3M is a massive corporation with a portfolio of more than 60,000 products. They make everything from cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to electrical materials, abrasives, and in this case, adhesives.
According to 3M, their Sealing Tape is “very conformable and abrasion-resistant” and provides an instant waterproof seal.
Now, we’re not here to deny any of that.
But we are here to tell you that, while 3M Sealing Tape may a popular brand, it’s definitely not the only waterproof sealant tape out there.
That’s why we’ve put together the following guide on the best 3M sealing tape alternatives.
Why Look for 3M Sealing Tape Alternatives?
You’re probably wondering: “If 3M’s sealing tape is good, why would I need alternatives?”
Well, despite being a trusted name, some people find 3M's sealing tape to be more expensive than others, and in our experience, it’s also not the most durable product for outdoor waterproofing.
And the problem is that finding the right adhesives can be a challenge, especially when you need a product that matches or exceeds the performance of 3M’s sealant tape.
However, there are many other sealant tape brands, like Tool Troopers, Gorilla, and Eternabond, who are innovating and creating sealant tapes that offer superior adhesion and better UV resistance than what 3M has to offer.
These alternative sealant tapes are constructed with advanced materials and design features to ensure durability and reliable sealing.
What Makes a Good Sealing Tape?
Whether we’re talking about 3M, TitanPatch Pro, Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal, or Eternabond, all sealant tapes offer strong adhesion and instant waterproofing. However, as you'll see below, no two sealant tapes are created alike.
Here are a few other factors that determine what is, and what isn’t, a good sealant tape.
- Adhesion strength - All sealant tapes stick. But not all sealant tapes adhere super well to different surfaces and stay there.
- Temperature range - The best sealant tapes stick and stay stuck at any temperature, whether it’s a sub-zero winter day or a scorching hot summer afternoon.
- Surface compatibility - Good sealant tapes offer multi-surface adhesion, meaning they should be compatible with plastic, TPO, EPDM, rubber, glass, and porous surfaces like wood or stone.
- Waterproofing - All sealant tapes are waterproof. But you need a tape that creates long-lasting waterproof seals, not just temporary fixes.
- UV protection - Adhesive tend to dry out and lose their tackiness when left out in the sun for too long. Look for sealant tapes that offer superior UV-resistance.
- Total tape thickness - The total tape thickness, especially the backing layer, affects conformability, sealing performance, and durability. Thicker tapes can better handle irregular surfaces and provide more robust, long-lasting seals.
Finally, it’s also really important to consider the price-to-value ratio when looking for good quality sealant tapes.
We know you’re willing to pay for good quality tape. But there’s no point in buying the most expensive tape if it’s not the best sealant tape available. And conversely, there’s no point in buying inexpensive sealant tapes that just don’t work.
Always go for practical sealant solutions that work for everyday repairs and provide reliable results.
Be on the lookout for sealant tapes that are priced reasonably, but that still provide you with the rugged, long-lasting waterproofing you need!
Top Alternatives to 3M Sealing Tape
Here's a quick side-by-side look at the best 3M sealing tape alternatives on the market.
The following sealant tapes were chosen not only for their popularity. But also for their superior designs and the way they've been used by homeowners and RVers for decades.
Why TitanPatch Pro Stands Out
3M, Eternabond, Gorilla… These sealant tapes have been around for years.
We’re not saying they weren’t great products when they first hit the scene. But they’re no longer the new, innovative adhesives they once were. And recent developments in the industry have led to an even better alternatives.
Tool Troopers has had years to study what all these other tapes were made of.
We’ve looked at their strengths and weaknesses, and through ongoing development and innovation, we’ve designed the strongest and most reliable sealant tape on the market: TitanPatch Pro.
Superior Adhesion
TitanPatch Pro is a high-quality waterproof butyl tape. But it’s not just another sealant tape. It’s THE sealant tape homeowners, RVers and professional contractors have been looking for because it's designed to work in extreme weather conditions, hot or cold.
It uses an industrial-grade adhesive that sticks strong to metal, rubber, fiberglass, wood, and virtually any other surface. When applied, the tape forms itself tightly around any surface shape, ensuring a secure and watertight seal.
It’s also got a specially-formulated UV-resistant coating that helps it stay strong and tacky, even when used for roofing repairs.
Industry-Leading Tensile Strength
TitanPatch Pro also has one of the highest tensile strength ratings out of all the sealant tapes we’ve tested in the past. Its tensile strength is around 488 PSI, which is roughly 50+ PSI higher than other leading sealant tapes.
Most sealant tapes have tensile strengths below 400 PSI, and some brands don't even list their tensile strengths because they know their tapes just aren't as strong as others.
In other words, TitanPatch Pro is stronger, more durable and more reliable, making it the best option for longer-term use.
Customer Reviews And Reasonable Pricing
And as if all that wasn’t enough, TitanPatch Pro is also backed by strong customer feedback, reviews, and a ton of real-world testing on RV and camper roof repairs that validate its performance.
It's also more affordable than 3M adhesives and delivers far more in terms of performance.
Ultimately, there’s nothing wrong with choosing other sealant tape products. Some might be cheaper, or they might be a bit more well-known. But only TitanPatch Pro is designed to outperform in all areas where other sealant tapes fall short.
Check TitanPatch Pro out for yourself and see what it’s all about. You can also browse other competitor review articles, like Eternabond Vs TitanPatch Pro or Flex Tape Vs TitanPatch Pro, to learn more about why we believe our sealant tape is the best 3M alternative on the market.
How to Choose the Right Tape for Your Project
Here at Tool Troopers, we’ve always emphasized the importance of prioritizing use-cases over brand loyalty. Sure, some brands make great products. But that doesn’t mean they’re always the right choice for your next repair project.
When choosing a sealing tape, consider the specific needs of your project, such as sealing gaps, holes, and rivets in exterior enclosures to prevent leaks and improve durability.
That said, here’s a closer look at our list of the best 3M sealing tape alternatives and what they’re best suited for.
3M Sealant Tape - Most Reputable Manufacturer
If you're looking for an adhesive that's been around a long time and that provides average results, 3M's sealant tape is a perfectly suitable option.
It's reliable sealant tape that will help you get the job done. There's just no telling how strong your repair will be or how long it'll last.
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal - Best For Indoor Use
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal is another decent tape for indoor repairs. The brand is well-known and has a wide range of similarly strong adhesive tapes, glues and more.
It's compatible with a variety of surfaces, including plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, and vinyl. However, Gorilla brand sealant tape is not ideal if you’re looking to use it outdoors or anywhere else it may be exposed to sunlight and UV radiation.
Eternabond - The Go-To RV Sealant Tape
If you want a reliable RV-specific sealant tape, Eternabond is one of the most widely used sealant tapes in RV communities around the world. It's strong and provides long-lasting adhesion on RV roofs, seams, and other outdoor waterproofing projects.
However, because you'll also need to purchase a can of EternaPrime to ensure the product adheres properly, it's also one of the more expensive options out there.
TitanPatch Pro - The Most Versatile, All-Weather Option
Thanks to its superior tensile strength and industrial-grade adhesion, TitanPatch Pro really does offer the most in terms of its versatility.
It's also rated for use at temperature from -40°F to 190°F, and has a specially-formulated UV-resistant coating that helps it stay strong and tacky, even in the sun.
Cost & Longevity Comparison
It’s great to find adhesives that are cheap and save you money. But those inexpensive tapes don’t last long, especially when exposed to harsh conditions like snow, high humidity, or extreme temperature changes.
Meanwhile, you can also find sealant tapes that offer superior adhesion and longevity, but they can be so expensive you’ll go bankrupt trying to repair a leaky RV roof.
Use the following side-by-side comparison to give you a better idea which 3M alternative offers the best balance between price and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions - 3M Sealant Tape Alternatives
There’s no doubt 3M’s sealant tape is a decent waterproof tape. However, it’s definitely not the only waterproof tape, nor is it the best on the market.
Here are a few frequently asked questions we often hear from our readers, to help you decide whether 3M or its alternative sealant tapes are right for you.
What is stronger than 3M Sealing Tape?
TitanPatch Pro has a tensile strength that's 50+ PSI higher than other leading sealant tapes. With a tensile strength of 488 PSI, TitanPatch Pro really is stronger than 3M Sealing Tape. It's also stickier, more versatile, and more reliable than any other sealant tape on market.
What’s the best waterproof tape for RV roof leaks?
Eternabond has always been the go-to sealant tape for RV roof repair. However, TitanPatch Pro offers better and longer-lasting results when used on RV roofs. Eternabond also comes with a premium price tag because you'll need to buy a can of primer as well. Meanwhile, TitanPatch Pro creates an instant bond on any surface, without a primer.
Can I use TitanPatch Pro on wet surfaces?
TitanPatch Pro should not be used on wet surfaces. The adhesive may stick to moist surface, but it won't be the strongest bond. So for best results, we recommend only applying sealant tape to a surface that's been dried first. If moisture is present, it can decrease the adhesive's ability to grip onto the surface, resulting in a weaker bond and a sub-par repair.
Is there a cheaper alternative to 3M that still works well?
Yes, TitanPatch Pro, Eternabond and Gorilla Patch & Seal are all less expensive than 3M sealant tape. However, TitanPatch Pro is the most budget-friendly option that also provides the most in terms of tensile strength, UV-resistance, and long-term reliable adhesion on all surfaces.
Which sealants tape lasts longest outdoors?
Eternabond and TitanPatch Pro are the best options when it comes to outdoor usage. Both tapes have superior UV-resistance, making them an ideal sealant tape to use for RV roof repair, gutter repairs, or other waterproofing repairs where the sealant will be exposed to sunlight and harsh weather conditions.
What’s the best 3M replacement for multipurpose use?
Thanks to its UV-resistant backing and because it can withstand extreme temperatures from -40°F to 190°F, TitanPatch Pro is the best 3M alternative on the market. TitanPatch Pro has been designed to stand strong in all areas where other sealant tapes breakdown.