxide on plastic tape to make magnetic recording. Also used for plant and warehouse floors, agility obstacles and mat, lines on dry-erase boards, sealing petri dish and bottles, and wall striping. Plastic tapes wrapped over soft adhesives are used as protective systems for steel surfaces. These coatings offer good electrical and corrosion resistance as well as low water transmission.

Ideal for crime scene protection, crowd control and other various scenes where there could be potential hazards. Plastic tape can be tacked, stapled, wrapped or tied around suitable objects to create an instant and highly visible barrier. Wiring harness is covered with plastic tapes, keeping the wires in place and giving mechanical support.

The simplest method of detecting strong shock wave is by the use of a thin layer of plastic tape. This layer produces a short duration current pulse when subjected to a plane shock wave.