Is 3M Tape Good For Spoiler? (Explained)

If you have just bought a spoiler for your car and want to install it, you may have thought about using 3M tape. This type of tape has been used for years in various car applications.

However, before you tape your spoiler to the back of your trunk, it’s crucial to ask yourself – will it hold for long?

When you inquire from friends or other car enthusiasts, they may negatively praise or talk about using 3M tapes to install spoilers. In our guide today, we will unearth the truth about 3M tapes and their purpose in installing spoilers.

First, Let’s See Whether 3M Tape is Good for Spoilers

Many car owners have used 3M tape when installing spoilers. If you have used any 3M tapes, you can testify how strong these tapes are. Therefore, they can hold spoilers on trunks for a long duration.

3M tape is perfect for spoilers because of its strong adhesive properties. Once you stick the spoiler to the trunk using these tapes, they should stick firmly. They can be so firm that you will need to use a lot of force when removing the spoiler.

Not all people have had a great experience with 3M tape when installing spoilers. If you don’t clean the part of the trunk you will spread the 3M tape on, it may not hold firmly.

If there are openings on the tape, air, and moisture can weaken the adhesive of this tape and cause the spoiler to fall off. Considering that spoilers are located on the trunk, you need to be very careful when installing them using 3M tape.

What Type of 3M Tape is Ideal for Spoilers?

There are two main categories of 3M tapes; one-sided and double-sided. For this application, you should use double-sided 3M tape.

You need to use this type of tape because you are trying to stick the spoiler on the trunk. With adhesives on both sides, this type of tape will stick to both the spoiler and the trunk of your car.

If you use a one-sided 3M tape, the adhesion will be on one part, and it won’t stick firmly. If you plan on using tape for spoiler installation, only go for double-sided tape.

Why Should I Use 3M Tape?

There are plenty of reasons you should use 3M tape to install spoilers to your trunk. The first reason is that some of these tapes come as double-sided.

As mentioned earlier, double-sided tapes have adhesives on both sides. This ensures the tape holds both sides firmly. 3M tape also works well with car surfaces and spoilers. That’s not the only reason why you should use 3M tape.

This tape has a long-lasting effect that holds up to 3 lbs per square inch. As you shop for 3M tapes for this project, opt for those described as heavy-duty. It’s worth noting that rarely do 3M tapes leave a residue.

So, when you decide to remove the spoiler, you can remove the tape without worrying about dealing with nasty residue on the surface.

Some 3M tapes are weatherproof. These are made using weatherproof foam tape, resistant to humidity, moisture, and extreme temperatures such as excess heat or snow.

You have to consider this feature when buying tape for such a project. Because it will be used outside, the tape should be weatherproof. All these are reasons that show you why you should be using 3M tape.

3M Tape vs. Glue for Spoiler Installation

When you compare various options on what to use when installing spoilers to a car trunk, you may come across the use of glue. It’s not such a terrible idea to use glue. However, glue tends to leave stubborn stains.

Another problem with glue is that the heavy-duty ones stick almost permanently. When the time comes for you to remove the spoiler, it may not be so easy.

But if you were to use 3M double-sided tape, you wouldn’t have to worry about running into any challenges. Also, you don’t have to worry about damaging your car’s body or paint when removing the spoiler.

What Do Spoiler Manufacturers Recommend for Installation?

It’s always a good idea to follow your car accessory manufacturer’s instructions.

If you look at what manufacturers say, you will see that they ask buyers to use double-sided tape. Since 3M tape is double-sided, heavy-duty, and weatherproof, it’s an excellent choice for such a task.

Is 3M Tape Permanent?

Unless you want to install the spoiler permanently, 3M tape is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy the aesthetics of having a spoiler in your car. The 3M tape is strong and holds up pretty well. It’s, however, not permanent.

Even if you don’t remove it yourself, it should weaken with time. On the other hand, you shouldn’t use 3M tape if you want to install a spoiler on your car permanently.

Will 3M Tape Cause Your Spoiler to Fly Away After Installation?

Many people don’t believe that tape is strong enough to hold an accessory such as a spoiler. But you will be surprised at how strong the 3M tape is, especially if you choose the industrial-strength one.

Provided you get the installation right. The tape should enable the spoiler to hold onto your car for a long time.

Is 3M Stubborn to Remove?

3M tape is undeniably a powerful adhesive. Depending on how long you use it to stick spoilers, it may be a bit harder to remove it.

Once the adhesive dries on the surface of the trunk and spoiler, you may have to use a lot of force to separate these things.

There is also the issue of residue or stains. These are known to often get left behind. They can, however, come off quickly when you use a heat gun or hairdryer.

Won’t 3M Tape Start to Lift on the Edges of the Spoiler?

If you cleaned the surface thoroughly, let it dry and apply the tape. Then you have nothing to worry about.

The tape only starts to lift to the edges of the spoiler if you don’t clean the surface or let it dry. So, make sure you are very thorough during the installation.

How Can I Improve Adhesion When Using 3M Tape?

The tape’s surface needs to be well-prepared if you want to experience better adhesion. For those of you who have used 3M tape, you can testify that its level of adhesion is better than average.

You can’t compare it with other brands. Failure to clean the surface on the trunk is what often leads to 3M tape failure.

If you can’t rely on standard cleaning methods, using strong cleaners such as vinegar or rubbing alcohol would be better. The only downside of using these is that they can ruin your paint job.

How Long Can 3M Tape Last When Used to Hold a Spoiler?

The duration on how long 3M will hold in such a project can’t be defined accurately. This is because there are plenty of variables. Anyway, 3M tape is capable of holding onto your car trunk for a year or two.

Some people have even witnessed up to three years of service. But that depends on how well they prepared the surface for application.

Certain things will affect the lifespan of 3M tape. One is the preparation. A well-cleaned surface won’t have adhesion issues.

Secondly, it’s the build of the spoiler. Certain spoilers have some strange designs. With such, you may go through a lot of trouble with 3M adhering.

Finally, we have environmental conditions. Rain, sun, and low temperatures are all enemies of 3M tape adherence. These conditions weaken the glue holding the tape to the car and spoiler.

Another factor that can also interfere with the strength of 3M tape is driving at high speeds. 3M tape can withstand a speed of around 100MPH.

Depending on the aerodynamics of the spoiler speeds higher than that can leave the spoiler flying behind you. This is serious because it can cause accidents to cars behind you.

It would be best if you were careful with the installation of spoilers. Always inspect the contact area between the spoiler and the car. If it’s small, opt for another alternative.

Can I Use Beta Link Instead?

This is an adhesive kit known for its strength and endurance. The biggest advantage that Beta Link has over 3M is it’s permanent. When installing a spoiler, the Beta link will securely hold it there for good.

When you decide to remove the spoiler, you will need to use a lot of force, and there is a huge chance of damaging the components beneath. 3M is a much safer alternative.

It’s not a permanent solution, and unlike Beta Link, it can be removed without damaging the surface. Betalink is stronger than 3M tape.

The latter, however, comes with some flexibility. It’s important to weigh between these two and choose the one that seems to have more advantages over the other.