Sticky-shed syndrome is a condition created by the deterioration of the binders in a magnetic tape, which hold the ferric oxide
magnetizable coating to its plastic carrier, or which hold the thinner back-coating on the outside of the tape.
This deterioration renders the tape unusable.^[1] Some kinds of binder are known to break down over time, due to the absorption of moisture (hydrolysis).

The symptoms of this breakdown can be immediately obvious even when rewinding the tape: tearing sounds and sluggish behavior.^[2]
 If a tape with sticky-shed syndrome is played, the reels will make screeching or squeaking sounds,
and the tape will leave dusty, rusty particles on the guides and heads.^[3]
 In some cases, particularly with digital tapes, the symptoms are more subtle, causing intermittent dropouts.