Aviation Guide: Matching 3M Polyurethane Tape Sizes to Critical Airframe Surfaces

The airframe of every airplane takes an enormous amount of abuse. Whether it is a Lycoming-powered Cessna flying around at pattern altitudes or a Gulfstream at FL450, the conditions are always harsh. It takes high-strength, specialized sealants, tapes, and adhesives to keep airframes in peak condition.

3M brand polyurethane protective tape is the tough, durable solution you need for a wide range of missions. They resist ultraviolet light and offer tough polyurethane backing to stay exactly where you need them. 

Let’s take a look at these tapes and what they offer, and why Greenwood Aerospace is the right place to buy your 3M aircraft tapes and products! 

This article is part of our Greenwood Aerospace series on 3M polyurethane protective tapes available through GSA Advantage. As a trusted Native American-owned and HUBZone-certified small business, Greenwood Aerospace supplies a full range of 3M aerospace-grade tapes engineered for leading edges, rotor systems, and high-wear airframe surfaces. In this installment, we break down how to choose the correct 3M polyurethane tape sizes for specific aircraft applications. We are helping procurement officers, maintainers, and aviation professionals source the right materials with confidence.

About 3M Polyurethane Protective Tapes

3M polyurethane tapes are made to protect in the harsh environments that high-speed airflow creates, along with constant exposure to UV light, moisture, and debris. All of them are constructed with thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and for attaching to any painted surfaces acrylic adhesive. 

They are also well suited for curved surfaces and leading edges, and they protect against sand erosion in the harshest operating environments in the world. These tapes offer puncture resistance and are made to aerospace specifications. 

Product Specifications

All 3M polyurethane protective tapes are built with aerospace-grade requirements in mind. With a standard thickness without liner of 14 mil, the tapes provide robust protection against minor impact damage, such as sand, rain, or debris erosion.

The tapes feature high peel strength and exceptional resistance to erosion, abrasion, and tearing, making them suitable for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. Constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, they provide resistance to solvents and long-term ultraviolet degradation.

Supplied in standard 36-yard rolls across a variety of widths, 3M polyurethane tapes meet critical aerospace specifications and deliver reliable performance in demanding conditions.

Technical Details

The most common areas for polyurethane tapes in aircraft are on fixed-wing leading edges, rotorcraft rotor leading edges, and stabilizers, where rain, snow, and other moisture take their toll. Since they can be applied to painted surfaces, they can be applied during aircraft production. They are highly conformable tapes so that they can be used on compound shapes and curved surfaces with ease, and they are also paintable. 

Selection and Installation

How do you choose the right polyurethane tape for your application? They all have similar tensile strength, so durability is generally not a factor in deciding which is the right choice. 

Small Widths for Precision Applications

For precision applications, smaller is better. The 3M 8671 (1 1/8 in) is used for tight leading edges and small parts. The 3M 8673 line, available in 1 in, 1.5 in, and 2 in widths, is versatile for helicopter rotor blades, access doors, and high-wear edges. These narrower tapes are ideal for helicopters, UAVs, and smaller aircraft that require lightweight, efficient protection.

Mid-Widths for Common Aircraft Surfaces

Mid-widths cover the broader needs of fixed-wing aircraft and general aviation. The 3M 8671 (3 in, 4 in, 6 in) is reliable for wing surfaces and fuselage zones. For more demanding applications, the 3M 8681HS (2 in, 4 in) is a high-strength variant that can withstand higher impact forces. The 3M 8663DI (4 in) with its dual liner design makes installation easier, especially in tight maintenance environments. These tapes are used across commercial jets and general aviation fleets.

Large Format Tapes for Full Coverage

For full coverage, wide-format tapes are the way to go. The 3M 8671 (12 in) roll is great for broad surfaces, such as fairings and leading edges. The 3M 8663DL24 (24 in) has a dual liner for faster MRO application on larger panels. 

At the top of the range, the 3M 8663DI (36 in) covers entire panels or high erosion areas, especially on large commercial aircraft, cargo ramps, and defense aircraft, where rapid large area replacement is needed.

Flame Retardant Option

Some environments require flame resistance in addition to mechanical protection. The 3M 8658DI (4 in) meets this requirement, flame-retardant while maintaining the durability and conformability of standard polyurethane tape. This tape is excellent for interior zones and exterior surfaces where flame resistance standards are required.

Procurement Pathways with Greenwood Aerospace

For government, defense, and commercial buyers, procurement speed and compliance are as important as product performance. 3M Polyurethane Protective Tapes are available directly through GSA Advantage, simplifying purchasing for federal, state, and local agencies. Greenwood Aerospace, a Native American-owned and HUBZone-certified small business, provides these tapes along with a full catalog of aviation and aerospace consumables.

Federal buyers can source industry-leading erosion and impact protection through GSA Advantage, where 3M's aerospace-qualified polyurethane tapes are available for immediate ordering. These protective tapes deliver exceptional durability against rain erosion, sand abrasion, and foreign object damage on critical aircraft surfaces.​

Featured 3M Protective Tape Solutions:

These tapes protect wing tips, leading edges, vertical stabilizers, and other surfaces exposed to harsh environmental conditions while remaining paintable with minimal surface preparation. Order directly through GSA Advantage for streamlined federal procurement and faster delivery to your maintenance facility.

Whether you need narrow-width rolls for UAV maintenance, wide-format protection for heavy-lift cargo aircraft, or flame-retardant options for compliance-specific missions, Greenwood Aerospace delivers with reliability and expertise. For questions, expedited orders, or bulk procurement, contact the team at gsasales@greenwood.aero, call us 580-865-6000, or toll-free at 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289).

This guide is part of our ongoing Greenwood Aerospace series exploring 3M polyurethane protective tapes available on GSA Advantage. From narrow rolls for UAV and rotorcraft protection to large-format tapes for heavy-lift and commercial platforms, 3M’s polyurethane lineup delivers mission-ready durability across all aircraft operating environments and conditions.