PROtect Tapes produce a broad range of protective tapes for racing, cruising and super yachts, and have been providing effective solutions for chafing, abrasion and wear since 2008.
A team of professional sailors, the young company combine sailing experience with specialist polymer and adhesive expertise, securing PROtect Tapes’ position as a leading marine tape manufacturer.
Whilst we recently explored PROtect Tapes’ fresh new venture (compostable bow stickers!) over on our blog, ‘PROtect Mask’ - or ‘millionaires tape’, as it is known in sailing circles - has been a staple in rigger’s pockets for a number of years.
Endorsed by Olympic sailing crews, world champions and IMOCA teams (amongst many more), the name 'millionaires tape' originated from the perception that PROtect Mask was expensive in comparison to alternative tapes on the market.
However, its widespread adoption and continued high demand amongst professional riggers continues to suggest that it is worth every penny, with ‘millionaires tape’ remaining one of PROtect Tapes’ best sellers.
Achieving ‘holy grail’ status, ‘millionaires tape’ refers to one specific model of ‘PROtect Mask’ – PMG050 and PML050 (in two colours: grey and light grey). Both are manufactured via compression moulding, producing a thin (50 micron) highly tensilised skived synthetic fluoropolymer called PTFE (which is the same material as Teflon).
This material boasts several properties that make it perfect for use as a rigging tape: ‘millionaires tape’ has the highest per unit strength, toughness and high temperature resistance of any PTFE product, with an extremely low coefficient of friction which is one of the only materials that a gecko can’t stick to!
In addition, the non-stick, slippery surface of the PTFE tape is extremely resistant to abrasion; durable and strong, the tape is chafe resistant, weather resistant and water repellent.
The tape’s adhesive is a high temperature silicon adhesive. Silicon adhesive has a higher temperature breaking point than acrylic adhesive (as is commonly used on other tapes), doesn’t leave any sticky residue on the rigging and – despite its aggressive hold - is easy to remove when necessary. The tape can also stick to itself and therefore layers of tape can be applied quickly, easily and securely.
As a result, the properties of this tape make it the perfect solution for a host of wear and tear problems. It is easy to apply, store and carry, plus the applications are almost endless!
Examples of applications include:
… No wonder it’s the riggers choice!
If you have any questions about PML050, please feel free to email us at support@upffront.com, or click the link below to see our full range: