Systems and methods for operating a security tag. The methods comprise: disposing a portion of an article between at least a first pad and a second pad of the security tag; applying a compressive force to the portion of the article disposed between the first and second pads; and concurrently providing by the first and second pads (A) a non-slip grip on the portion of the article and (b) prevention of article staining caused by at least one of oxidization, a chemical interaction, and outgassing.