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Publication date: 04/15/2025
Double sided poster tape is the simplest way to hang your posters without nails, pins, or wall damage. Looking for the best tape quick? Here’s the short answer:
But there’s a lot more to know if you want perfect hanging results. Choosing the right tape depends on your surfaces, your poster’s weight, and whether you need clean removal later.
I’m Brett Henrichsen, founder of Posterprintshop. With over 20 years in custom printing, I’ve helped thousands find the best double sided poster tape for flawless poster displays.
Double sided poster tape is exactly what it sounds like—adhesive tape that’s sticky on both sides. While regular tape sticks only on one side, this specialized tape creates a secure bond between two surfaces, making it an ideal choice for hanging posters invisibly, without using nails or pins.
So, how does it actually work? The science behind it is straightforward yet pretty clever. Most double sided poster tapes contain a thin material in the middle—a layer called the carrier—which can be made from tissue, foam, or plastic film. Both sides of this carrier are coated with adhesive. One adhesive side sticks firmly to your poster’s back, while the other bonds securely to your wall or display surface.
Many double sided poster tapes also feature a protective backing or liner. You simply peel away this liner right before applying the tape to keep the adhesive fresh and effective.
What truly sets double sided tape apart is how clean and professional it looks once your poster is up. Unlike hooks, nails, or push pins—which leave visible marks or holes—double sided poster tape stays completely hidden behind your artwork. This invisible mounting makes your posters look sleek and polished, whether you’re decorating your home, dorm room, classroom, or office.
“Double-sided tape is a versatile adhesive solution that provides a convenient option for adhering two surfaces together without mess or hassle.”
At Posterprintshop, we’ve helped thousands of customers find the perfect mounting solution for their custom-printed posters. Over the years, customers frequently ask us, “How can I hang my poster without damaging the walls or leaving holes?” The answer we consistently recommend is double sided poster tape. It’s especially great for temporary displays or situations where you don’t want to risk wall damage.
Versatility is another big plus. Whether you want to display a cool movie poster in your dorm, set up teaching materials in a classroom, or showcase promotional posters at a business event, double sided poster tape is your go-to. It works reliably on multiple surfaces including wood, painted drywall, tile, metal, glass, and even concrete.
No matter what you’re displaying or where you’re displaying it, choosing the right double sided poster tape ensures you’ll get a clean, professional look without hassle or damage.
When it comes to hanging posters, not every double sided poster tape is created equal. To make sure your display looks great and stays put, there are some important factors you’ll want to consider. Let’s walk through them together.
First up, adhesive strength. Simply put, this is how strongly the tape holds onto your poster and the wall. For standard posters, like the ones we print at Posterprintshop, many double sided poster tapes—such as the Scotch 109 Removable Poster Tape—can easily hold items weighing up to ¼ pound. That’s perfect for most regular-sized paper or photo posters.
But if you’ve got something heavier or larger, you might need something tougher. In these cases, industrial-grade or permanent double sided tapes are often a better bet, with stronger adhesives designed to handle heavier loads.
Next, let’s talk surfaces. Different tapes perform best on different surfaces, and you’ll want to match your tape to your wall type. The best double sided poster tapes typically stick wonderfully onto surfaces like painted drywall (especially semi-gloss or gloss finishes), finished wood, tile, glass, metal, concrete, and even vinyl wallpaper.
However, textures matter too. Textured walls, delicate wallpaper, and walls painted with flat paint can be tricky. Not every tape works well on these surfaces, and some can even cause damage. Always double-check the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure your chosen tape is safe for your wall.
If you’re renting your home, dorm room, or office—or if you’re just someone who loves to change things up regularly—look for a tape that’s specifically removable. Removable double sided poster tapes are specially designed to peel away cleanly without damaging paint or leaving sticky residue behind. Permanent tapes offer stronger, long-lasting hold, but they’re tougher to remove and may leave marks. So, consider your own long-term plans before making a decision.
Let’s be honest, nobody likes a sticky mess. Quality removable tapes, like the Scotch removable variety we recommend, are designed to leave no trace when removed from recommended surfaces. Still, residue issues can depend on several factors—such as how long the tape stayed on, the surface type, and even the humidity in the room. That’s why it’s always a smart idea to read product details carefully and test your tape on a small, hidden area first.
Just like adhesive strength, each tape has a recommended weight limit. Standard double sided poster tape typically holds up to ¼ pound—ideal for paper or photo posters. If you’re hanging something heavier, you’ll either need to use more tape or choose a stronger alternative like foam or acrylic double-sided tapes. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to keep your posters safely in place.
Finally, let’s quickly chat about ease of application. Some double sided poster tapes come with easy-to-use dispensers, making hanging a breeze. Others require scissors and a bit of patience to cut to the right length. If you’ll be hanging multiple posters or changing them frequently, investing in a tape with a convenient dispenser might save you a lot of headaches (and time!).
Keeping these key factors in mind will help you pick the perfect double sided poster tape for your needs. Whether you’re a student decorating your dorm, a teacher showcasing classroom materials, or a business owner promoting your latest event, the right tape makes all the difference.
With so many double sided poster tape options available, choosing the perfect one can feel overwhelming. At Posterprintshop, we’ve spent years helping customers find the best tapes for their custom prints—and we’ve narrowed down the top performers into five main types. Let’s explore each one so you can confidently choose the right tape for your poster-hanging needs.
For most poster displays, removable double sided poster tape—such as the popular Scotch 109 Removable Poster Tape—is your best friend. Designed specifically for posters and lightweight displays, these tapes offer strong yet gentle adhesion, letting you remove posters without damaging your walls.
A typical removable tape can hold posters weighing up to ¼ pound. It’s clear, so it remains invisible behind your poster, giving a clean and professional finish. Plus, most removable tapes come with convenient dispensers, making it easy to cut and apply the tape exactly where you need it.
Because it leaves no sticky residue or paint damage behind, removable tape is perfect for dorm rooms, rental apartments, classrooms, and offices—any place where wall damage is a big no-no. One satisfied Posterprintshop customer shared, “I used removable tape for my kid’s artwork gallery in their bedroom. When it was time to redecorate, the posters came down cleanly without a single mark!”
If you’re hanging a poster that you want to stay put for a long time, permanent double sided tape is the way to go. This tape packs a stronger punch, offering higher weight capacity—often 1 pound or even more. It’s ideal for heavier materials or displays you don’t plan on moving frequently.
But keep in mind: permanent tapes don’t play nice when it comes to removal. They create a much stronger bond and may leave residue or even damage walls if removed later on. They’re great for permanent displays, commercial spaces, or outdoor signage (especially weather-resistant varieties). If you need to remove it later, you’ll likely need adhesive removers and some patience—so consider carefully before applying!
Got a textured or uneven surface? Foam tapes are your secret weapon. Thanks to a layer of flexible foam sandwiched between two adhesive layers, foam double sided poster tape easily conforms to rough, uneven, or textured surfaces. It fills in small gaps and provides extra cushioning, making it a lifesaver for tricky spots like brick, concrete, or slightly bumpy walls.
The foam layer also offers stronger hold because it provides increased surface contact. The trade-off? Foam tape is thicker and can stand out if not fully hidden behind your poster. But customers still rave about it. One gallery owner told us, “Foam tape completely changed the game on our textured gallery walls where nothing else would stick.”
Looking for something ultra-thin and easy to use? Tissue double sided poster tape is a great choice. With a thin tissue-paper carrier, it’s lightweight, nearly invisible, and typically hand-tearable. You won’t even need scissors—just tear it right off the roll!
While tissue tape is easy to apply quickly and discreetly, it’s best suited for lightweight materials or smooth surfaces. Think paper crafts, scrapbooking, or smaller posters on smooth, painted walls. If you’re hanging heavier posters or using rough surfaces, you may want to choose a thicker tape type instead.
Finally, if you need a versatile tape that can handle tough conditions, acrylic double sided poster tape is your go-to solution. Acrylic adhesive is clear, weather-resistant, and stable under temperature changes, UV exposure, and humidity. This makes it fantastic for posters displayed near windows, outdoors (with appropriate weather-resistant types), or even in spaces with significant temperature swings.
Acrylic tapes start with a strong initial grip and actually increase in bond strength over time. This means your poster will stay securely put, even in challenging environments.
No matter what type of display you’re planning, choosing the right double sided poster tape helps ensure your posters stay put, look great, and come down cleanly when you need them to. At Posterprintshop, we’re always here to help you find the best solution for your custom printed posters—so you can hang your artwork confidently!
Applying double sided poster tape might seem straightforward—and it is! But taking a few minutes to follow these simple steps can make a world of difference. You’ll get a secure, professional-looking poster display every time.
First things first: a clean surface is your best friend. Before you even think about applying the tape, make sure both the poster and your wall are clean and dry.
For your walls, gently wipe the surface with a mild cleaner to remove any dirt or grease. Let it dry completely before moving forward. For the back of your poster, ensure you’re handling it with clean, dry hands. Dust or moisture can weaken the adhesive bond, and we don’t want any poster casualties!
Next, you’ll want to figure out exactly where that double sided poster tape should go. For best results, place tape along each edge of your poster, about half an inch from the edge. If it’s a larger poster, adding an “X” pattern across the back gives extra support in the middle and prevents sagging or curling. For small posters or photos, applying tape in each corner usually does the trick.
Taking a minute to plan your tape placement helps you avoid any surprises later—like drooping corners or unwanted wrinkles.
Now you’re ready to add the tape to your poster. If you’re using a hand-tearable tape (like tissue tape), you can easily tear it by hand. For other kinds of tape, simply cut to your desired length using scissors.
Press each piece firmly onto the back of your poster, making sure it’s flat and smooth without any air bubbles or wrinkles. A neat trick we recommend at Posterprintshop: use the edge of a credit card or a similar straight edge to firmly press down the tape. This ensures maximum adhesion and a nice, flat finish.
With all your pieces securely in place, gently peel off the protective backing from the tape to expose the other sticky side. Go slowly here—you don’t want the tape to wrinkle or stick to itself. Patience is key!
Now comes the fun part—actually hanging your poster. Carefully position your poster exactly where you want it on the wall. It helps to start pressing gently from one side or corner, and work your way across or downwards. By doing it gradually, you can smooth out air bubbles as you go, ensuring a nice, even finish.
Once your poster is in place, press firmly along each taped area for about 30 to 60 seconds. It’s amazing how much this extra pressure improves the bond strength and keeps your poster looking sharp.
If you’re hanging a particularly large or unwieldy poster, consider grabbing a friend to help. Trust us, two sets of hands make positioning much easier (and way less stressful!).
Need more detailed guidance or visual tips on applying adhesive products? Take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to install window film adhesive clings. Even though the materials differ slightly, the overall principles for successful adhesion remain the same.
With your double sided poster tape properly applied, you can enjoy your beautifully displayed posters—no nails, no visible fasteners, and best of all, no damage!
You’ve got your poster all ready to go, and you’ve chosen the perfect double sided poster tape. Great start! But before you start sticking things up, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a surface that will actually hold your poster firmly without any unpleasant surprises.
Let’s run through the best surfaces you can confidently use your tape on, along with a few tips to ensure your posters stick beautifully and remove cleanly when the time comes.
Most homes and offices have painted drywall, making it one of the most common surfaces you’ll encounter. The good news? Double sided poster tape loves it—especially walls painted with semi-gloss or gloss paints. These smooth finishes help the adhesive create a strong and lasting bond. But here’s a friendly reminder: always make sure the paint has fully cured (usually around 2-3 weeks after painting) before you stick anything on it, or you might pull off more than just your poster when removing it!
Sealed or varnished wood surfaces—like wooden doors or cabinets—are another ideal match for your double sided poster tape. This type of surface is smooth and non-porous, allowing your poster to stick securely and come off cleanly when it’s time to redecorate.
Tiles made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass are fantastic surfaces for poster tape. Their smooth, hard finishes ensure solid adhesion. Just be certain to give tiles a quick wipe-down beforehand to remove any soap scum or cleaning product residue that could weaken the bond.
If there’s one surface that double sided poster tape absolutely adores, it’s glass. Windows and mirrors couldn’t be more perfect because they’re perfectly smooth and non-porous. On glass, you’ll enjoy top-notch adhesion and extremely easy, residue-free removal.
Metal surfaces, like refrigerators, filing cabinets, or metal doors, also provide a welcoming home for your posters. These smooth, clean materials pair well with most double sided poster tapes, ensuring a secure display and easy removal later on.
Concrete surfaces are a bit trickier, but don’t let that scare you. Sealed concrete can work reasonably well, though you’ll probably see the best results with foam-based double sided tape. The foam helps fill in the small gaps and textures, providing a better grip. That unsealed concrete might be too rough and porous, making it a challenge for regular poster tape to stick properly.
Surprisingly, many double sided poster tapes stick pretty well to vinyl wallpaper thanks to its smooth and sealed surface. Just one important tip: always do a quick test in a hidden area first. You want to be certain that removing your poster won’t damage the wallpaper underneath.
Here’s a handy table summarizing the key surfaces and their compatibility with double sided poster tape:
| Surface | Adhesion Quality | Removal Ease | Best Tape Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass | Excellent | Very Easy | Removable |
| Metal | Excellent | Easy | Removable |
| Painted Drywall (Gloss) | Very Good | Good | Removable |
| Finished Wood | Very Good | Good | Removable |
| Tile | Very Good | Easy | Removable |
| Vinyl Wallpaper | Good | Moderate | Removable |
| Sealed Concrete | Moderate | Moderate | Foam |
At Posterprintshop, we know the right surface preparation makes all the difference. We regularly remind our customers about the importance of choosing the right tape and surface combo to keep their custom-printed posters looking fantastic without any wall damage.
Taking a few extra moments to consider these surfaces helps ensure your posters stay put and your walls stay pristine. Now that’s what we call a win-win!
While double sided poster tape is fantastic for hanging posters without hassle, there are some surfaces where it’s not the best choice. Knowing these ahead of time can save you from a sticky situation—and we mean that literally.
Delicate decorative wallpapers or paper-based coverings don’t play well with adhesives. Even the gentlest removable double sided poster tape can bond too firmly, causing tears or visible damage when removed. If you’re tempted to try, always do a small hidden test first—but better yet, skip the tape entirely for these fragile surfaces.
If your walls have flat or matte paint, proceed with caution. Flat paint doesn’t create the smooth, sealed surface that adhesives love. When removing double sided poster tape, you might end up taking paint along for the ride, leaving patchy marks behind. We’ve had customers share stories about losing their security deposits after tape removal took chunks of flat paint with it. Yikes! To avoid a similar fate, use alternative hanging methods like removable hooks or picture rails on flat-painted walls.
Heavily textured walls such as orange peel, knockdown, or popcorn textures make it tough for double sided poster tape to do its job. Because the tape only touches the peaks of the texture, it doesn’t get enough surface contact to hold securely. Inevitably, your posters will sag or fall, leaving you frustrated—and possibly with damaged artwork.
It might seem obvious, but it bears repeating: never use double sided poster tape on antique furniture, rare collectibles, valuable books, or any delicate items. Even gentle tapes can unintentionally damage these surfaces, causing heartbreak that’s easily avoided by using safer mounting methods like stands or frames.
Excited to decorate after a fresh coat of paint? Hold off just a little longer. Walls need at least 2–3 weeks for paint to fully cure before applying double sided poster tape. Tape applied too soon can bond too strongly and rip paint away when removed. Save yourself the trouble (and another trip to the paint store!) by patiently waiting for the paint to cure completely.
At Posterprintshop, we’ve seen many poster-hanging trips—and mistrips—over the years. Trust our experience: it’s always better to double-check your wall surfaces before applying tape. When in doubt, consider damage-free alternatives like poster frames, removable hooks, or adjustable display rails. Your walls (and your landlord) will thank you!
Let’s face it—there are lots of ways to hang a poster on your wall. So why choose double sided poster tape over the alternatives? As someone who’s helped countless customers display their beautiful Posterprintshop prints, I can walk you through the pros and cons of each option.
Remember those cork boards from college dorm rooms? Push pins are certainly cheap and easy to use. But they leave your beautiful poster with tiny holes in each corner, and they damage your walls too.
Double sided poster tape creates a much cleaner look with no visible fasteners. Your poster appears to float on the wall, creating that professional gallery feel. The tape also distributes weight across the entire poster edge rather than concentrating stress on just a few points, which means less tearing over time.
That said, if you’re the type who rearranges your room weekly, push pins do make it easier to reposition posters quickly. And they’ll never leave sticky residue behind. But for most of us who want our posters to look their best, double sided poster tape is the superior choice.
Blu-Tack and similar adhesive putties have their place in the poster-hanging world. They’re fun to work with and highly repositionable.
However, double sided poster tape provides a much more secure hold, especially for larger posters. Have you ever walked into a room to find your putty-hung poster slowly sliding down the wall or curling at the corners? That doesn’t happen with properly applied tape.
The tape also has a much thinner profile—you can barely see it even from the side. Putty, on the other hand, creates noticeable bumps behind your poster. If you’re hanging something lightweight like a small photo or note, putty works fine. For proper posters, double sided poster tape gives you a more reliable, cleaner-looking result.
Picture hanging strips (like Command Strips) have gained popularity for their damage-free removal system. They use a hook-and-loop design similar to Velcro that separates cleanly when pulled.
While these strips are excellent for heavier items like framed pictures, they’re often overkill for paper posters. Double sided poster tape is significantly less expensive and has a much thinner profile. The tape also comes in more size options, allowing you to customize your application to your specific poster dimensions.
The main advantage of hanging strips is their higher weight capacity and easier removal process. If you’re hanging something heavier or absolutely need guaranteed damage-free removal, they might be worth the extra cost. For standard paper posters, however, most people find double sided poster tape provides the perfect balance of performance and value.
Frames are undoubtedly the most professional and protective option for displaying posters. They shield your print from dust, fingerprints, and UV damage while adding a finished look to your decor.
But let’s be honest—frames are expensive! A quality frame can easily cost more than the poster itself. They also add significant weight to your walls, requiring more substantial hanging hardware and often leaving larger holes behind.
Double sided poster tape offers a much more affordable and non-invasive alternative. It requires no assembly, takes up no additional wall space, and adds no extra weight. Many of our customers at Posterprintshop choose to use tape for trendy posters they plan to switch out seasonally, while reserving frames for their most treasured or expensive prints.
The tape approach does leave your poster more vulnerable to damage over time, so for valuable or irreplaceable prints, a frame might be worth the investment. But for most decorative purposes, double sided poster tape provides an excellent balance of affordability and appearance.
When you order beautiful custom prints from Posterprintshop, we want them to look their best on your walls. While we’re happy to provide guidance on any mounting method, double sided poster tape remains one of our most frequently recommended solutions for its combination of clean appearance, ease of use, and gentle treatment of both your posters and walls.
This is something our customers ask about frequently, especially after ordering a special custom print they want to display perfectly. The short answer is: it depends on how valuable your item truly is and what your long-term preservation goals are.
For genuinely irreplaceable or valuable items, we typically don’t recommend applying double sided poster tape directly to the item itself. The adhesive, even from high-quality tapes, can potentially damage paper over time or leave residue that might harm your poster during removal attempts.
If you’re determined to use tape with a valuable print, look specifically for acid-free varieties designed for archival purposes. These tapes use pH-neutral adhesives that won’t cause yellowing or deterioration of paper over time. Even with these specialty tapes, consider a safer approach by applying them to a backing board rather than directly to your cherished item.
For customers who’ve invested in truly special custom prints from Posterprintshop, we often suggest proper framing with archival materials instead. It costs more upfront but provides better protection and won’t risk damage to your investment.
Most standard double sided poster tape designed specifically for posters (like the popular Scotch 109) holds items weighing up to about ¼ pound per several inches of tape. For most paper posters, photographs, and lightweight prints, this provides plenty of holding power.
The weight capacity greatly depends on how you apply the tape and what surface you’re sticking to. Even the strongest tape won’t hold for long if applied to surfaces it doesn’t bond well with, like heavily textured walls or flat paint.
For standard paper posters (around 24″x36″), applying 1-2 strips along each edge usually provides plenty of support. Heavier items like mounted posters or foam board displays might require industrial-strength tape or foam tape varieties. Canvas prints are typically too heavy for any tape mounting – we recommend proper hanging hardware for these.
I remember a customer who tried using regular poster tape for a heavy canvas print, only to find it on the floor the next morning! When in doubt, especially with larger custom prints from Posterprintshop, consider alternative mounting methods like proper hanging rails or frames for anything exceeding that ¼ pound threshold.
This might be the question we hear most often about double sided poster tape, and it’s a valid concern! The honest answer is that several factors affect whether you’ll end up with sticky residue:
The quality and type of tape makes a huge difference – removable varieties like Scotch 109 are specifically engineered to come off cleanly from recommended surfaces. The surface material itself matters tremendously – glass and metal typically allow for cleaner removal than painted walls. How long the tape has been in place is crucial too – tape removed after a few months behaves differently than tape that’s been up for years. Environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and sun exposure can break down adhesives over time. And your removal technique matters – slow, gentle peeling at an angle works better than quickly yanking the poster off the wall.
Even the best removable double sided poster tapes might leave some residue if they’ve been baking in direct sunlight for years or if they’re applied to surfaces the manufacturer doesn’t recommend.
If you do encounter sticky residue, don’t panic! Try rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth (test in an inconspicuous area first), commercial adhesive removers like Goo Gone, or warm soapy water for water-based adhesives.
One of our longtime customers shared this helpful tip: “I warm the area with a hair dryer on low heat before slowly peeling off the tape. This softens the adhesive and has prevented any residue issues for me.” Simple but effective!
Choosing the right double sided poster tape can turn the chore of hanging posters into a smooth, satisfying experience. At Posterprintshop, we’ve seen how the right tape choice makes all the difference. You spend time selecting or creating beautiful custom posters—why not give them the display they deserve?
For most poster hanging tasks, removable double sided poster tape like Scotch 109 is your best bet. It offers a great balance between strength and easy, damage-free removal. It’s strong enough to keep your posters firmly in place, yet gentle enough to let you take them down without residue or wall damage.
Achieving ideal results isn’t complicated—just follow a few basic tips. Always check your wall surfaces first, making sure they’re suitable for tape application. Properly prep your surfaces by wiping them down (clean surfaces make for happier tape!). Take the time to press your posters firmly and evenly onto the wall, and when it’s time to change your display, remove the tape slowly and carefully to avoid any unwanted surprises.
With over 20 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of customers confidently showcase their posters. At Posterprintshop, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality custom printed posters with quick turnaround times and unbeatable prices. When pairing our beautiful prints with quality double sided poster tape, you’ll have everything you need for a flawless display—whether for dorm rooms, classrooms, offices, events, or even promotional spaces.
If you’d like to learn more about the science behind adhesives, check out this Wikipedia article.
Ready to display your posters like a pro? Head over to Posterprintshop.com to order your custom posters today. And don’t forget to pick up some reliable double sided poster tape—your walls (and posters) will thank you!
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