1" High Intensity Type 3 Reflective Tape Rolls - 30' & 150' Rolls

1" High Intensity Type 3 Reflective Tape — ASTM D4956 Type 3 Reflective Tape

The 1" High Intensity Type 3 reflective tape is the next brightness step up from Engineer Grade — about three times brighter than Type 1 Engineer Grade — while using the same glass-bead reflective technology. Marked by its characteristic honeycomb cell pattern (high-index glass beads inside each cell for maximum return), this material is rated ASTM D4956 Type 3 and is the standard choice for general-purpose nighttime conspicuity where Engineer Grade brightness isn't enough.

Available in twelve variants — six colors in two lengths each.

Pricing

All six colors at the same price.

Available Colors

White, Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green

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: Flat surfaces and simple single-curve cylindrical surfaces (bollards, pipes). This rigid HI Type 3 version does not stretch. For compound curves, helmets, traffic cones, and applications that need the same Type 3 brightness with stretch-to-conform capability, see our Flexible Stretchable HI line.
• Width: 1 inches

Typical Applications

High Intensity Type 3 sits in the sweet spot for general-purpose nighttime conspicuity:

• Fleet conspicuity stripes on flat-panel trucks and trailers
• Equipment and machinery marking (cranes, forklifts, work zone equipment)
• Bollards, gate arms, and traffic delineator posts — best at close range (300 ft or less)
• Sign sheeting for general-purpose conspicuity signs
• Hazard zone marking on flat substrates
• Loading dock and warehouse aisle striping

Surface Prep and Installation

1. Clean with isopropyl alcohol; remove all wax, oil, and silicone.
2. Dry completely; apply above 50°F.
3. Apply with the release liner peeled back progressively, smoothing with a soft cloth or squeegee from center outward.
4. Press firmly for full bond. Full bond at 72 hours.

For full guidance, see our application page.

When to Pick HI Type 3 vs Other Tiers

• Engineer Grade (Type 1) — less bright, less expensive. Pick when conspicuity demands are minimal.
• HI Type 3 (rigid) (this product) — general-purpose conspicuity workhorse. Glass-bead brightness, 10-year life, flat or single-curve surfaces.
• Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3 — same Type 3 brightness, but stretches and conforms to compound curves, helmets, and traffic cones. Pick when the substrate flexes or has compound curves.
• HI Prismatic Type 4 — prismatic technology, better long-distance reflection at headlight angles.
• V98 Conformable Prismatic — prismatic brightness with conformability over rivets and weld lines.
• 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

HI Type 3 carries a 10-year outdoor rating. Resistant to hot, cold, dry, and humid weather. Best performance at close range (typically viewed at 300 ft or less). For maximum nighttime brightness at longer distances, step up to HI Prismatic Type 4 or V82 Type 5.

Related Products and Resources

• High Intensity Type 3 Spec Sheet (PDF)
• 2" HI Type 3
• 4" HI Type 3
• 6" HI Type 3
• 8" HI Type 3
• Full HI Type 3 Collection (all widths)
• Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3 (stretches and conforms)
• Nikkalite Engineer Grade Flexible (Type 1, less expensive)
• HI Prismatic Type 4 (brighter long-distance)
• V98 Conformable (conforms over rivets and curves)
• Application Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Will HI Type 3 conform to curves or rivets?

This rigid HI Type 3 will wrap around simple single-curve surfaces like bollards or pipes, but it does not stretch and will not conform to compound curves or rivet heads. For the same Type 3 brightness with stretch-to-conform capability — for helmets, traffic cones, compound-curve equipment — see our Flexible Stretchable HI Type 3 line. For prismatic brightness with conformability over rivets and weld lines, use V98 Conformable.

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

Both are ASTM Type 3 glass-bead reflective films with the same 250-candela brightness. The rigid version (this product) is for flat or single-curve surfaces — bollards, pipes, flat panels — and is the more common general-purpose choice. The Flexible Stretchable version stretches and molds to compound curves, helmets, traffic cones, and any surface where the substrate has multiple directions of curvature. Same brightness, same outdoor rating — 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. Pick Engineer Grade for budget applications; pick HI Type 3 for general-purpose fleet and equipment conspicuity.

What's the difference between HI Type 3 and HI Prismatic Type 4?

HI Type 3 uses glass-bead technology; HI Prismatic Type 4 uses micro-cube prismatic technology with better long-distance reflection at headlight angles. Pick HI Type 3 for general close-up conspicuity; pick HI Prismatic Type 4 when nighttime visibility at greater distances matters.

Does HI Type 3 require a primer?

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