Aluminum Duct Tape Cosmetic Usage

[withidl]

Having just read the post titled “New Owner Needs Help With Belly Damage” and the recommended use of “Aluminum Duct Tape” to cover his belly pan holes I thought I would advise of an alternative cosmetic use of the aluminum tape.

As my 2002 ASCL aged the furnace and hot water heater exterior panels, which are painted grey, began to oxidize and stand out in a cosmetically offensive way. They had always been an “off color” grey from the aluminum skins which I also didn’t really like.

I considered painting them with aluminum paint but my experience with that paint has been that after a very short time it deteriorates and I wanted something that would last and be low maintenance.

I went to Home Depot and bought several rolls of the metallic Aluminum Duct Tape. I was VERY careful to only select rolls that were cosmetically perfect, i.e. no edge damage with a consistently smooth and un-blemished surface.

I then removed the panels and carefully unrolled sections of the tape so that no creases were created and carefully applied it to the cleaned panel surfaces, edge to edge, until I had “painted” the entire surface with tape.

I did this about 5 years ago and wax it along with the rest of the AS. Below are photos taken today.

[Becky B.]

Nice! A lot cheaper than the stainless ones I bought!

[rock60]

i have used that tape for years for many things and found it realy sticks great and don't dry out.

[Kevin245]

Looks good...Really impressive on how well the finish is holding up.

Kevin

[dsrtgrls]

my 2010 bambi waater heater door is discoloring and that would be a great fix if you would do it. you are a maaster taper. it looks great. thanks for the show and tell.

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from Ga. . .around here we call it 600 mph tape, cause airlines use it to hold windshields in while the mastic sets up/ dries. Regards, Craig

[IndyAnne]

I must say, this thread is very helpful. From the photos and your statement that the tape has had five years in service, still looks great, to the 600mph jet fact, I think I'll be working on some projects over the winter. Thanks!

Anne

Originally Posted by withidl

Having just read the post titled “New Owner Needs Help With Belly Damage” and the recommended use of “Aluminum Duct Tape” to cover his belly pan holes I thought I would advise of an alternative cosmetic use of the aluminum tape.

As my 2002 ASCL aged the furnace and hot water heater exterior panels, which are painted grey, began to oxidize and stand out in a cosmetically offensive way. They had always been an “off color” grey from the aluminum skins which I also didn’t really like.

I considered painting them with aluminum paint but my experience with that paint has been that after a very short time it deteriorates and I wanted something that would last and be low maintenance.

I went to Home Depot and bought several rolls of the metallic Aluminum Duct Tape. I was VERY careful to only select rolls that were cosmetically perfect, i.e. no edge damage with a consistently smooth and un-blemished surface.

I then removed the panels and carefully unrolled sections of the tape so that no creases were created and carefully applied it to the cleaned panel surfaces, edge to edge, until I had “painted” the entire surface with tape.

I did this about 5 years ago and wax it along with the rest of the AS. Below are photos taken today.