Masking Tape

Painter's and masking tape provides a straight edge for clean lines, holds materials together and helps to secure bundles. The tape is available in options that leave little to no residue behind for easy cleanup, making it simple to paint walls and other items. There are also weather-resistant options for outdoor use, ensuring a tape that meets the needs of most users.

Which Masking Tape Is Right for the Project?
Masking, or paper tape, is an ideal solution for labeling boxes and containers. The tape sticks well and provides a surface that users can write on with pens and markers. Painter's tape seals off the trim, baseboards and other areas so users can create straight lines during any painting project. Create stripes and other designs with different colors of tape to provide guidance and minimize the chances for mistakes while painting. Multi-surface tapes stick to various materials without causing damage. Sunlight-resistant tape withstands heat without becoming gummy or leaving any residue on surfaces. Water-resistant tape bundles items and protects outdoor materials against the elements on long-term projects.

Choose the Right Adhesion Levels for Each Project
Paper masking tape is available in different adhesion options to ensure that it sticks to surfaces properly. Low adhesiveness works on freshly painted items and wallpaper to prevent damage during removal. Projects involving concrete, brick and stucco require medium-high to high options to ensure the tape stays secure. Higher adhesive levels work well with stained and lacquered surfaces to minimize slipping and loosening throughout the project. Outdoor jobs require adhesives that can stand up to heat, moisture and humidity throughout the duration of use. Look for tapes designed specifically for these conditions to ensure dependable stickiness that won't cause damage or leave residue when removing it.

Consider Paint and Project Compatibility
Different tapes provide optimal results with specific materials. Natural rubber and acrylic adhesives work well with stainless steel and EPDM rubber. Consider masking tape with acrylic adhesive and flatback backing for use with latex paints and solvents. Crepe backing with acrylic adhesive is suitable for paints that don't contain acetone, isophorone, methyl isobutyl and methyl ethyl ketone additives. Natural rubber adhesive paired with a crepe backing is ideal for use with ketone-based paints, solvents and latex materials. Staples has tapes suitable for baking the paint on vehicles, with options recommended for projects at room temperature and 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Which Color Is Appropriate?
Paper masking tape is available in several different colors. Use white or light-colored tapes for labeling boxes and containers so that lettering shows up clearly. Bright tapes provide an easy way to color code projects and materials. Blue painter's tape lets users see exactly where to apply color when working with white and eggshell shades. There are also craft tapes in bold colors for creating interesting projects and team-building activities in the office and home. The color of some pressure-sensitive tape designates specific properties, such as a green backing that protects underlying surfaces from water and solvents used during collision repair.