Self Adhesive Sponge Strip (Expanded Neoprene)
Our self adhesive sponge strip is available in a range of widths and thicknesses. This sticky backed closed cell sponge rubber does not absorb water and is suitable for making a watertight seal on boat hatches, lockers, car boots, enclosures, and cabinets. Also known as sponge tape, this product can be easily stuck to most clean flat surfaces by peeling off the backing paper and sticking in place.
Manufactured from expanded neoprene, self adhesive sponge strip is a soft, flexible and waterproof material that has an excellent resistance to UV, air and ozone. It has an operating temperature range between -40°C to +100°C. We recommend that you compress our expanded neoprene by approximately 30% to minimise the chance of damaging the seal with excessive and prolonged compression. For example, we recommend using 6mm thick sponge tape to seal a 4mm gap.
The self adhesive backing is suitable for applications with limited water exposure, such as falling water droplets and light splashes. It is not recommended for use in environments that will cause the sponge strip to experience constant water immersion. Where a large amount of moisture or water is present, we recommend that you use plain expanded neoprene and a good contact adhesive, such as our A262.
All Sponge SealsFrequently Asked Questions
What is self-adhesive sponge strip used for?
Self-adhesive sponge strip is a flexible sealing material designed to provide cushioning and weatherproofing between two surfaces. It is commonly used around doors, hatches, access panels, enclosures and glazing systems to prevent the ingress of air, water, dust and vibration. The strip is supplied with an adhesive backing which makes installation quick and clean without the need for the use of a separate adhesive or mechanical fixings. Because it compresses easily, it is ideal for creating an airtight or watertight seal on uneven or slightly irregular surfaces.
What adhesive backing is used on your self-adhesive sponge strip?
The majority of these products use a scrim tape adhesive backing that bonds securely to most smooth, clean and dry surfaces. The adhesive is protected by an easy-release backing liner that simply peels away during application. Once pressed into place, the adhesive provides an instant grip and continues to strengthen over time. It is designed for long-term use, offering good resistance to temperature changes and ageing.
Can your sponge strip be used in wet environments?
The closed-cell structure of the sponge rubber prevents water absorption, helping to maintain an effective seal even when exposed to moisture. However, while the rubber itself is water resistant, the adhesive backing should be shielded from prolonged submersion or continuous water contact. This can reduce adhesion over time. For permanently wet or submerged applications, we recommend using a non-adhesive sponge strip applied with a suitable waterproof contact adhesive instead.
What is the recommended compression for your self-adhesive sponge strip?
To achieve a reliable seal without damaging the material, the sponge strip should generally be compressed by around 25–35% of its original thickness. This ensures the right balance between sealing performance and material resilience. Too little compression may lead to air or water leakage, while excessive compression can cause the strip to take a permanent set which reduces its ability to recover. The exact compression will depend on the profile size, material density and operating conditions, but staying within this range typically provides the best long-term performance.
What is this product manufactured from and what are its properties?
Our self-adhesive sponge strip is manufactured from expanded neoprene closed-cell sponge rubber. This material combines flexibility with excellent sealing and insulation properties. The closed-cell structure prevents the passage of air, water and dust, while the neoprene formulation provides good resistance to ageing, ozone, UV light, and moderate oils and chemicals. Expanded neoprene also maintains its elasticity across a wide temperature range and offers effective vibration damping. These qualities make it a durable and versatile material suitable for both indoor and outdoor sealing applications.