The tape used should stretch and have a memory after the binding is done to ensure that it will tighten rather than loosen. It should also be transparent so that adventitious shoots that develop under the tape on the stock can be seen as it is important to remove these at first show. This tape should be long enough so that it can be tied off after the binding is completed, however I find it more convenient to bind over the initial bind with Buddy tape (or Parafilm) so the tying off is not needed. It is a wider tape that stretches easier and biodegrades after a month or two. The first (used for the initial bind) does not biodegrade and should be removed sometime to avoid girdling. If the first tape has been tied off it will have to be loosened (or cut) from the expanded graft union and this operation can easily damage new shoots on the scion. I wind the first tape anti-clockwise overlapping and the second clockwise overlapping, the idea to minimise air leakage. The first tape is harder and can be wound tighter than the Buddy tape without breaking and this can be a factor especially with older wood which can spring open. Using this hard tape with soft wood often cuts off the flow of nutrients so for soft or thin wood, use only the Parafilm or Buddy tape.