Q: Why is the waterproof tape peeling off the zipper?
Peeling tape is an adhesion failure, and the direction of peel tells you whether the bond or the surface preparation failed. A peel that starts at a cut edge behaves differently from one that lifts across the full width soon after lamination.
- Note whether the tape lifts from one end, along one edge, or across the whole width.
- Check the tape surface for oil, dust or a release agent before lamination.
- Review the lamination pressure, temperature and dwell if the garment factory does the sealing.
- Test peel strength on a sample with a steady hand pull and compare with the maker's range.
- Inspect the peeled surfaces: adhesive on both sides means cohesive failure, clean tape means a weak bond.
Peel that starts at a cut edge and spreads is often a preparation or lamination issue. Peel on a fresh roll from the maker is a supply defect. Do not re-press a failed tape without cleaning, because pressure alone will not restore a contaminated bond and the repair will fail again.