I've been using the 2" wide laboratory grade parafilm tape for budding and am having some problems. Within two weeks of budding, the tape is already disintegrating. This is preventing the wood from callusing, and the buds die. Has anyone else experienced this? How does this tape compare to one made specifically for budding and grafting?

If you mean the "M" grade, it is the one I use for years.
Always the same big roll that stays outside all the year round, (rain, cold and sun) and this never happened.
Maybe you stretch it too much?
Or you don't put enough layers. Or both.
If you put only one layer and you stretch it at the limit of rupture, it won't last long.

It is the "M" grade. I used it for doing tissue culture, and it stay in a fairly controlled environment 70-75*F (21-23*C). I cut strips off of the roll and use what I cut within 1-2 hours. I doubt that I'm stretching it too much. I've had experience using the stuff in a laboratory setting for many years. I was only putting one layer in fear that the bud would not push through several layers. Would the greenhouse temps of 50-90*F (10--32*C) make any difference in the longevity of the parafilm?

I also use the 2" wide lab grade Parafilm on cleft and bark grafts and have had the same problem. I'm not sure if its simply getting old (mine is 2 years old). Wrapping the graft in plastic kitchen wrap, over the Parafilm, seems to help.

The lab grade has ho UV resistance. Use the horticultural grade parafilm and you will not have the problem of it disintergating.

Thanks for the replies. The reason I used the lab grade was due to poor performance of a product called "buddy tape". The other product would break when I tried to stretch it.

Jcaldeira,
I managed to re wrap a few in time with some more of the lab grade, but it's already starting to fall apart. How much extra time does it take to wrap with cling wrap over the parafilm? I'm placing small plastic bags over my bark grafts, and wrapping the graft union with white poly tape. Nearly every one takes as long as the scion wood has started to harden off.

Buddinman,
What size would you recommend?

I use the 1 inch tape. It can be ordered from Oesco of Maine. Not too expensive.