Figuring out what products you can and can't use on your vehicle can sometimes be tricky. For example, do you want to try using Gorilla tape on your car's paint but don't know if it will leave behind damage? Is Gorilla tape too powerful to safely use on a vehicle's exterior?
Well, we've done some digging and have the answer to this question below.
Generally, it's not a good idea to use Gorilla tape on a car's paint. That's because this powerful adhesive has a reputation for damaging vehicle paint and most surfaces you try and apply it to.
Gorilla tape is meant to stay where you put it, so if you peel it off: there's bound to be damage. Try and avoid using adhesives on your car's exterior to prevent potential paint removal.
As we start this article, we will cover all things using Gorilla tape and discuss why you shouldn't apply it to your car. Whether you have a piece of your vehicle hanging by a thread, need to do a custom paint job, or have other Gorilla-related questions: we're here to help. With that said, let's dive right in!
Can I Use Gorilla Tape On My Car?
You might consider using Gorilla tape if you have bumper damage or need a temporary fix for your vehicle's exterior. Although you can technically apply this adhesive product to your car, doing this isn't always a great idea.
Some people will use Gorilla tape for minor damage or hold pieces of their car together after an accident. However, you don't want to rely on Gorilla tape for occasional detailing or repairs.
That's because Gorilla tape is incredibly sticky, often peeling the paint off your car when you remove it. According to pros, you might find success using Gorilla tape to create a temporary, artificial shell for minor home and auto repair projects.
However, that doesn't mean you won't run into any paint damage. Many people have seen the paint come clean off their vehicle and the Gorilla tape leaves a residue: so be warned.
Again, this can depend on the quality and age of your paint, so everyone is different.
Will Gorilla Tape Damage A Vehicle's Paint?
It is possible for Gorilla tape to damage a car's exterior paint. Since the adhesive properties of Gorilla-made products can be high, applying it to your paint will sometimes result in peeling, chipping, or residue.
Like using Gorilla tape on any surface, there's always a possibility of leftover damage/product. Therefore, we don't recommend sticking a large strip of tape over your entire bumper or front grill in the event of a car accident.
Even though the tape may get your car fixed for the next few days, it can lead to serious paint damage. That said, you might not have any damage at all.
As we mentioned, Gorilla tape is sometimes perfectly fine for vehicle paint, depending on its quality. According to some vehicle pros, using Gorilla tape on an older car needing fresh paint is the riskiest.
For example, we wouldn't suggest applying high-quality adhesive if you have a car with weathered exterior paint. Even if your car needs repair, it's not worth the added damage.
Does Gorilla Make Tape For Cars?
Yes, Gorilla makes various tapes with a universal application (including cars). Since this company is known for its heavy-duty stick, many car owners choose to buy tape for minor repairs and damage.
However, some risks are always associated with using adhesives on a car's exterior. As we said, Gorilla products are very sticky, often sealing themselves to the surface they're on.
For example, if you use Gorilla mounting tape on your car's paint, removing it can cause residue or damage. That's because the mounting tape is meant to be somewhat permanent.
Therefore, we don't recommend using any semi-permanent or fully permanent adhesives from this brand on your vehicle. Even a brand-new paint job can be affected by strong tape, so this is risky.
Interestingly enough, many car shops, like O'Reilly, sell Gorilla tape. On their website, you can see this product is geared towards minor vehicle repairs, so it has to be safe to some degree.
The description mentions this tape is weatherproof, can withstand UV rays, handle extreme temperatures, and even be "ripped by hand."
So, Gorilla tape should be okay for car paint in good condition, but there is a chance of damage regardless.
What Gorilla Tape Should You Use On A Vehicle?
When it comes to which Gorilla tape you should use on your car, this depends. Remember, Gorilla tape is incredibly sticky and somewhat permanent.
A common issue with this line is how well it works, making removal near-impossible. Furthermore, your Gorilla tape needs to be weather-resistant if it goes on the outside of your vehicle.
According to the company's website, you want to use 'Permanent Gorilla Tape All Weather' for exterior repairs. This tape is permanent, however, so keep that in mind when you apply it.
If you can avoid touching your car's paint, that might be best. Again, if you use Gorilla tape after an accident, you may not need to be as careful with the surrounding paint.
Suppose your car's front bumper comes off in an accident. You might want to use a strong adhesive like Gorilla tape to re-attach it.
In contrast, if your car has a major piece missing or falling off, it's safer to remove it and schedule an appointment with a detailer ASAP. You want to be safe rather than sorry.
Gorilla All Weather Outdoor Waterproof Duct Tape
This tape is weather-resistant, blocks UV rays, is made with a butyl adhesive, works best for outdoor repairs, is recommended for vehicles, handles temperatures between -40 and 200 degrees, and comes in a few bundle options.
Follow this link to see it on Amazon.
What Makes Gorilla Tape So Strong?
One of the main reasons Gorilla tape works so well is how it is made. This brand uses a three-layer construction: a weather-resistant outer shell, reinforced fabric backing, and an adhesive layer.
Gorilla also ensures that their tape is thick enough to withstand weather, UV rays, and fluctuating climates wherever you are. This explains why so many car owners use it between repair shop appointments.
Another critical factor with Gorilla tape is that it's made to surround and grip uneven surfaces. Therefore, you can apply it to rougher sections of your car without a problem.
This can be especially helpful in a car accident or minor damage. One drawback to Gorilla's three-layer design is that it can be tricky to peel off.
If your product says "permanent" on the label, your removal process will be even more complicated. Of course, newer car paint and surfaces in good condition should be okay through the removal: but this varies significantly.
What Is The Safest Way To Remove Gorilla Tape From A Car?
![Taped the car window after a car thief broke the window, Will Gorilla Tape Damage Car Paint? [And How To Remove It]](https://vehq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Will-Gorilla-Tape-Damage-Car-Paint-And-How-To-Remove-It.png)
If the time comes to take off your Gorilla tape from your car, you want to try a few methods. First, we recommend gently testing how sticky your tape is on your vehicle's paint.
If, after a little pulling, your Gorilla tape does not budge, you'll need to try a few products:
- WD-40
- Acrylic-based solvent
- Rubbing alcohol
- Citrus cleaners
- Goof-Off
These are all products that have proved successful against Gorilla tape products. We recommend lubricating the area around your tape before doing any major pulling to prevent paint peeling.
You should be able to shimmy the tape off your car without a trace if you go slow. One of the main mistakes people make with removing Gorilla tape is being too aggressive.
Even though this process may be frustrating, don't let your car feel the wrath. Instead, take your time, be gentle, and use a lot of whichever above product you decide on.
Let the Gorilla tape age a bit before pulling it off if it's been on your car for more than a few weeks. Tape tends to become stickier and harder to remove the longer it sits on a surface.
We also found a video from Gorilla's official YouTube channel describing the best ways to remove residue on your surface:
One detail that stands out to us from this explanation is that Gorilla recommends using your removed piece of tape as a "blotter." Press it on and off the residue left over, and you should be set!
How Long Does Gorilla Tape Last For?
In general, you can expect Gorilla tape to remain effective for five or so years on your car. Since this product line is heavy-duty, you shouldn't run into issues with waterproofing or UV damage in the first few years.
However, your tape's adhesive will lose effectiveness as time goes by. You want to remember that even if a tape says it's permanent, that isn't usually the case.
Permanent adhesives are more shifted towards long-lasting rather than indefinite, so that is a bit of a false advertisement. Regardless, Gorilla tape will stay on for a long time.
To Wrap Up
Whether you need to make a minor repair or want to detail your car, you've likely considered using Gorilla tape. However, will this super severe adhesive damage your vehicle's paint?
We found that most times, as long as your car paint is in good condition, Gorilla tape won't harm it. In contrast, if your vehicle's paint is old and weathered, applying Gorilla tape will cause severe damage.
The best thing to do is a patch test on your car with the tape and see if any damage occurs.
Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related vehicle posts below:
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