Melco Seam Seal tape is the premier brand of hot-melt seam tape.  Melco tapes are the thinnest, softest, most flexible tapes manufactured and are used by most high-end outerwear brands.  Melco manufactures a few different styles of seam sealing tape so the user may match the tape to their fabric.  Please review the information below on the different styles.

Types of Melco Tape

Melco T-5000 is an all-purpose seam sealing tape that may be used across a variety of fabrics and products including waterproof-breathable shells, waders, orthopaedic supports, kayak spray skirts as well as foam core products such as neoprene.  T-5000 may be applied with a home mini-iron, such as a Clover iron.

Melco TQ-2200 is a great match to 3-layer laminates where the backing fabric is nylon tricot such as Polartec Neoshell No Stretch or Polartec Neoshell with Stretch Ease. Please refer to our comparison document found on the Neoshell pages for styles with a tricot back.  While the manufacturer recommends applying this tape with an industrial welding machine, it may be applied by the home sewist using a Clover mini iron. However, the seal generated with a home iron will not be as secure as with a tape welding machine.  Care should be taken to not stretch the tape when sealing it to your seam.

Melco XTQ-2520 is a match to 3-layer laminates with a jersey back, such as Polartec Neoshell with Stretch (styles where the backing fabric is noted as being jersey (please refer to comparison document linked above) or Polartec Power Shield Pro and Windlbloc Lightweight .  While the manufacturer recommends applying this tape with an industrial welding machine, it may be applied by the home sewist using a Clover mini-iron. The seal generated with a home iron will not be as secure as with a tape welding machine.  Care should be taken to not stretch the tape when sealing it to your seam.

Melco XF-8505 is a clear tape intended for sealing seams on 2 or 2.5-layer laminates such as Hyvent or Aluminum Back Shell.

HOW TO APPLY MELCO TAPE

To use, lay tape along the seam and apply heat and pressure to melt and set the adhesive.  Always test before applying to your garment.  You will require a pressing cloth to protect your fabric.  Using a Clover Mini Iron provides better results than a conventional iron as its small surface area directs the heat to the tape area only.

For more detail on applying Seam Sealing Tape,  read our article What is Seam Sealing Tape?

DISCLAIMER

User assumes all liability of damage to their project when using this iron-on seam tape since high heats are involved. Melco nor Discovery Fabrics will guarantee results when tape is applied at home.  Always test on scraps prior to applying to your garment.

sealer seam tap