Australian Source for Retroreflective Tape for Foul Weather Jackets?

[JPA Cate]

Hi, everybody,

Does anyhow know a source here in Australia for retro-reflective trim piping? I think it would be slick to use it to trim the dinghy cover we made, if I could only find it. All help appreciated. Thanks guys.

Ann

[Ocean Diamond 2]

Hi Ann,

SOLAS grade reflective tape for lifejackets, lifebuoys etc. This is a retro-reflective material which increases the detection range of lifesaving devices marked with this material by 8-10 times compared with unmarked equipment. Tape is self adhesive but primer is required for use with fabric or uneven surfaces.
Priced Per Metre $9.90
From Whitworths


They're dredging the entrance to Lake Macquarie.

Derek

[Coops]

Here is the link. The price seems to have gone up recently. Probably because their competition (BIAS) went broke.
https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_i...AbsolutePage=1

Coops.

[JPA Cate]

Thanks, both of you. I was looking for the kind that you can sew on. Sourced in the US, it costs about $8 for 10 m. I can use the stuff from Whitworths, but I'll have to sew on a few patches of it by hand. If I get the piping (which looks like a bit of cording with a seam allowance on it), I can just set up the sewing machine and stitch it along the periphery of the cover we made.

Thanks, both of you, Melani and Coops, for taking the time and making the effort to answer.

Ann

[Coops]

Try somewhere that sells Hi Vis clothing for workers, like road workers. they have that stuff on their clothing.

Coops.

[downunder]

Anne, I expect most of the workwear supply/reseller companies carry it. There are at least 6 of them in Mackay.

ie Totally Workwear. BOC gases etc,etc.

One option is to buy a couple of cheap work vests(around $5.00 and pull/unpick the tape off. Cheapest way to get it on your shirt.

cheers

[JPA Cate]

Thank you for that, Downunder and Coops. Yes, that may, indeed be the most practical approach.

Over the last 1/2 hr. our so, Jim's convinced me that putting the piping on the dinghy cover would place it at the maximum friction place, i.e., docks, oysters, etc. that figure large in dinghy cover life. So, I've concurred with him, and think the larger reflective tape will do for the purpose of making the dinghy very visible at night with a torch.

Thank you for all your help. Big Smiley! and Thumbs UP!

Ann

[dlymn]

Not in Australia but not a problem RED Reflective Fabric Border Bar Hemming Edge Piping Cuffed Bottom Hem Binding Tape Wrapping Strips Belt 20m-in Other Garment Accessories from Apparel & Accessories on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

[RKsailsolo]

3M is a global manufacturer of reflective materials that are applied with pressure sensitive adhesive or with sewing. Check out their website for local sources.

[CLady]

Contact a subcontractor who makes emergency personnel clothing for police, fire departments, coastguard, etc.

Also, check with an outdoor awning/upholstery fabricator. They have suppliers for fabrics/materials that would have the reflective material

[goboatingnow]

id you are going to the bother of sourcing it, try and use SOLAS grade tape. its specifically designed for the marine environment and has tested reflectivity standards ( to IMO Res. A.658(16)) .

dave

[CLady]

The SOLAS tape was my first thought also, however, I have used it on emergency gear for Cat 1 race to Hawaii--it might not hold up if it is bent without piping in it. It might not do well over time with UV, etc. for the dinghy cover. It's worth checking into because it very effectively reflects.

[JPA Cate]

Thanks again for all the input.

I think I'll harvest some from some safety clothes as was suggested above, when I'm back where there is land transport. Jim's convinced me not to go with the piping, which I thought would look great, but is as he said, vulnerable to chafe, being at the widest part of the dinghy tube. I'll turn one safety jacket into "racing stripes" or possibly just flashes so that if someone turns a light on it, they'll be able to see the size of the object to avoid.

Thanks again for all the help.

Ann

[elschwieb]

You alsocan use reflecive, self adhesive tape (available at West Marine and other retail outlets) on your outboard. As you say, a light sweeping across the water will pick up reflective materials whether on the dinghy, piping, or elsewhere.

[JPA Cate]

elschwieb,

Yup, been doing that for years! Thanks.

Ann