The first thing to understand about the difference between general purpose duct tapes and stucco tapes is that they were designed for different purposes.
Duct tape is built to be robust enough for use in a wide variety of applications and day-to-day use as needed. It tears more easily and cleanly than stucco duct tape because it is meant for more DIY and home applications. However, it is also more likely to leave adhesive residue behind or damage surfaces that it is adhered to, and is less likely to stand up to the elements.
Stucco duct tape is built to stick to a wide variety of materials and textures, including wood, metal, concrete, vinyl, brick, and stucco without compromising strength or durability. It yields a serrated edge when torn rather than a straight edge, and conforms better to irregular surfaces than traditional duct tape. Stucco duct tape is engineered to maintain a strong hold and not flag when exposed to heavy sunlight, dry temperatures, or moisture. It has the ability to create a watertight seal and remove cleanly without damage or residue left behind.
If you are involved in stucco contracting work, be sure to choose a tape designed with stucco purposes in mind in order to ensure a clean, high quality job. See Shurtape’s offering of stucco duct tapes at Shurtape.com.