A Journaldream guide
Does Lace Washi Tape Stick Well? Where It Holds and Where It Lifts
Lace washi tape from Journaldream holds up beautifully on most surfaces—here's exactly how it performs and which projects it suits best.
Lace washi tape sticks well to paper, cardstock and uncoated journal pages, and it can usually be lifted and moved without tearing them. It holds less well on glossy, plastic, textured or dusty surfaces, and the thin, cut-out edges of lace designs can lift sooner than plain tape. That light hold is by design: washi tape is meant to decorate and reposition, not to bond things for good. For a permanent hold, pair it with a stronger adhesive.
How lace washi tape adhesion works
Washi tape is a thin, paper-like tape with a low-tack, pressure sensitive adhesive. It sticks when you press it down, not when it dries, and the light tack is what lets you peel it up and move it. Lace washi tape is printed with a lace pattern, and some versions have die-cut lace edges that follow the pattern.
Those cut edges look pretty, but they have less adhesive area than a straight edge. Small points and scallops can catch on fingers or pages and start to peel, which is the most common complaint with lace designs.
A few things affect how well lace washi tape sticks:
- Surface. Smooth, uncoated paper gives the best contact. Coated, glossy or plastic surfaces give less grip.
- Pressure. Low-tack adhesive needs firm pressure along the full length, including the edges.
- Cleanliness. Dust, eraser crumbs and skin oil stop the adhesive from making contact.
- Temperature and age. Heat can soften the adhesive, and old rolls stored in warm places can lose tack.
Lace washi tape on paper and cardstock
Paper and cardstock are where lace washi tape works best. On plain journal pages, letter paper and card, a firm press along the tape is usually enough for it to stay put through normal page turning. It can generally be lifted with care, though thin paper can tear if you pull fast, so peel slowly and at a low angle.
Kraft paper also takes washi tape well, which makes it a good match for gift wrap, tags and envelopes.
Best surfaces and projects for lace washi tape
Lace washi tape suits:
- Journal and planner pages, for borders and dividers
- Scrapbook pages, to frame photos and journaling blocks
- Letters, envelopes and pen pal mail
- Gift tags, bookmarks and card edges
- Kraft paper gift wrap
It tends to struggle on:
- Plastic sleeves, laminated or glossy covers
- Fabric and textured surfaces
- Anything that gets damp or handled a lot
- Tight curves, where the tape wrinkles and loses contact
For a decorated vintage journal notebook, try a small piece on a corner of the cover first, since some covers have a coating that washi tape does not grip well.
How to make lace washi tape stick better
- Clean the surface and keep your fingers dry.
- Lay the tape down without stretching it, which makes it pull back later.
- Burnish it with a bone folder or the back of a spoon, paying attention to the lace edges.
- Trim ends with sharp vintage craft scissors instead of tearing, so the edge sits flat.
- For lifting edges, tuck a tiny piece of double sided scrapbooking tape underneath.
- On pages you want to keep, a thin coat of matte gel medium over the tape can help hold it in place. Test on a scrap first.
Pairing lace washi tape with other supplies
Lace washi tape works well in layered designs. Use it for borders and frames, then add focal pieces on top, such as Rongrong stickers, pieces from the dreamcore sticker book or the Letters From Afar sticker book, or a date stamp on the page. Add heavier pieces such as paper shell cutouts with a stronger adhesive rather than relying on the washi tape to hold them.
When to use permanent alternatives instead
If something must stay shut or stay put, such as sealing an envelope for the post or holding a photo in an album, use a permanent adhesive. Double sided tape, a glue stick or a wax seal sticker are better for sealing, and you can add lace washi tape on top purely for looks. The same goes for anything kept in a damp place, where the light adhesive is more likely to let go. To save on tape and journaling supplies, see the current Journaldream discount code.
Questions
Does lace washi tape stick well?
Yes, on paper, cardstock and uncoated pages. It sticks less well on glossy, plastic or textured surfaces, and die-cut lace edges can lift sooner than straight ones.
Does lace washi tape stick permanently?
No. Washi tape uses a low-tack adhesive meant to be repositioned. For a permanent hold, add double sided tape underneath or use a glue stick.
Is lace washi tape water activated?
No. Washi tape is pressure sensitive, so it sticks when you press it down. Burnishing it firmly helps it hold.
How do I stop the lace edges from lifting?
Press the edges down firmly with a bone folder, keep the surface clean, and tuck a small piece of double sided tape under any edge that keeps lifting.
Is lace washi tape safe for scrapbooks?
Check the listing for acid free labeling. For keepsake photos, use it for decoration around the photo rather than on the print itself.
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