4" Flexible (Stretchable) High Intensity Reflective Tape - 30 Foot Rolls

4" Flexible Stretchable High Intensity Type 3 Reflective Tape — Nikkalite ASTM D4956 Type 3

The 4" Flexible Stretchable High Intensity Type 3 reflective tape is the conformable, stretchable variant of Nikkalite's ASTM Type 3 glass-bead reflective film. It carries the same 250-candela brightness and 10-year outdoor rating as the rigid HI Type 3 version, but stretches and molds to compound curves, helmets, traffic cones, and any surface where the substrate has multiple directions of curvature. Marked by the characteristic high-intensity honeycomb cell pattern.

Available in three variants — three colors in 30' rolls.

Pricing

All three colors at the same price.

Available Colors

Yellow, White, Orange

Specifications

• Standard: ASTM D4956 Type 3 (High Intensity Grade — glass-bead reflective technology with honeycomb cell pattern)
• Brightness: 250 candelas (white) — approximately 3× the brightness of Engineer Grade Type 1
• Outdoor rating: 10 years
• Construction: Single-layer film — does not delaminate
• Adhesive: Pressure-sensitive permanent adhesive — peel and stick, no primer required on clean smooth surfaces
• Surface compatibility: Stretches and conforms to compound curves, helmets, traffic cones, marine bumper balls, channelizer posts, and any substrate where rigid sheeting would tent, wrinkle, or peel. For flat or simple single-curve applications where stretch isn't needed, the rigid HI Type 3 is the conventional choice.
• Width: 4 inches
• Manufacturer: Nikkalite by Nippon Carbide

Typical Applications

The flexible-stretchable construction is designed for surfaces where standard rigid HI sheeting won't bond:

• Bollards, traffic cones, traffic barrels, and channelizer posts (cylindrical and tapered shapes)
• Hard hats and helmets (including the curved brim sections)
• Marine bumper balls and similar spherical or compound-curve surfaces
• Curved equipment housings, machine guards, and tank fronts
• Sports and recreation equipment with compound curves
• Anywhere a flat strip won't lay down without wrinkling — this material will

Surface Prep and Installation

1. Clean with isopropyl alcohol; remove all wax, oil, and silicone.
2. Dry completely; apply above 50°F.
3. Apply by stretching the film onto the substrate, working from one end progressively to follow the surface contour. Use moderate heat from a heat gun on tight compound curves if needed.
4. Press firmly for full bond. Full bond at 72 hours.

For full guidance, see our application page.

When to Pick Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3 vs Other Tiers

• Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3 (this product) — Type 3 brightness with stretch-to-conform capability. Pick when the substrate has compound curves or flexes in use.
• Rigid HI Type 3 — same Type 3 brightness, but flat or single-curve surfaces only. Pick for general-purpose conspicuity where stretch isn't needed.
• Engineer Grade Flexible (Type 1) — less bright; stretches when warm. Pick when budget matters and Type 1 brightness is sufficient.
• V98 Conformable Prismatic — prismatic brightness with conformability over rivets and weld lines, though Oralite V98 does not stretch nearly as much as Nikkalite High Intensity Type 3 Conformable.
• V82 Type 5 Metallized Prismatic — top-tier brightness for flat-panel applications.

For a full reflective material comparison, see our FAQ.

Durability and Outdoor Life

Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3 carries a 10-year outdoor rating. Same long-term durability as the rigid HI Type 3 version. The stretchable construction maintains its optical properties and adhesion when stretched and molded around compound curves at installation.

Related Products and Resources

• High Intensity Type 3 Spec Sheet (PDF)
• 1" Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3
• 2" Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3
• 6" Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3
• Full Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3 Collection
• Rigid HI Type 3 Collection (for flat or single-curve surfaces)
• Nikkalite Engineer Grade Flexible (Type 1, less expensive)
• V98 Conformable (prismatic, conforms over rivets and curves)
• Application Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3 conform to compound curves?

Yes — that's the whole point of the stretchable variant. The film stretches and molds to compound-curve surfaces like helmet domes, marine bumper balls, traffic cone bodies, and curved equipment housings. For flat or simple single-curve surfaces where stretch isn't needed, the rigid HI Type 3 is the conventional choice and is more economical.

What's the difference between Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3 and rigid HI Type 3?

Both are ASTM Type 3 glass-bead reflective films with the same 250-candela brightness and 10-year outdoor rating. The Flexible Stretchable version (this product) stretches and molds to compound curves — helmets, traffic cones, marine bumper balls, curved equipment. The rigid version is for flat or simple single-curve surfaces — bollards, pipes, flat panels — and is the more common general-purpose choice. Same brightness, same durability — pick by the surface you're applying to.

What's the difference between HI Type 3 and Engineer Grade?

Both use glass-bead reflective technology. HI Type 3 uses a brighter bead configuration arranged in a honeycomb cell pattern, producing approximately 3× the nighttime brightness of Type 1 Engineer Grade. HI Type 3 carries a 10-year outdoor rating vs Engineer Grade's 7-year rating.

Does Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3 require a primer?

No. The pressure-sensitive adhesive bonds directly to clean, dry, smooth surfaces above 50°F.