Masking tape is an essential tool for any painter. It allows you to easily and cleanly paint around objects without having to worry about getting paint on them.
There are different types of masking tape available, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of masking tape for painting and how to get professional results with them!
What is the best masking tape for painting?
The best masking tape for painting should be easy to remove and leave a clean line. It should have good adhesion, be resistant to paint bleed and it shouldn’t leave any residue when removed.
Masking tape that is designed for use with paint is also called painter’s tape and is available in a variety of widths and with different adhesion levels.
Recommended masking tapes for painting
Masking tape brands that are used and recommended by professional painters and DIYers are:
- Blue Dolphin Tape
- IPG Tape
- Frog Tape
- 3M Scotch Tape
There are many different brands with different prize points but in my experience, the cheaper brands don’t work as well. Either they come off in small pieces, leave residue or they don’t stick well to the surface.
Blue Dolphin Tape
Blue Dolphin Washi Tape
UV Resistant for 60 days
Ultra-thin Washi rice paper backing
Recommended for interior surfaces
Medium tack
IPG Tape
Frog Tape
3M Scotch Tape
What are the different types of masking tape available?
There is masking tape for both interior and exterior use and they have different properties depending on their intended use.
Regular beige masking tape is mostly used when masking with paper such as masking paper and floor protection paper but there is also masking tape with other colors and uses.
Colored masking tape explained
There are many different brands of masking tape and they usually have different colors to choose from. The color coding is to let the user know for which surface the tape is best suited.
Since there is no standard for the color coding of masking tape, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s website or the label on the tape before purchasing.
Masking tape is also made of different materials, glue and different thicknesses.
Depending on the masking tape it can’t be kept on the surface for too long since it might leave a residue and even damage the surface when it’s removed.
The time it can be kept on the surface is usually mentioned on the label or on the manufacturer’s website.
How to get professional results with masking tape
Before applying the masking tape it’s important to make sure that the surface is free from dust and debris so that the tape will adhere properly.
When you have applied the tape go back and burnish the edge that will be painted either with your fingers or with a tool, preferably made of plastic.
Make sure that the tape hasn’t been applied to the old surface that is going to be painted since this will be quite visible when the tape is later removed.
If the surface isn’t completely even you can use a water-based clear varnish, clear caulk, or paint the tape with the same paint as underneath to achieve a perfect line.
After you have painted, remove the tape while the paint is still wet to avoid peeling off the paint along with the tape which might cause lines that aren’t clean and sharp.
If you can’t remove the tape while the paint is still wet, wait until it’s dry, and then use a putty knife or utility knife to cut the painted edge of the tape before you peel it off if it tends to pull up the paint.
With these tips, you should be able to achieve professional results with your painting project!
FAQ
Here are some answers to common questions about masking tape and painting.
Does masking tape peel paint?
The tape might peel off some paint if it’s not removed carefully enough or if it’s left on the surface for too long.
To avoid this, make sure to follow the instructions on the label and remove the tape while the paint is still wet.
Also, if the paint hasn’t had the time to cure properly or if the underlying surface didn’t have the proper prep work it might cause the paint to peel off along with the tape.
Is there a difference between painter’s tape and masking tape?
Masking tape is originally designed for general purposes such as masking and holding but painter’s tape is a type of masking tape that is specifically designed for use with paint.
Painter’s tape usually has different levels of adhesion and prevents paint bleed.
What masking tape do professional painters use?
Professional painters usually use the cheaper tape to mask off areas where and when possible, and the more expensive painter’s tape on surfaces where a perfect line is needed, to avoid paint bleed and to not damage the surface or leave a residue.
They also usually have their preferred brand and type of tape that they use for different purposes and surfaces.
Will masking tape leave a residue?
If the tape is left on the surface for too long it might leave a residue.
To avoid this, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions or the label on the tape before purchasing.
The time it can be kept on the surface is usually mentioned on the label or on the manufacturer’s website.
Also, if the tape is exposed to direct sunlight or heat over a prolonged period of time it might leave a residue. Don’t use tape that is intended for interior use on exterior surfaces if it doesn’t explicitly say you can.
How do you remove sticky residue from masking tape?
The easiest way to remove residue from masking tape is to use a product that is specifically designed to remove adhesive residue.
Crocodile Cleaning Wipes or Goo Gone Adhesive Remover are excellent options as well as rubbing alcohol and WD-40.
Apply a small amount of the product on a clean cloth, or use a wipe, and rub it into the residue until it’s gone.
Wipe off the excess with a clean cloth and wash the area with soap and water if necessary.
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Conclusion
I hope this article on the best masking tape for painting was helpful. As you can see, there are many different types of masking tape when renovating.
Masking tape is something that is used almost on every painting project, either for masking or for getting straight and clean lines, and nothing gives a more polished and professional look to a paint job like clean lines.