3M Tedlar Tape 838: Proven Protection for Aerospace and Industrial Applications

Corrosion prevention on all aircraft starts with the skin and works inward. The skin is the shell that protects everything; it is much more than lifting and aerodynamic surfaces. A lot goes into making an aircraft's surface both aerodynamically sound and impervious to the elements, from paint to sealants to tape. 

Tedlar weather-resistant film tape is used for a broad range of tasks on airplanes, helicopters, and even missiles and rockets. It is also ideally suited for working with composite materials. You can procure 3M™  838 Tedlar tape from Greenwood Aerospace, and here is what it is used for. 

Protection Applications

3M 838 Weather-Resistant Tedlar Tape is a high-performance protection solution featuring a solvent-resistant acrylic adhesive and Tedlar PVF film backing. It is an exterior-grade tape with excellent resistance to the elements and chemicals. 

Tedlar tape is perfect for outdoor exposure applications. This weather-resistant film tape protects against weathering, chemicals, and staining agents.

It has outstanding mechanical properties and inertness to various chemicals, solvents, and staining agents. This tape is a go-to for critical areas that must be sealed but are prone to exposure. 

The 3.4 mil thickness provides increased strength without added thickness, which is excellent for applications where flexibility and durability are key, like joining seams on composite materials.

Product

Alright, so let’s talk about the physical characteristics of this high shear strength tape. 

3M™ Weather-Resistant Film Tape 838 features a Tedlar® PVF film backing and a high-performance acrylic adhesive. It is designed for long-term outdoor use, offering excellent weather resistance, chemical inertness, and mechanical strength in a thin, flexible format.

Key Features:

  • Strong, lightweight Tedlar® PVF backing

  • Excellent resistance to UV, weathering, solvents, and staining

  • High-shear acrylic adhesive for long-lasting bonding

  • Flexible and tough across a wide temperature range

  • No plasticizers—good aging characteristics

Typical Applications

Tapes like this are made for protecting areas prone to moisture intrusion, sealing exterior panels where moisture is an issue. There are dozens of areas on aircraft that need to be sealed, especially on tactical aircraft that house sensors.

Technical Specifications:

  • Color: White

  • Total Thickness: 0.09 mm (3.4 mil)

  • Backing Thickness: 0.05 mm (2.1 mil)

  • Adhesive Type: Acrylic

  • Backing Material: Tedlar® PVF

  • Peel Adhesion (180°, ASTM D3330): 5.1 N/cm (47 oz/in)

  • Tensile Strength (ASTM D3759): 42 N/cm (24 lb/in)

  • Elongation at Break: 170%

  • Long-Term Temp Resistance: 107°C (225°F)

  • Minimum Operating Temp: -73°C (-100°F)

Storage & Shelf Life:

  • Store at 16°C–27°C (60°F–80°F), 40–60% RH

  • Use within 18 months of manufacture.

  • Keep in original packaging and out of direct sunlight.

Standard Roll Size:

  • Length: 65.8 meters (72 yards)

Compliance & Safety:

  • ISO 9001 certified manufacturing

  • For industrial and occupational use only

  • Not intended for consumer or recreational use

  • Users are responsible for application suitability and safety compliance

Specs

Tedlar tape is useful for various areas inside and outside the aircraft. With excellent resistance to weathering and long-term aging properties, it is good to go for the long haul wherever you use it (within reason).

Each roll is 2 inches wide x 72 yards long with a 24 lbs tensile strength. The acrylic adhesive is designed to be inert toward a wide range of chemicals.

Greenwood Aerospace is an approved vendor and provides 3M 838 Tedlar tape by 72-yard rolls, with the manufacturer's part number  838 X 2 IN. The URL is a direct link to GSA Advantage, so you can proceed with purchasing using your organizational charge card. 

Industries

Tedlar tape can be used outside of aviation and aerospace, although it is primarily designed for these purposes. 3M 838 Weather Resistant Tedlar Tape is used in various industries, including aerospace, building and construction, and anywhere a strong seal is required that will be exposed to the elements or potentially come into contact with chemicals and solvents. 

Outdoor exposure applications, such as sealing and protecting building panels, doors, and windows, are ideal areas for Tedlar tape, primarily because it operates within a temperature range of -100°F to 225°F (-73 °C to 107 °C). 

Aircraft interiors, where long-term weather-resistant properties are critical, are another prime location for this product, as the tape features excellent resistance to the aging effects of sunlight. The door industry also uses the sturdy PVCF film backing.

Greenwood Aerospace Has Your Sealants, Tapes, Chemicals, and Lubricants

Maintaining a full supply of lubricants, sealants, solvents, and various tapes is crucial to the maintenance process. Greenwood Aerospace is your one-stop shop for all kinds of consumable aircraft maintenance products, from hydraulic fluids and turbine engine oils to Tedlar tape and much more. 

Greenwood Aerospace maintains U.S. Department of State ITAR registration to support defense contractors with the export of ITAR-controlled products. Credentials: UEI KVSUYYSJS174, DUNS 604006874, CAGE 2Y735, ITAR DDTC Export Compliant, AS9120B QMS Certified. NAICS: 488190, 336413, 332722, 336411, 336413, 481212, 532411. For expedited requests, volume orders, or stock confirmation: gsasales@greenwood.aero | 580-865-6000 | 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289.