Blu Tack: Difference between revisions
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imported>Piñanana →Alternative uses: <ref> |
Prestik is just a brand name in South Africa so should not take precedence in this article. |
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== History == | == History == | ||
''Blu Tack'' was originally developed in 1969 in [[Leicester]].<ref name="diy.bostik/en-ZA/bostik">{{cite web |title=Bostik celebrates 50 years of Prestik |url=https://diy.bostik.com/en-ZA/news-events-and-blogs/bostik-celebrates-50-years-prestik-original-reusable-adhesive |website=diy.bostik.com {{!}} DIY BOSTIK |access-date=26 June 2025 |date=2024-03-20}}</ref> | |||
While the inventor<ref name="leicestermercury/1428402">{{cite news |last1=Watson |first1=Hayley |title=Who invented Blu Tack - one of Leicester's greatest exports |url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/who-really-invented-blu-tack-1428402 |access-date=26 June 2025 |work=Leicestershire Live |volume=[[Leicester Mercury]] |date=10 April 2018 |language=en}}</ref> of the commercial Bostik product is unknown,<ref name="Ward213-4">{{Cite book |title=Adventures in Stationery |last=Ward |first=James |publisher=Profile Books |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-84668-616-0 |edition=paperback |location=London |pages=213–214|title-link=Adventures in Stationery }} (Sealant developer Alan Holloway created a similar precursor product at another company which had business links to Bostik.<!--Statements on the internet suggesting that he developed the Bostik product, may be the result of misquotion of his [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blu_Tack&oldid=171031892 2007 edit] to this page. The text of this edit was later removed by a different editor.-->)</ref> a precursor was created around 1970 as an accidental by-product of an attempt to develop a sealant based on chalk powder, rubber and oil.<ref name="storyofleicester/bostik">{{cite web |title=Bostik - The invention of Blue Tack |url=https://www.storyofleicester.info/a-working-town/bostik/ |website=www.storyofleicester.info - The Story of Leicester |access-date=26 June 2025 |quote=An experiment to develop a new bathroom sealant was not a success, but small pieces of the white substance it produced were used to stick up notices around the works.}}</ref> Blu Tack was originally white, but following fears that children could mistake it for chewing gum, a blue colouring was added.<ref name="Ward213"/> | While the inventor<ref name="leicestermercury/1428402">{{cite news |last1=Watson |first1=Hayley |title=Who invented Blu Tack - one of Leicester's greatest exports |url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/who-really-invented-blu-tack-1428402 |access-date=26 June 2025 |work=Leicestershire Live |volume=[[Leicester Mercury]] |date=10 April 2018 |language=en}}</ref> of the commercial Bostik product is unknown,<ref name="Ward213-4">{{Cite book |title=Adventures in Stationery |last=Ward |first=James |publisher=Profile Books |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-84668-616-0 |edition=paperback |location=London |pages=213–214|title-link=Adventures in Stationery }} (Sealant developer Alan Holloway created a similar precursor product at another company which had business links to Bostik.<!--Statements on the internet suggesting that he developed the Bostik product, may be the result of misquotion of his [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blu_Tack&oldid=171031892 2007 edit] to this page. The text of this edit was later removed by a different editor.-->)</ref> a precursor was created around 1970 as an accidental by-product of an attempt to develop a sealant based on chalk powder, rubber and oil.<ref name="storyofleicester/bostik">{{cite web |title=Bostik - The invention of Blue Tack |url=https://www.storyofleicester.info/a-working-town/bostik/ |website=www.storyofleicester.info - The Story of Leicester |access-date=26 June 2025 |quote=An experiment to develop a new bathroom sealant was not a success, but small pieces of the white substance it produced were used to stick up notices around the works.}}</ref> Blu Tack was originally white, but following fears that children could mistake it for chewing gum, a blue colouring was added.<ref name="Ward213"/> | ||
In the United Kingdom in March 2008, 20,000 numbered packs of pink Blu Tack were made available, to help raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/36960/Blu-Tack-goes-pink-for-charity |title=Daily Express | UK News :: Blu Tack goes pink for charity |publisher=Express.co.uk |date=4 March 2008 |access-date=28 July 2009}}</ref><ref name="diy.bostik/en-SG/bluhack">{{cite web |title=#Bluhacks |url=https://diy.bostik.com/en-SG/bluhacks |website=diy.bostik.com {{!}} DIY BOSTIK |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref> with 10 pence from each pack going to the charity. The formulation was slightly altered to retain complete consistency with its blue counterpart. Since then, many coloured variations have been made, including red-and-white, yellow, and a green [[Halloween]] | In the United Kingdom in March 2008, 20,000 numbered packs of pink Blu Tack were made available, to help raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/36960/Blu-Tack-goes-pink-for-charity |title=Daily Express | UK News :: Blu Tack goes pink for charity |publisher=Express.co.uk |date=4 March 2008 |access-date=28 July 2009}}</ref><ref name="diy.bostik/en-SG/bluhack">{{cite web |title=#Bluhacks |url=https://diy.bostik.com/en-SG/bluhacks |website=diy.bostik.com {{!}} DIY BOSTIK |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref> with 10 pence from each pack going to the charity. The formulation was slightly altered to retain complete consistency with its blue counterpart. Since then, many coloured variations have been made, including red-and-white, yellow, and a green [[Halloween]] product. | ||
== Composition == | == Composition == | ||
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== Similar products == | == Similar products == | ||
Similar products of various colours are made by many manufacturers, including [[Faber-Castell]]'s "Tack-it", [[Henkel]]'s "Fun-Tak", [[UHU]]'s "Poster Putty" and "Sticky Tack", UFO's "Dough Tack", "Gummy Sticker" [[Pritt]]'s "Sticky Stuff", [[Bostik]]'s " | Similar products of various colours are made by many manufacturers, including [[Faber-Castell]]'s "Tack-it", [[Henkel]]'s "Fun-Tak", [[UHU]]'s "Poster Putty" and "Sticky Tack", UFO's "Dough Tack", "Gummy Sticker" [[Pritt]]'s "Sticky Stuff", [[Bostik]]'s "Prestik" and [[Elmer's Products, Inc.|Elmer's]] "Poster Tack". Plasti-Tak by Brooks Manufacturing Company appears to pre-date Blu Tack, with a trademark registration in 1964.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://trademark.trademarkia.com/plastitak-72198931.html |title=PLASTI-TAK Trademark of BROOKS MANUFACTURING COMPANY Serial Number: 72198931 :: Trademarkia Trademarks |website=trademark.trademarkia.com |language=en |access-date=2 March 2019}}</ref> | ||
Versions of the product are also sold under the generic names "adhesive putty" and "mounting putty". The [[generic trademark]] or common name for mounting putty varies by region. It is known as "Patafix" in France, Italy, Portugal, Austria and Turkey, ''{{lang|is|kennaratyggjó}}'' in Iceland and ''lærertyggis'' in Norway (both meaning "teacher's chewing gum"), ''{{lang|sv|häftmassa}}'' ("attachment paste") or ''{{lang|sv|kludd}}'' in Sweden, and ''{{lang|af|wondergom}}'' in South Africa (an [[Afrikaans]] word, literally translated as "wonder glue"). | Versions of the product are also sold under the generic names "adhesive putty" and "mounting putty". The [[generic trademark]] or common name for mounting putty varies by region. It is known as "Patafix" in France, Italy, Portugal, Austria and Turkey, ''{{lang|is|kennaratyggjó}}'' in Iceland and ''lærertyggis'' in Norway (both meaning "teacher's chewing gum"), ''{{lang|sv|häftmassa}}'' ("attachment paste") or ''{{lang|sv|kludd}}'' in Sweden, and ''{{lang|af|wondergom}}'' in South Africa (an [[Afrikaans]] word, literally translated as "wonder glue"). | ||
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In 2007 the artist Elizabeth Thompson created a {{convert|200|kg|abbr=on}} sculpture of a house spider using Blu Tack over a wire frame. It was exhibited at [[London Zoo]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spider Sculpture Largest Blu-tack Sculpture Britain – Photo éditoriale de stock – Image de stock |url=https://www.shutterstock.com/fr/editorial/image-editorial/spider-sculpture-largest-blu-tack-britain-designed-by-702842c |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Shutterstock Editorial |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Largest Blu-Tack® sculpture |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/118849-largest-sculpture-made-from-blu-tack%C2%AE |access-date=20 October 2021 |website=Guinness World Records}}</ref> | In 2007 the artist Elizabeth Thompson created a {{convert|200|kg|abbr=on}} sculpture of a house spider using Blu Tack over a wire frame. It was exhibited at [[London Zoo]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spider Sculpture Largest Blu-tack Sculpture Britain – Photo éditoriale de stock – Image de stock |url=https://www.shutterstock.com/fr/editorial/image-editorial/spider-sculpture-largest-blu-tack-britain-designed-by-702842c |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Shutterstock Editorial |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Largest Blu-Tack® sculpture |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/118849-largest-sculpture-made-from-blu-tack%C2%AE |access-date=20 October 2021 |website=Guinness World Records}}</ref> | ||
Blu Tack can be used as a [[Damping (music)|damping agent]] for sound and vibration applications,<ref name="tnt-audio/bluetac">{{cite web |title=[Tweak] Blu-Tack and other putty-like damping materials - [English] |url=https://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/bluetac_e.html |website=www.tnt-audio.com |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref> due to its low amplitude response properties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stereophile.com/content/sound-surprise-loudspeakerstand-interface |title=The Sound of Surprise (the loudspeaker/stand interface) |work=Stereophile.com|date=30 June 1995 }}</ref> A 2013 study concluded that the substance is a comfortable alternative to over-the-counter ear plugs for the attenuation of everyday sound.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Watson |first1=G J |last2=Trainor |first2=G |last3=Camilleri |first3=A E |date=June 2013 |title=Is Blu-tack as effective at attenuating sound as over-the-counter ear plugs? |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0022215113000807/type/journal_article |journal=The Journal of Laryngology & Otology |language=en |volume=127 |issue=6 |pages=574–577 |doi=10.1017/S0022215113000807 |issn=0022-2151|url-access=subscription }}</ref> | Blu Tack can be used as a [[Damping (music)|damping agent]] for sound and vibration applications,<ref name="tnt-audio/bluetac">{{cite web |title=[Tweak] Blu-Tack and other putty-like damping materials - [English] |url=https://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/bluetac_e.html |website=www.tnt-audio.com |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref> due to its low amplitude response properties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stereophile.com/content/sound-surprise-loudspeakerstand-interface |title=The Sound of Surprise (the loudspeaker/stand interface) |work=Stereophile.com|date=30 June 1995 }}</ref> A 2013 study concluded that the substance is a comfortable alternative to over-the-counter ear plugs for the attenuation of everyday sound.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Watson |first1=G J |last2=Trainor |first2=G |last3=Camilleri |first3=A E |date=June 2013 |title=Is Blu-tack as effective at attenuating sound as over-the-counter ear plugs? |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0022215113000807/type/journal_article |journal=The Journal of Laryngology & Otology |language=en |volume=127 |issue=6 |pages=574–577 |doi=10.1017/S0022215113000807 |pmid=23611061 |issn=0022-2151|url-access=subscription }}</ref> | ||
The New Zealand Government Earthquake Commission recommends that products such as Blu Tack should be used to prevent ornaments and small household items from falling or moving in the event of an earthquake.<ref>New Zealand Government Earthquake Commission.[https://web.archive.org/web/20201216015542/https://www.eqc.govt.nz/sites/public_files/EQC0053_QuakeSafeGuide_Singlepage_FA_0.pdf "Easy Ways to Quake Safe Your Home"] [pamphlet]. </ref> | The New Zealand Government Earthquake Commission recommends that products such as Blu Tack should be used to prevent ornaments and small household items from falling or moving in the event of an earthquake.<ref>New Zealand Government Earthquake Commission.[https://web.archive.org/web/20201216015542/https://www.eqc.govt.nz/sites/public_files/EQC0053_QuakeSafeGuide_Singlepage_FA_0.pdf "Easy Ways to Quake Safe Your Home"] [pamphlet]. </ref> | ||
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== External links == | == External links == | ||
{{Commons}} | {{Commons}} | ||
* [https://blu-tack.co.uk/ Official Blu | * [https://blu-tack.co.uk/ Official Blu Tack site, UK] | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20171123134758/http://www.blutack.com/ Official Blu Tack site, Australia] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20171123134758/http://www.blutack.com/ Official Blu Tack site, Australia] | ||
* Letter regarding development of a similar precursor product, from sealant developer Alan Holloway to James Ward, author of ''Adventures in Stationery'', on [[Talk:Blu Tack#New_information_on_the_Coltrane67/Alan_Holloway_Saga|discussion page]] | * Letter regarding development of a similar precursor product, from sealant developer Alan Holloway to James Ward, author of ''Adventures in Stationery'', on [[Talk:Blu Tack#New_information_on_the_Coltrane67/Alan_Holloway_Saga|discussion page]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:26, 25 October 2025
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English
Blu Tack is a reusable putty-like pressure-sensitive adhesive produced by Bostik, commonly used to attach lightweight objects (such as posters or sheets of paper) to walls, doors or other dry surfaces. Traditionally blue, it is also available in other colours. Generic versions of the product are also available from other manufacturers. The spelling now used is without a hyphen.[1]Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
As of 2015, Bostik was manufacturing around 100 tonnes of Blu Tack weekly at its Leicester factory.[2]
History
Blu Tack was originally developed in 1969 in Leicester.[3]
While the inventor[4] of the commercial Bostik product is unknown,[5] a precursor was created around 1970 as an accidental by-product of an attempt to develop a sealant based on chalk powder, rubber and oil.[6] Blu Tack was originally white, but following fears that children could mistake it for chewing gum, a blue colouring was added.[2]
In the United Kingdom in March 2008, 20,000 numbered packs of pink Blu Tack were made available, to help raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign,[7][8] with 10 pence from each pack going to the charity. The formulation was slightly altered to retain complete consistency with its blue counterpart. Since then, many coloured variations have been made, including red-and-white, yellow, and a green Halloween product.
Composition
Blu Tack is described as a synthetic rubber compound without hazardous properties under normal conditions. It can be swallowed without harm[9] and is not carcinogenic. It is non-soluble and is denser than water. The material is not flammable, but emits carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide when exposed to fire or high temperatures.[10]
Similar products
Similar products of various colours are made by many manufacturers, including Faber-Castell's "Tack-it", Henkel's "Fun-Tak", UHU's "Poster Putty" and "Sticky Tack", UFO's "Dough Tack", "Gummy Sticker" Pritt's "Sticky Stuff", Bostik's "Prestik" and Elmer's "Poster Tack". Plasti-Tak by Brooks Manufacturing Company appears to pre-date Blu Tack, with a trademark registration in 1964.[11]
Versions of the product are also sold under the generic names "adhesive putty" and "mounting putty". The generic trademark or common name for mounting putty varies by region. It is known as "Patafix" in France, Italy, Portugal, Austria and Turkey, Script error: No such module "Lang". in Iceland and lærertyggis in Norway (both meaning "teacher's chewing gum"), Script error: No such module "Lang". ("attachment paste") or Script error: No such module "Lang". in Sweden, and Script error: No such module "Lang". in South Africa (an Afrikaans word, literally translated as "wonder glue").
Alternative uses
Like all poster putties, Blu Tack provides an alternative to the artist's traditional kneaded eraser.[12]
Blu Tack was often used with the Sinclair ZX81 microcomputer to help mitigate crashes caused by wobbly external RAM modules.[13] This was such a widespread problem that Sinclair Research's technical support department officially recommended the use of Blu Tack to resolve this issue.[14]
In 2007 the artist Elizabeth Thompson created a Template:Convert sculpture of a house spider using Blu Tack over a wire frame. It was exhibited at London Zoo.[15][16]
Blu Tack can be used as a damping agent for sound and vibration applications,[17] due to its low amplitude response properties.[18] A 2013 study concluded that the substance is a comfortable alternative to over-the-counter ear plugs for the attenuation of everyday sound.[19]
The New Zealand Government Earthquake Commission recommends that products such as Blu Tack should be used to prevent ornaments and small household items from falling or moving in the event of an earthquake.[20]
Blu Tack is sometimes used by electronic hobbyists to hold through-hole electronic components in position for soldering onto PC-boards.[21]
References
External links
- Official Blu Tack site, UK
- Official Blu Tack site, Australia
- Letter regarding development of a similar precursor product, from sealant developer Alan Holloway to James Ward, author of Adventures in Stationery, on discussion page
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". (Sealant developer Alan Holloway created a similar precursor product at another company which had business links to Bostik.)
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ New Zealand Government Earthquake Commission."Easy Ways to Quake Safe Your Home" [pamphlet].
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".