An Unsung Tool of Painters, Masking Tape
Experienced painters know you want to get the job done right the first time, and achieving the best results from your painting job has so much to do with your preparation. Getting sharp paint lines comes down to the prep work, and the tool for that work is a quality auto painting masking tape.
Professional painters know keeping the right contractor-grade masking tape on hand is just as important as using the correct paint tools. If you’re in the automotive industry, painter's masking tape is one of the essential auto body shop supplies to always keep on hand.
With all the different types of industrial use tapes on the market, it’s easy to get stuck choosing the right one for your needs. In a professional setting, it’s important to weigh the needed premium features from your tape but at an economic cost. Achieving clean lines without over-spraying by using the right tape can ultimately save you money.
Masking tape is the standard tape that is designed especially for painters that you’ll need for a multitude of projects and applications. Mostly used for those in the painting industry, masking and painter tape may be utilized in the automotive, marine, and other industrial fields.
Very different from other commonly used heavy-duty tapes such as duct tape, masking tape is made of pressure-sensitive adhesive with a thin, simple-tearing paper backing material. It’s manufactured in varying widths and colors depending on its required application. Although general-purpose masking tape can be a commonly used type of tape for at-home art projects and craft projects, painter's tape is a trusted product for seasoned professionals.
The primary purpose of painter masking tape is to maintain straight lines and to protect places that should not have been painted. Masking tape helps to protect surfaces from overspray and to provide precise paint lines. And importantly, after the job is done, it removes cleanly and easily from surfaces once the paint is completely dry and finished.
Other than fulfilling the main purpose of using this type of tape, there are quite a few features that are essential. You need a tool-free tape that has an easy-tear application, that will remove easily from the roll without unwanted tears or rips, and that never leaves residue.
Your masking tape needs to conform well to irregular surfaces, and one that resists bleed-through from any paint, moisture, and solvents. And you need clean paint lines every time, with no paint buildup. Your goal is to get sharp lines with superior conformability when prepping doors, truck beds, furnishings, and more. The right tape will make working around a difficult variety of surfaces like bumpers and fenders a breeze.
You need painter's masking tape made with premium adhesive, one that offers great tack, and superior stick on different surfaces. You also want to use tape with clean performance that does not lift during painting and will not leave adhesive behind. Finally, you need temperature resistance (preferably up to 250º for 30min or 220º for 60min) and solvent and water-borne resistance.
Although there are many colored masking tapes that are manufactured there is some accepted color coding. Colors include blue masking tape, red masking tape, white masking tape, and more, but the industry standard for painters is yellow masking tape.
Yellow colored tape is especially utilized in the automotive industry and collision repair industry. Yellow masking tape is highly visible due to its bright color even in lower lighting. This ensures easy guidance with good visibility for painting in varying lighting environments. This explains why tapes like black, blue, and green are not ideal for most professional spray painting.
To help make your next painting project easier than before, follow these application and removal tips along with using the best yellow masking tape on the market:
APPLICATION:
Before applying the tape, ensure your surface is clean, dry, and dust-free so make sure the tape properly adheres so no paint bleeds through. Apply tape by firmly pressing down on the surface as you apply. Allow the painter's tape to set for around 30-60 minutes prior to painting.
REMOVAL:
You must wait until the paint is completely dry before removing the tape. Lift the tape up slowly by pulling it back on itself, and removing it at about a 45-degree angle.
STORAGE:
Store tape out of direct sunlight, and store it in a cool, dry place.
If you’re in need of other types of tapes, not just painter masking tape, here are a few tapes to consider adding to your auto body shop supplies:
Attachment tapes
- for attaching letters, emblems, or badges
Fine line tape
- for multicolor, design painting
- curves and straight lines
- waterproof, temp resistance, solvent resistant
Lifting Tape
- for protecting rubber profiles (headlights/windshields/other lights)
- waterproof, temp resistance
Foam tape
- for sealing gaps and holes
- temp resistant, silicone-free
- easy, universal application
*Tapes are sold in rolls anywhere from about 10 to 50 meters (or about 60 yards).
For more product information or any help with ordering tape, please contact CTW International today.
