Machines and methods to apply tape to a surface

A method of applying tape to a surface, the method comprising:

• Manipulating a mechanism connected to two sidewalls of a tape applicator to adjust positioning of the sidewalls to accommodate a width of a roll of tape to be applied to the surface;
• Inserting the roll of tape between the sidewalls so the roll of tape is supported by protrusions in the sidewalls and an end of tape is supplied from the roll between the sidewalls;
• Separating a liner from the end of tape and onto a take-up reel;
• Applying the end of tape separated from the liner to the surface in front of the tape applicator;
• Attaching an adapter to the tape applicator, where the adapter supports a second roll having detectable properties and where second tape from the second roll is applied to the end of the tape separated from the liner;
• Moving the tape applicator over the end of tape applied to the surface;
• and
• Continuing moving the tape applicator along a path applying both the tape and the second tape to the surface.