Glo-tape

[lunerenne]

Hey everyone,

I'm in the USA, and I'm wondering what companies others get glo-tape from, how much it runs, and how well it works? We've always used BMI in the past, but recently they changed the glo-tape they sell and the stuff we've gotten recently won't hold a charge to save its life. ASMs have had to sit backstage re-charging it before big exits/entrances, which I know won't work on our next show.

Any points in the right direction?

[Jessie_K]

I hate glow tape.  (I mean I love glow tape, but  . . .)

It doesn't do what people think it does.

Get little battery powered LED's and use them instead.

My two cents.

[LisaEllis]

If we're talking about safety concerns, white spike along the edge of the step, etc. usually shows up well and doesn't need to be charged.

[KMC]

There's another thread going around about this as well, Rosebrand is a good bet for any of this type of stuff. 

Make sure you're storing it correctly.  Glowtape needs to be stored in the dark.  If stored in the light it won't hold a charge, I suspect that is the problem you're experiencing rather than the product BMI is selling.

For charging, try a camera flash or another magnesium flash bulb.

[sourc3]

Does a camera flash charge it fully? We always go around with flashlights and set a turned-on flashlight on top of the tape for about 30 seconds to charge it preshow. If I could just flash it, that would make life so much easier o.O

[Jessie_K]

Do a test for yourself, but camera-flash should do the trick.  Hold it right up to the tape like you do with your flashlight and click!  You should use one of the large removable flashes like for a 35mm SLR, not just whatever flash in on a disposable PNS.

[KMC]

I think you'd be surprised at the camera flash.  The first time somebody told me about it I was skeptical, until I tried it.

[sourc3]

Sweet. I'll definitely keep that in mind. As I am on a college campus, I have access to the AV dept. and all their goodies in terms of cameras (and their flashes).

Also - glow tape being stored in the dark... how long of constant light exposure will kill it's ability to hold a charge? Are we talking 2 days or 2 months?

[Balletdork]

NORCOSTCO - google them- that's where I get all my glow, spike, gaff etc...

[ScooterSM]

I have had really good experiences with Production Advantage.  Not sure what brand the glow tape is, but it seems to hold a charge pretty well, and the prices are decent.
(now if only someone would invent glow tape that actually sticks to anything, we would be set!)