Ever wonder how the pre-Scotch tape era managed to mend torn books, wrap gifts, temporarily bind a book, do arts and crafts and, tape papers on walls, divide lines on two-toned surfaces, repair ripped window blinds, broken toys, and more?
3M Scotch Mounting Tape
The cellophane tape was an offshoot of 3M’s masking tape that was invented by Richard Drew in the 1920s. Drew was inspired to experiment on the world’s first masking tape when he saw how auto painters have trouble making clear dividing lines in two-tone paint jobs. The masking tape was success after several testing wherein it was said that an auto mechanic frustrated at the adhesives applied only at the edges of the masking tape said, “Take this tape back to those Scotch bosses of yours and tell them to put more adhesive on it!” Whether it was a tall tale or not, the story caught on and the “Scotch” name applied. The name was soon applied to the range of 3M adhesives.
The cellophane Scotch tape was an inspiration from the cellophane that 3M used to wrap the masking tape. After some experiments and more testing 3M produced a nearly invisible adhesive. The waterproof transparent tape was made from: oils, resins, and rubber; and had a coated backing. From then on 3M’s Scotch tape continued to evolve. Though Scotch tape is a brand name, it has become the generic for all adhesive tapes.
