Teflon Tape

[kabinenroller]

I am installing some black anodized aluminum fittings on the car I am building and need to seal the threads. Normal Teflon tape is white and looks strange on the black fittings, is black colored Teflon tape available? I could remove the white tape that is visible after the fittings are tight but I would prefer just using black colored sealing tape.
Thanks

 

[jumbojak]

The only tapes I've ever seen were white or yellow. The yellow is for use around petroleum products. I can't say with certainty, but I've removed the visible tape from fittings and never had a problem.

 

[malibu101]

Doesn't help the OP but, Blue Monster by Mil-Rose tape is blue.

Can you use pipe dope instead?

 

[rlitman]

Never seen black teflon tape. I've seen white, blue (it's very pale), red (really pink), yellow and gray. Why not use a pipe dope and wipe off any excess?

 

[Falcon67]

I see white, yellow and pink around here. RTV or maybe:

https://www.oatey.com/2377059/Product/Hercules-Grrip-

Or - treat the lower threads with PTFE carefully, assemble the joint then use a small plastic or wood stick to trim out any excess that come up the threads.

 

[tonyciambrone]

https://www.grainger.com/product/2T...MItO3zisWi3gIVAp7ACh3PfAMIEAQYASABEgKkwfD_BwE

That's as close as I can get you. It is a dark gray color.

Other than that if you could use Permatex "the right stuff"

Or Permatex Ultra Black...

Those are...Black

 

[PCustoms]

Home depot sells black. I'll look in the shop later, I have a roll.

 

[DieselNut88]

Hd has grey it is thicker than the white.

 

[PCustoms]

Hd has grey it is thicker than the white.

Is it grey?

I know it is an oatey product, red roll. Forgot to look when I was down in the shop.

 

[Zeke]

Use a gentle flame and melt away the excess that is seen.

 

[Rt jam]

When you take that connection apart, tape will shred and get stuck in some orifice somewhere.

Just another reason to use Loctite 565.

 

[marineengineer]

You could also use permatex #1 or #2 both are black and rated for threaded connections

 

[firebirdparts]

I agree, just use a liquid. If you want you can make it a black liquid.

 

[jubilee]

Boo on Teflon tape. I was involved in a field test in about 1970 with the new to the market Teflon tape vs copper coat pipe dope. Two 3 mile 2 3/8” tubing lines layed over rough country side by side at the same time, oil field setting. The Teflon tape engineers wrapped their threads while what ever bozo was close to the dope brush handled the copper coat ( Kopper Coat brand) line. The tape failed miserably. Hard to stab. Hard to make up. Many leaks. I still can’t find any use for it to this day.

 

[RVDan]

There's Black pipe dope if you're worried about color.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I've never had a problem with Teflon tape, as long as it's installed properly. Wrap it on the threads in the correct direction and don't use too much - many people will wad it on in a thick layer. There shouldn't be much visible after the joint is tightened, but it can be trimmed off easily enough with a sharp knife.

 

[gunguy]

Thought this might be interesting.

Copied from Wikipedia -

White: used on NPT threads up to 3/8 inch
Yellow: used on NPT threads 1/2 inch to 2 inch, often labeled "gas tape"
Pink: used on NPT threads 1/2 inch to 2 inch, safe for propane and other hydrocarbon fuels
Green: oil-free PTFE used on oxygen lines and some specific medical gasses
Gray: contains nickel, anti-seizing, anti-galling and anti-corrosion, used for stainless pipes
Copper: contains copper granules and is certified as a thread lubricant but not a sealer

A link to the complete article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thread_seal_tape

Jim

 

[Blk88GT]

I am installing some black anodized aluminum fittings on the car I am building and need to seal the threads. Normal Teflon tape is white and looks strange on the black fittings, is black colored Teflon tape available? I could remove the white tape that is visible after the fittings are tight but I would prefer just using black colored sealing tape.
Thanks

What fittings are you using and what thread are you trying to seal?

 

[kabinenroller]

What fittings are you using and what thread are you trying to seal?

I am using aluminum fittings that are anodized black. These are for the cooling system on a HiPo Ford V-8, they will not see more than 20psi. Some of the suggestions that have been mentioned in the posts above are definitely worth trying. I will read over them again and try one or more of them. It looks like the black tape will not be an option.

 

[Radix2]

The dark grey "thick" versions from the home centers (megatape, HD tape) will look pretty good, and will be easier to peel the extra vs the thin white stuff. I never use the white anymore, the grey is better in every way.

 

[K13]

I am using aluminum fittings that are anodized black. These are for the cooling system on a HiPo Ford V-8, they will not see more than 20psi. Some of the suggestions that have been mentioned in the posts above are definitely worth trying. I will read over them again and try one or more of them. It looks like the black tape will not be an option.

Doesn't really answer what type of fittings they are. Are they AN, pipe, etc?
You should only use sealant on certain types of fittings.

 

[Cobra5150]

Doesn't really answer what type of fittings they are. Are they AN, pipe, etc?
You should only use sealant on certain types of fittings.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Thread sealant shouldn't be used on AN fittings

 

[lakelandcat]

another tip is to start the tape on the second thread, then the tape will **** into the threads, if you start at the end it will have a tendency to push the tape and fail.