How do I make KT tape adhere to my skin better?
KT Tape is easy to apply once you learn a few tricks. This will help:
1. Skin Prep:
Apply tape at least one hour before exercise to clean, warm and dry skin. If necessary, clean required area vigorously to completely remove lotion, dirt, oils or moisturisers,(rubbing alcohol works well, though is not absolutely necessary.) If in humid climate, apply tape indoors to ensure moisture does not interfere with adhesive while it sets. Clip excessive hair to 1/8” long for better adhesion.
2. Time Prep:
Apply tape at least 30 minutes before athletic activity or showering. An hour is optimal. 2-3 hour is optimal.
3. Round All Corners:
For any application that requires cutting, make round cuts. Round corners stay on skin longer and reduce fraying in the tape.
4. Proper Body Position:
Before applying tape, stretch the part of the body where the pain is presenting, according to written or video instructions. Failure to follow directions may cause the tape to pull excessively, resulting in premature loosening.
5. Remove Backer Paper:
Rip the paper on the back of tape to remove for application. When removing paper from tape, rip the back and only remove as needed for application – don’t touch the sticky side of the tape.
6. Tape Placement:
Apply directly to skin – not on other types of tape – for stronger and longer lasting applications. (obviously certain KT Tape applications will require the tape to overlay or cross- over other pieces of KT Tape. This is perfectly fine.
7. No Stretch on Tape Ends:
Do NOT stretch the ends of the tape. The first and last 1.5 to 2 inches of tape should always be applied with no stretch.
8. Activate Adhesive:
The latex- free adhesive activates/sets at just above body temperature. Before moving the taped body part out of position, use the waxy side of the backer paper to rub vigorously around all areas of the tape. Heat created from this friction rub activates the adhesive.
1. Skin Prep:
Apply tape at least one hour before exercise to clean, warm and dry skin. If necessary, clean required area vigorously to completely remove lotion, dirt, oils or moisturisers,(rubbing alcohol works well, though is not absolutely necessary.) If in humid climate, apply tape indoors to ensure moisture does not interfere with adhesive while it sets. Clip excessive hair to 1/8” long for better adhesion.
2. Time Prep:
Apply tape at least 30 minutes before athletic activity or showering. An hour is optimal. 2-3 hour is optimal.
3. Round All Corners:
For any application that requires cutting, make round cuts. Round corners stay on skin longer and reduce fraying in the tape.
4. Proper Body Position:
Before applying tape, stretch the part of the body where the pain is presenting, according to written or video instructions. Failure to follow directions may cause the tape to pull excessively, resulting in premature loosening.
5. Remove Backer Paper:
Rip the paper on the back of tape to remove for application. When removing paper from tape, rip the back and only remove as needed for application – don’t touch the sticky side of the tape.
6. Tape Placement:
Apply directly to skin – not on other types of tape – for stronger and longer lasting applications. (obviously certain KT Tape applications will require the tape to overlay or cross- over other pieces of KT Tape. This is perfectly fine.
7. No Stretch on Tape Ends:
Do NOT stretch the ends of the tape. The first and last 1.5 to 2 inches of tape should always be applied with no stretch.
8. Activate Adhesive:
The latex- free adhesive activates/sets at just above body temperature. Before moving the taped body part out of position, use the waxy side of the backer paper to rub vigorously around all areas of the tape. Heat created from this friction rub activates the adhesive.
