AMS-T-23397B Aluminum Foil Tape Guide
AMS-T-23397B Aluminum Foil Tape — Speed Tape & Paint-Strip Masking
What SAE-AMS-T-23397B covers, how it relates to the old MIL-T-23397 and L-T-80B, and the two dead-soft aluminum foil tapes we stock that meet it — with free US shipping and a Certificate of Conformance.
SAE-AMS-T-23397B is the aerospace specification for pressure-sensitive aluminum foil tape, best known as aircraft “speed tape” and as the foil masking tape used during chemical paint-stripping. It is a dead-soft aluminum foil backing with an aggressive acrylic adhesive that conforms to curved and irregular surfaces, resists solvents and high heat, and removes cleanly. We stock two qualified products — the Intertape ALF300 and the Polyken 345SW. New to foil tape? Start with our plain-language explainer, What Is Aircraft Speed Tape?
Already know which roll you need? Browse our aluminum foil tapes.
Aluminum Foil Tapes →What AMS-T-23397B is (and the specs it replaced)
The specification has a long government lineage, which is why you'll see several callout numbers used interchangeably for the same foil tape:
The current specification, maintained by SAE International. It superseded MIL-T-23397B in 1998 and is the version cited on modern data sheets.
The original military specification, now cancelled and replaced by the SAE-AMS version. Older drawings still reference it.
A related federal specification for aluminum foil pressure-sensitive tape, frequently listed alongside AMS-T-23397B.
The spec defines tape types by construction. The foil tapes we carry are qualified to Type II. Confirm the type called out on your drawing.
Speed tape vs. masking foil — same product, two jobs. AMS-T-23397B is formally titled for “masking during paint-stripping operations,” but the manufacturers qualify and market these same dead-soft foil tapes for both that masking role and for general aircraft “speed tape” use — temporary surface repair, heat shielding, window masking, and duct sealing. Both of our products are listed for these uses on their data sheets.
A note on aerodynamic “speed tape.” “Speed tape” is a shop term, not a single regulated spec. Where a repair is governed by the airframe maintenance manual or an SRM (structural repair manual), the manual's specified tape and procedure take precedence. Use AMS-T-23397B foil tape only where it is the approved material for the task — contact us if you need help matching a callout.
The two AMS-T-23397B tapes we stock
Both are dead-soft aluminum foil with an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, qualified to SAE-AMS-T-23397B. The main practical differences are foil thickness and liner option. Typical values are from the current manufacturer data sheets.
| Property | Polyken 345SW | Intertape ALF300 |
|---|---|---|
| Backing | Dead-soft aluminum foil | Dead-soft aluminum foil |
| Adhesive | Acrylic, pressure-sensitive | Acrylic, pressure-sensitive (aggressive/high-tack) |
| Total thickness | 5.0 mil | 3.0 mil |
| Liner | Self-wound (no liner) | Self-wound (no liner); linered version available (ALF300L) |
| Min. application temp | See data sheet | 35°F |
| Specifications | SAE-AMS-T-23397B; FAR 25.853(a); L-T-80B; MIL-T-23397A & B; UL 723 | SAE-AMS-T-23397B Type II; BAC D6-34501 Rev. H; L-T-80B; UL 723 |
| Best for | Heavier-duty masking, heat shielding, vapor-barrier sealing; thicker foil for durability | Conforming to tight contours; thinner foil; liner option for precise placement |
| Product page | View 345SW → | View ALF300 → |
Which one should I choose? For tight curves and precise placement, the thinner 3.0-mil ALF300 (with an optional liner) conforms easily. For heavier-duty masking, heat shielding, and vapor-barrier sealing where a more robust foil helps, the 5.0-mil 345SW is the pick. Both meet AMS-T-23397B; if your drawing specifies a foil thickness or Type, match that first.
Common applications
Per the manufacturer data sheets, AMS-T-23397B foil tapes are used for:
| Paint-strip masking | Masking aircraft surfaces during chemical paint-stripping; underlay for PMB blast (dry-strip) processes |
| Window / canopy masking | Protecting windshields, canopies, and passenger windows from hazing or crazing during stripping |
| Speed tape / surface repair | Temporary cosmetic and surface repair where approved by the maintenance manual |
| Heat shielding | Reflecting heat and minimizing hot spots and heat transfer |
| Vapor-barrier sealing | Sealing sheet-metal, fiberglass, and flexible duct; moisture, air, and corrosion barrier |
| Electroplating | Masking during electroplating of aluminum |
Need the data sheets or a cross-reference? Download official spec sheets from our Technical Data Sheets library, or see how this spec sits among the others on our Specifications by Authority page. Both products also meet FAR 25.853(a) for interior flammability.
Frequently asked questions
What is AMS-T-23397B?
SAE-AMS-T-23397B is the aerospace specification for pressure-sensitive aluminum foil tape used for masking during paint-stripping operations and as general aircraft foil tape. It superseded the military specification MIL-T-23397B in 1998 and is the version cited on current data sheets.
Is AMS-T-23397B the same as aircraft speed tape?
The same dead-soft aluminum foil tapes qualified to AMS-T-23397B are commonly used as aircraft “speed tape” for temporary surface repair, in addition to their paint-strip masking role. “Speed tape” is a shop term, not a single regulated spec, so always follow the airframe maintenance manual or SRM for any repair.
What is the difference between Polyken 345SW and Intertape ALF300?
Both are dead-soft aluminum foil tapes with acrylic adhesive that meet AMS-T-23397B. The Polyken 345SW is a 5.0-mil self-wound foil suited to heavier-duty masking and heat shielding; the Intertape ALF300 is a 3.0-mil foil that conforms to tight contours and is available with or without a liner.
Does AMS-T-23397B foil tape meet FAA flammability requirements?
Both the Polyken 345SW and Intertape ALF300 are also tested to FAR 25.853(a), the FAA interior flammability vertical-burn criteria. See our FAR 25.853 guide for what that test involves, and confirm current values on each product's data sheet.
What older specs does AMS-T-23397B replace?
AMS-T-23397B replaced MIL-T-23397A and B, which are now cancelled. It is frequently listed alongside the federal specification L-T-80B. Older drawings may still reference the MIL or L-T numbers for the same aluminum foil tape.
Need an AMS-T-23397B quote or a cross-reference?
Send us the spec or Type called out on your drawing, the width and quantity you need, and whether you want a liner, and we'll confirm the right foil tape, stocked sizes, lead time, and pricing. Certificate of Conformance available on request.
Ask Our Team →Specification details are provided for reference and are drawn from the current Polyken 345SW and Intertape ALF300 technical data sheets. SAE and AMS are trademarks of SAE International; MIL and L-T specifications are U.S. Government documents; Boeing and BAC are trademarks of The Boeing Company; other marks belong to their respective owners. “Speed tape” is a general industry term and not a single controlled specification. Typical test values are stated at time of manufacture and are not for use in writing specifications. Always verify requirements against the controlling drawing, the applicable maintenance manual or SRM, and the current manufacturer data sheet before purchase or use.