Introduction: Embossing Designs Into Duct Tape
Here is a way to place designs and patterns on your duct tape projects without risk of them peeling or rubbing off. This raised image will remain in place despite the wear of everyday use. It is perfect for adding an extra piece of flair to any project.
Step 1: The Design
After you have picked your design, create a piece of tape with no exposed sticky side. This is done by sandwiching together two pieces of tape. Make sure this tape is larger than the design you want to use.
Once you have this base, sketch out the design on its surface. Do not worry over bad lines or erasing, this part will not be seen in the finished product. When laying down your design, keep in mind that small gaps may not show up in the end, so it might help to widen those areas if possible.
Step 2: Cutting
Once you have your pattern in place start cutting it out. If you make a mistake cutting, it is not the end of the world. If you align the two halves the cut it will not show up when you're finished. This is helpful when getting to open areas in the middle of your design.
Step 3: Setting It In
Now that you have your design cut out it is time to insert it into your project. Lay out a strip of tape with the sticky side up and place the figure on top of it. Lay down more tape on top of the whole thing, sticky side down, and sandwich the design in. Now using the fleshy part of your finger, press in the tape around the edges of the figure. This should leave a raised, defined shape in the face of the tape.
Step 4: Versatility
The area of embossed tape you've made can be integrated into many tape projects, or become a piece all its own. Your images can be as simple or complex as you can manage.

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23 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
This looks cool! I'm gonna try it on my duct tape wallets.
8 years ago on Introduction
Great idea! I'm definitely going to try this!
8 years ago
just made it
8 years ago
Wonderful!
9 years ago on Introduction
cool
10 years ago on Introduction
must take a steady hand to do that.
10 years ago
I like this a lot. Thank you for sharing the skill!
10 years ago on Step 4
I really like this idea! It's simple, quick, and super easy! Lol! ?
10 years ago
So cute! Do you have an Instagram
10 years ago on Introduction
Like, AWESOME! Just a question, how do you do the rose or the dragon? just asking because they aren't one piece like the shield.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
It works pretty much the same way, just be careful getting the spacing right when you place down all the separate pieces and the tape should hold them in place. If the design runs across a seam, let it stick out the side until you can start covering the next portion.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
so, you cut out all the different pieces then put them on separately?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Yes, exactly.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
and one more question. how did you get the design into the wallet?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
The way I made the sheet to build the wallet from, the seams are staggered on each side, so there's only two layers of tape on any part of it, and there are no bulges striping down the seams. I explain that a little better here. Using this method makes a clean field for the embossed image to show up on.
If the image is larger than the width of a strip of tape, it's fine just to let it hang off the edge and cover it as you're extending the sheet out in that direction. Then just use that sheet as you would any other to build your wallet.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thank you! ps you should enter this in the duct tape and cardboard contest.
13 years ago on Introduction
DUCT TAPE!!!!!!!!
13 years ago on Introduction
WOW. I have never seen this, let alone thought of it. I will be creating a bookmark. Thanks!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Sweeet. Just made two, one with your emboss style, on red duct tape. I did my name, and I think it looks unique with the backwards name.
The second one I made, I used a reverse emboss design, also my name and on red duct tape. I made this one so it only shows slightly on the reverse.
Again thanks
13 years ago on Step 2
Do you have to put more than on layer on the tape? Great Instructable, by the way.