why won't tape stick to a cold window?

I used some wide clear packing tape for a Halloween decoration on the kitchen window & every morning it's fallen down. There's no moisture. It's just cold. Then the new piece won't stick until it warms up!

Anyone know the science behind this?

It's a clean, dry window....just cold.:confused:

does the same thing on plaster walls!

not sure of the science involved though! ;)

Originally posted by princess
why won't tape stick to a cold window?


You forgot to put the superglue on first, silly!

:D

I do really want to know.... this is great tape! It works for so many things & being clear it's not visable from the outside.

I may just have to get another set of the velcro hangers I use at Xmas.

Right now I have small orange pumpkiny looking lights with a garland of autum leaves. I'm ready to give up them though! I'm tired of rehanging them daily!:(

A part of the problem might be that surfaces that have a different temperature extreme on either side, ie cold outside and warm inside, tend to condensate moisture out of the air on the warmer side. That might cause the adhesive to fail.

But there's NO condensation on the window! Plus it still won't stick if I paper towel it where I plan to stick it!

I'm puzzled, I know there's a logical reason..... I just don't know what it is. The ol' prince will probably have an answer, he's much more into science than I am....