Can I Get Pipe Identification Tape Made in Custom Colours?

Date: 14/07/26

The simple answer is yes; Sleeve It can custom print your pipe identification products to meet your exact specifications, whatever colours or wording are required.

Pipe identification tape helps to distinguish between different pipework carrying everything from water to corrosive chemicals, air to exhaust gasses, potable water to waste. While its use is not strictly a legal requirement in most circumstances, pipe identification is highly recommended in current UK health and safety legislation.

What are the standard pipe ID marker colours?

Pipe identification tape colours have been standardised under BS1710 using colours from BS4800 specifications. The most commonly used colours are:

Green (12 D 45) for water
Silver-Grey (10 A 03) for steam
Brown (06 C 39) for oils
Yellow Ochre (08 C 35) for gases
Violet (22 C 37) for acids and alkalis
Light Blue (20 E 51) for air
Black (00 E 53) for other liquids including effluent
Orange (06 E 51) for electrical services and ventilation ducts

Additionally, red can be used as a stripe to indicate fire safety systems and yellow may be incorporated as a warning or caution.

Why would I need custom pipe identification tape?

While many pipe marking colours have been standardised under BS 1710, there may sometimes be occasions where you need a custom colour or a label text. For example, to label specific pipe contents that are a unique part of your manufacturing process or business activities, and which are not covered by the British Standard.

If this is the case, Sleeve It can manufacture pipe identification tape and pipe ID markers to your exact requirements, matching the exact colour and wording you need.

What to look for in pipe identification tape

The most important thing to look for in pipe identification products is durability. Pipe identification tape needs to be suitable for its environment and designed to last. If you don’t choose carefully, you will end up having to replace your pipe Identification markers regularly, incurring both material and labour costs and putting your team at unnecessary risk.

Unlike many inferior products, which are digital printed to save money, Sleeve It pipe identification tape is screen printed for lasting performance. Screen printing is designed to last 5-7 years, resisting chemicals, oils and other contaminants. This enhances safety while significantly cutting maintenance costs. Our inks are also UV resistant, making them ideal for exterior use. This ensures that your pipe ID markers continue to protect and inform your team wherever they’re placed.

The other crucial different with Sleeve It pipe ID markers is their non-adhesive design. Snap on pipe markers and coiled pipe markers are both easier to install and suitable for a wider range of pipes. This allows them to be fitted easily in all kinds of conditions, including rusty, greasy and condensation-prone pipework. What’s more, with no glue to perish over time, they stay firmly fixed after years of installation, when other pipe covers are peeling away.

Where can I get help designing my pipe identification markers?

The expert team at Sleeve It will be happy to help you. We can show you how to cut costs without cutting corners, delivering both standard colours and bespoke designs to give you the perfect protection throughout your premises.

Choosing the right pipe ID markers will cut the cost of installation, reduce the need for repairs and replacement and provide clear, dependable protection for your plant and your team. That’s why it pays to talk to the expert team at Sleeve It.

Sleeve It has the answer

Standard or custom colours, snap-on or coiled, Sleeve It has the range and the quality, combined with the expertise and experience you need to get your pipe identification right first time, every time.

Whatever you need, from the straightforward to the singular, get in touch with our friendly team today and start protecting your pipes, your premises and your people better for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why does pipe ID tape need to be different colours?

A. The whole point of pipe identification markers is to help your workforce, and the emergency services, to identify the contents of pipes quickly and easily. This enhances safety, improves productivity and facilitates faster emergency responses.

Q. Why should I use standard pipe ID colours?

A. Pipe ID marker colours have been standardised in BS1710, so that workers will always recognise their meaning across different locations and in different circumstances. Having standardised colours makes pipe identification quicker and easier, without having to learn a new colour scheme each time.

Q. Can I get bespoke coloured pipe identification tape?

A. Yes you can. If you have pipework that holds contents that are not covered by the standard colours, Sleeve It can create bespoke pipe identification tape in your own custom colours.

Q. Are bespoke pipe identification colours legal?

A. Yes. In most circumstances, even standard pipe ID marker colours are not governed by law, and so are not compulsory. They are subject to British Standards, making them optional but highly recommended. Bespoke colours are not covered by this standard and there is nothing illegal in creating your own pipe ID marker colours for unique pipe contents.

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