I was a bit hesitant before buying the GoPro adhesive camera mount because I was unsure how long it would last or if it would actually work. I did some research and also reached out to the 3M product support team for some answers. I discovered there are a few factors that impact your adhesive mount lifespan.
How long can an adhesive GoPro mount maintain its stickiness before losing effectiveness and weakening? This depends on a few different factors:
- Installation of the tape
- Surface preparation
- Surface contour
- Using the correct tape based on substrates
- Bonding surface-area-to-weight
- Cure time
- Temperature
- Storage location
- Sun exposure
While it might be easy to blame the integrity of the adhesive mounting tape, failure can be due to one of these 9 common factors. Let’s take a deeper look into these to help you become aware of how each can impact the overall strength of the bond.
(1) Installation of the adhesive mount to your handboard
Installing a GoPro adhesive mount to the deck of your bodysurfing handboard is a relatively easy task. However, it is important that you do it correctly if you want it to remain attached to your board. The liner needs to be removed first and the mount needs to be firmly pushed it into the board so the entire surface area of the tape is in contact.
(2) Surface preparation
Surface preparation is very critical. In order for an adhesive GoPro mount to bond successfully to your bodysurfing handboard, you need to make sure the surface is super clean.
Any traces of dirt, grime, or dust will impair the bonding of the adhesive to the surface. Therefore you need to wipe the surface area with rubbing alcohol and then dry it before placing the adhesive mount on your board.
(3) Surface contour & shape
The surface contour of your bodysurfing handboard will impact the effectiveness of an adhesive camera mount. A flat, level surface is needed for optimal bonding.
If part of the surface area of the mount tape is not in contact with the board, the integrity of the adhesive becomes compromised thus rendering it ineffective.
Handboards with an extreme concave design, like the Slyde Bula, do not allow for the entire adhesive to make contact with the surface of the deck. The Slyde Wedge, on the other hand, is a more favorable surface for adhesive surf mounts. I wrote a post that discusses which
(4) Using the correct tape based on substrates
It is important to note that not all VHB tapes bond equally to all types of substrates. An issue many people don’t think about is the movement of materials between surfaces.
Adhesive tape that is left on a surface for a long time can trigger a migration of materials from the substrate to the tape. Therefore you need to use the tape that is designed for the specific type of surface you are installing it on.
Below is a table of substrates and the corresponding VHB tape series that should be used for bonding. This will be a helpful reference if you need to replace the adhesive on your camera mount.
| Material (Substrate) | VHB Tape Series |
| Polyethylene | 5900 |
| Polypropylene | 5900 |
| Powder Coated S | 5900 |
| Vinyl | 4926, 4942, 4956 |
| Flexible PVC | 4926, 4942, 4956 |
| Acrylic | 4900 |
| ABS | 4900 |
| Fiberglass | 4900 |
| Polycarbonate | 4900 |
(5) Bonding surface-area-to-weight ratio
Another factor that can impact the effectiveness of an adhesive mount is the weight of the object and the amount of surface area the adhesive touches. The sticky surface needs to cover a large enough area in order to support the weight of the object attached to it. Therefore, the larger the bonding surface the stronger the hold.
(6) Cure time
How long should you wait before using an adhesive camera mount after installation? It is not recommended to use your adhesive mount immediately after installation. I emailed 3M about this and they recommended a cure time of roughly 72 hours to allow the adhesive mount to reach its maximum strength.
(7) Temperature
Temperature can impact the strength of the overall stickiness. Extreme cold can create poor bonding between the surface and tape. Very high and temperatures can cause the adhesive material to melt.
Furthermore, extreme, consistent temperatures can cause deterioration. If you are worried about the climate affecting the strength of your adhesive mount then you should purchase temperature-sensitive tape.
(8) Storage location
Improperly storing your adhesive mounts can compromise the integrity. Therefore your adhesive mount should not be stored in any damp or dirty places. Also, avoid storing the tape in extremely hot or cold environments.
You can see in the image above that I store mine in a plastic bag with other mounting accessories. I place it in one of the drawers in my nightstand. This keeps it dry and
(9) Sun exposure
Exposing tape to UV rays for a long time can alter the material properties in a negative way. The adhesive can weaken and dry out from too much sun exposure ultimately shrinking the lifespan and causing it to fail.
What type of tape does an adhesive GoPro mount use?
The type of adhesive used for GoPro mounts is 3M VHB tape. GoPro actually sells them on their website but you can also find them for cheap on Amazon like this surf mounting kit. You simply peel back the liner in order to apply.
How strong is a GoPro adhesive mount?
The 3M VHB adhesive mount is a very strong, permanent bond. It can withstand impact of large waves and high wind.
Does water effect stickiness of GoPro mount?
I asked 3m this question and the product support specialist explained that the adhesive VHB mount is water-resistant. Therefore, water should not compromise the strength and stickiness of an adhesive GoPro mount.
Surfers and handboarders alike use this type of mount to film their epic wave riding sessions. I use it to film mine as well and it remains stuck to the board.
Can you reuse GoPro adhesive mounts?
This was another question that I asked the product experts at 3M. They explained that you cannot “reuse” the VHB adhesive. Instead, you will have to replace the adhesive entirely. Also, if you visit the GoPro website, they explain that it cannot be reused as well and will have to purchase new adhesive tape for your mount.
Do GoPro adhesive mounts come off?
Even though these types of mounts form a very strong bond, they do come off. In order to remove an adhesive surf
Related Questions:
Can the plastic mount break?
The plastic part of the mount is more likely to break before the actual adhesive loosens. Since plastic mounts can break, I highly recommend using mount tethers to keep your camera secure.
How to prevent losing your GoPro when using an adhesive mount?
Sometimes adhesive mounts can fail so it is important to tether your camera to a tether anchor so you do not lose it. Tether anchors are small mounts you can install to your board next to the actual adhesive mount.
You could also fasten a thin cord on one end of the camera and tie the other to your hand strap. This way if the adhesive mount fails or clip breaks your camera will remain connected to the hand strap.
Lastly, print your name, phone number or email on a piece of paper and stick it somewhere inside your camera case. This way if you do lose it and somehow it resurfaces, the person that finds it can notify you (if they don’t keep it themselves).