Benefits
Heat and Light Reflection
The aluminum foil backing provides effective reflection of heat and light, making the tape suitable for selected heat-shielding and light-management applications.
Moisture Barrier
3M reports a very low moisture vapor transmission rate, allowing 427 to function effectively in selected sealing and moisture-barrier applications.
Conformability
The dead-soft aluminum backing conforms to curved and uneven surfaces, helping maintain contact on irregular geometries.
Chemical Masking
3M identifies 427 as a suitable candidate for selected chemical masking operations, including aluminum electroplating and de-painting applications.
Long-Term Environmental Performance
The acrylic adhesive and aluminum backing are designed to withstand exposure to moisture, weathering, UV and solvents, supporting long-term indoor and outdoor use in suitable applications.
Convenient Converting
Compared with self-wound 425, the linered construction of 427 is particularly useful for die-cutting, laminating and other precision converting processes.
Technical Specifications
| Property | 3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 427 |
|---|---|
| Product type | General Purpose Aluminum Foil Tape |
| Backing | Dead-soft aluminum foil |
| Adhesive | Transparent acrylic PSA |
| Liner | Easy-release paper |
| Color | Shiny silver |
| Backing thickness | 0.07 mm (2.8 mil) |
| Adhesive thickness | Approx. 0.05 mm |
| Total tape thickness | 0.12 mm (4.6 mil) |
| Liner thickness | 0.08 mm (3.1 mil) |
| 180° peel adhesion to steel | 5.5 N/cm (50 oz/in) |
| Tensile strength | 49 N/cm (28 lb/in) |
| Elongation at break | 6% |
| Water vapor transmission | 0.77 g/m²/24 h |
| Long-term temperature resistance | 149°C (300°F) |
| Minimum long-term temperature resistance | -54°C (-65°F) |
| Recommended application temperature | Above 0°C (32°F) |
Values are representative or typical and should not be treated as contractual specifications. For current purchasing and qualification, refer to the latest 3M technical data sheet.
Applications
Heat Shielding
3M 427 can be used to shield selected temperature-sensitive components from heat exposure.
Heat Reflection
The aluminum foil surface reflects radiant heat and can be evaluated for thermal management and heat-reflection applications.
Chemical Masking
Potential applications include masking during:
- Chemical paint stripping
- De-painting
- Aluminum electroplating
- Chemical processing
- Chemical milling
3M specifically notes that the tape can be a candidate for aluminum electroplating because it does not contaminate the bath under the applicable conditions.
Seaming and Sealing
The combination of aluminum foil and acrylic adhesive makes 427 suitable for selected:
- Seaming
- Sealing
- Moisture-barrier applications
Refrigerator and Freezer Coil Attachment
3M lists refrigerator and freezer coil attachment among recommended applications.
Foil Splicing
The tape can be used for splicing thin-gauge foils and related converting applications.
Plastic Protection
3M also lists plastic protection among the product’s applications.
Compatible Materials
3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 427 may be evaluated for bonding or masking applications involving:
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Other metals
- Plastic surfaces
- Selected insulation materials
- Thin-gauge foil substrates
For coated, painted or chemically treated materials, adhesion and removability should be confirmed under actual process conditions.
Industries
3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 427 may be relevant to:
- HVAC and Refrigeration
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Appliance Manufacturing
- Metal Processing
- Chemical Processing
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Construction
- Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO)
The current 3M product information positions 427 across a broad range of industrial applications, including heat shielding, chemical masking, sealing and component attachment.
Why Choose 3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 427?
3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 427 combines a dead-soft aluminum foil backing, engineered acrylic adhesive and easy-release liner in a compact 0.12 mm total-thickness construction.
Its linered design gives it an important advantage for die-cutting and precision converting, while the aluminum backing provides heat and light reflection and the acrylic adhesive supports long-term bonding performance.
Key reasons to consider 427 include:
- Flexible dead-soft aluminum backing
- Acrylic adhesive
- Easy-release liner
- Heat and light reflection
- Moisture-barrier capability
- Chemical masking capability
- Wide operating temperature range
- Suitable for precision converting and die-cutting
Installation Guide
1. Prepare the Surface
Ensure the surface is clean, dry and free from dust, oil, grease and loose contamination.
2. Check Application Temperature
3M recommends applying the tape to a clean, dry surface at temperatures above 0°C (32°F) for best results.
3. Cut the Required Length
Use the easy-release liner to handle the tape without unnecessarily exposing the adhesive.
4. Position the Tape
Align the tape over the intended seam, joint, surface or masking area.
5. Apply Uniform Pressure
Press the tape firmly and evenly to establish good contact with the substrate.
6. Inspect the Bond
Check the tape edges for lifting, wrinkles or gaps, particularly when using the material for sealing or chemical masking.
For demanding applications, validate the complete assembly under the actual temperature, chemical and environmental conditions.
Storage
Store 3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 427 in its original packaging in a clean, dry indoor environment.
Protect the tape from:
- Direct sunlight
- Excessive heat
- High humidity
- Dust
- Contamination
- Mechanical damage
Follow the latest 3M storage recommendations and shelf-life information for the specific product configuration.
FAQ
What is 3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 427?
It is a linered aluminum foil tape with a dead-soft aluminum backing, transparent acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive and easy-release paper liner. It is the linered version of 3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 425.
What is the difference between 3M 425 and 427?
The key difference is the liner. 3M 427 includes an easy-release paper liner, while 425 is the self-wound version. The liner makes 427 better suited to die-cutting and precision converting.
How thick is 3M 427?
The total tape thickness is approximately 0.12 mm (4.6 mil), while the aluminum foil backing is approximately 0.07 mm (2.8 mil).
What adhesive does 3M 427 use?
3M 427 uses a transparent acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Is 3M 427 suitable for high temperatures?
The published long-term temperature range is approximately -54°C to 149°C (-65°F to 300°F). Actual suitability depends on substrate, load and exposure conditions.
Can 3M 427 be used outdoors?
3M describes the adhesive and aluminum backing as suitable for long service life indoors and outdoors and notes resistance to moisture, weathering and UV exposure. Application-specific testing is still recommended.
Is 3M 427 suitable for heat shielding?
Yes. Heat shielding is one of the recommended applications identified by 3M.
Can 3M 427 be used for chemical masking?
Yes. 3M identifies chemical paint stripping, de-painting and chemical milling among potential applications.
Is 3M 427 suitable for die-cutting?
Yes. Because 427 has an easy-release liner, 3M specifically identifies the product as suitable for die-cutting applications.
Can 3M 427 be used for HVAC applications?
It can be evaluated for selected sealing and thermal applications, although the specific HVAC requirement should be matched to the applicable 3M product and certification requirements.
Is 3M 427 electrically conductive?
The product contains an aluminum foil backing, but the official product information reviewed here does not establish a specific electrical-conductivity specification for 427. It should therefore not be marketed as an EMI or electrically conductive tape without additional product-specific evidence.
Downloads
Available upon request:
- 3M 427 Aluminum Foil Tape Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Product Brochure
- Die-Cutting Capability Guide
Please contact our sales team if you require the latest technical documentation.
