Polyimide tape: the area you heat is the only one that gets hot

As soon as a soldering iron or a hot air gun gets near a console, everything around it becomes vulnerable: shell plastic, screen ribbon cable, polarising film, battery wrap. This amber polyimide tape, 0.05 mm thick, withstands reflow and rework temperatures, doesn't melt and then comes off without leaving adhesive on the part.

What it does

• Masks the area to protect: cover the ribbon cable, connector, screen panel or plastic before heating, then remove the tape once the solder has cooled.
• Insulates electrically: the 0.05 mm polyimide film is used to insulate a repaired trace, a jumper wire or the back of a board against a shield.
• Holds a part in place: temporarily holds a ribbon cable, a wire or a module while you solder, without a permanent dab of glue.
• Five widths: 5, 10, 20, 30 or 40 mm, depending on whether you are masking a single pin or the whole back of a board. 33 m roll in every case.

What it doesn't do

• It is not high-voltage insulating tape: it insulates console voltages, not mains.
• It does not protect against direct, prolonged contact with the iron tip — it is a heat screen, not a shield.
• It does not stick durably to a greasy, dusty or silicone-coated surface: degrease with isopropyl alcohol before applying.
• It is not a permanent mounting adhesive: to reattach a screen panel or a battery, you need a dedicated double-sided adhesive.
• One colour only, the original translucent amber of polyimide: don't count on it for a visible cosmetic finish.

Compatibility

Universal workshop tape: it does not depend on any particular console. It is used on the motherboards and ribbon cables of retro handheld consoles (Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, PSP, DS), on home consoles being recapped, on controllers and arcade sticks, as well as on Li-ion batteries and 3D prints. It replaces no original part and is not a substitute for the seals or foam padding fitted by the manufacturer.

Skill level required

No soldering and no tools needed to use it: cut the length you need with scissors or a craft knife and apply. The tape is, however, aimed at people who already open consoles: have the right screwdriver for your machine, an opening spudger and isopropyl alcohol to prepare the surface. Remove the tape while the part is still warm, it peels off more cleanly.

In the box

• 1 roll of amber polyimide tape, 33 m long, 0.05 mm thick
• Width depending on the variant chosen: 5, 10, 20, 30 or 40 mm

Listing verified on 19 August 2026. Read before ordering: Retro peripherals

Delivery in 10 to 18 days · ships within 3 to 5 days · 2-year legal guarantee of conformity · 14-day returns.