There are numerous types of tape.These notes are meant as an aid for those who wish to know more. Maybe it will help them buy the right tape for their needs ~ or save them from spending money on the wrong sort of tape. For now it is a jungle of disordered ~ but surely helpful ~ brevities. I will make them more coherent ~ as occasion and opportunity allow.
If repairing anything valuable with permanent adhesive tape bear in mind that the value of the item will decrease rapidly. To preserve the value seek the advice of a conservator ~ they do exist ~ they have a wealth of knowledge ~ and are likely to charge a realistic fee for their services, which may cause you to think again. If you cannot afford a proper job then put your article carefully in a box to preserve all the bits and pieces and wait for another day. If it is truly of value then someone who can afford correct maintenance will recognize that ~ respect you for it ~ and repay your good sense. Think 'Antiques Road Show' and comments such as 'This item is scarce, was lovely, and would have fetched £1000 or more as a collector’s item ~ but because of the repair it is now worth about £50.' Another TV show 'The Repair Shop' works wonders ~ but does not reveal the likely costs of the clever restorations they undertake. A few very lucky participants are getting huge bargains every week.
Masking tape is designed for temporary use.
Water based adhesives will not stick to water repellant surfaces ~ hydrophobic materials ~ such as glass and plastics. Some such surfaces are occasionally treated with a substance that can act as an intermediary film ~ to make them hydrophilic ~ but they are rare, or expensive. There are other options available.
At the time of writing I am irritated by a reviewer on Amazon who wrote to the effect that a certain tape was ridiculously expensive. The review then outlined the many virtues of the tape ~ it had numerous properties far beyond those of household sticky tape. It is a pity that some people do not realise that extra good stuff costs more than good stuff. Also ~ in that case ~ was well worth it.
For household book repair I suggest trying one of the more expensive repair tapes available. Key book repair tape and you should find several reputable brands. Unfortunately numerous 'wrong' tapes will also appear. Choose one which really has the properties of ~ clarity ~ longevity ~ flexibility ~ is pliable ~ conformable ~ non-yellowing. Avoid page-repair tapes (Filmoplast P ~ brilliant, but not designed for invisible paper repairs) ~ 'Magic' tape. Avoid household maintenance tapes ~ duct tape ~ rubber based tapes.
Pressure sensitive tapes are just that. Ideally they do not stick immediately but ~ under pressure ~ the stickiness in great and permanent.