PAINTER’S TAPE OR MASKING TAPE? INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR? SMOOTH, ROUGH OR DELICATE SURFACES?
Do you have sensitive surfaces? Are you looking for that clean and crisp edge? Do you need a reliable solution to ensure gentle removal whilst preserving your clean and crisp paint lines without any bleed?
Let’s get tacky without getting technical! At Rabart Decorating Centres we aim to dispel any confusion over which masking tape is right for the job, so stick with us and read on:
MASKING TAPE
Firstly, What Is Masking Tape?
Masking tape is a versatile and pressure-sensitive tape made from paper. It’s designed to be easy to tear, cut, and remove from surfaces, making it a go-to tool for a variety of tasks. Available in various widths and adhesive strengths, masking tape can cater to different needs - whether you’re working on a delicate painting project or a heavy-duty repair.
One important aspect of masking tape is its residue-free removal period. Each type of masking tape is rated by the number of days it can be left on a surface without leaving a sticky residue behind. Exceeding this period can make removing the tape a hassle, as the adhesive can stick to the surface and be difficult to clean.
HOW TO USE MASKING TAPE
Using Masking Tape – Pressure Matters!
When applying masking tape, the pressure you use matters. Heavy pressure will create a strong bond, useful for tasks requiring a firm hold. However, for most painting applications, a light touch is sufficient. This allows you to mark areas cleanly without excessive stickiness, ensuring easy removal and a smooth finish to your project.
MASKING TAPE VS PAINTERS’ TAPE
Masking Tape or Painter’s Tape?
You may have heard the terms masking tape and painters’ tape, being used interchangeably, but there is a real difference:
Masking Tape: Is a general-purpose tape, and whilst it can be used in painting applications, its stronger adhesive makes it better suited for use on rough or non-painted surfaces, as it may leave behind residue on delicate surfaces.
For example, Eurocel Masking Tape (specifically the 24-hour masking tape) is an excellent choice for achieving smooth flat edges and a distinguishing feature, is its high initial tack, which makes it ideal for rougher surfaces. It is particularly suited to interior applications.
Image: Eurocel Masking Tape
Eurocel Masking Tape has thin crepe paper in its tape (more on this shortly!) that ensures precise and flat edges, which is crucial for achieving a professional finish. This would be a go to choice for short-term painting projects where the tape will be removed relatively quickly after the paint has dried, minimizing the risk of residue, and is useful for creating clean lines when applying caulk or sealant around windows, doors, or bathrooms.
An interior rough surface that would be ideal to use Eurocel masking tape on, is textured or stippled walls. Standard masking tape, with its adhesive backing and flexible crepe paper, can adhere to this surface, allowing for clean lines and edges when painting trim or adjacent walls. The flexibility of the tape helps it conform to the texture of the wall, ensuring that paint does not bleed underneath and that the edges remain crisp and defined.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TAPE FOR PAINTING
Let’s Unmask the Crepe!
In masking tape, thin crepe paper serves several purposes:
Don’t Get Stuck -
Understanding Adhesion (Tack!) in Masking Tape
The adhesive on the back of masking tape is typically made from a combination of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or acrylic compounds. These materials are chosen for their ability to form bonds with a variety of surfaces. When the tape is pressed onto a surface, the adhesive flows slightly, filling in the tiny imperfections and creating a grip.
Low Tack – But High Tech!
Image: Prodec Advance Low Tack Masking Tape
BEST MASKING TAPE FOR PAINTING
If your concerned over masking delicate surfaces, it’s a decorator’s delight with Prodec Advance Low Tack Masking Tape which offers high-tech masking properties, providing a reliable barrier against paint bleed for crisp, sharp lines. Suitable for delicate surfaces, it can be removed within 24 hours of application. Here at Rabart we always recommend a test on a small, unobtrusive area before use, especially with certain wallpapers.
Low tack masking tape is also particularly useful in situations where you need to adhere tape to delicate or sensitive surfaces that could be damaged by traditional masking tapes with stronger adhesives.
Here are some scenarios where low tack masking tape would be beneficial:
- Freshly Painted Surfaces: When painting walls or surfaces that have recently been painted and are still curing, low tack masking tape is essential. It ensures that when you remove the tape, it won't pull off any paint or damage the newly painted area.
- Delicate Wallpaper: If you're working in a space with delicate wallpaper or other fragile wall coverings, low tack masking tape is ideal. It allows you to mask off edges or trim without risking damage to the wallpaper when removed.
- Woodwork with Varnish or Stain: Low tack masking tape is excellent for use on woodwork that has been varnished or stained. It provides protection during painting without lifting or damaging the existing finish when removed.
- Sensitive Electronic Equipment: In environments where you need to mask off areas around sensitive electronic equipment or components, low tack masking tape is indispensable. It ensures that when the tape is removed, it won't leave behind any residue or damage delicate components.
- Artwork or Decor: When working in spaces with artwork or delicate decor that needs protection during painting or renovation, low tack masking tape provides the necessary adhesion without risking damage upon removal.
Overall, low tack masking tape is the go-to choice when you need to protect surfaces that are prone to damage or when you require easy, residue-free removal after painting or decorating.
PAINTERS TAPE
So, what is Painter’s Tape?
Painter’s Tape – Painter’s tape on the other hand, is made from a smoother, more refined paper that is often treated to resist paint absorption and bleeding. Painter’s tape has a gentler adhesive that is designed to adhere well but also can be easily removed without damaging surfaces.
Image: Masq Superior Painters Tape
If you’re looking for a sharper finish on smooth surfaces then painter’s tape such as Masq Superior Painter’s Tape represents a top-tier option for achieving clean and crisp flat edges in paintwork, particularly on smooth surfaces.
Engineered with precision in mind, Masq Superior Painter’s Tape is a premier painter's tape and ensures sharp *delineations, enhancing the overall aesthetic of interior and exterior projects alike. Its medium tack adhesion strikes a balance between secure application and easy removal, facilitating efficient painting processes without the risk of damaging surfaces.
*Delineations is the technical term for creating lines or sections by applying tape in the decorative process between painted and unpainted areas.
Looking for something a little more sensitive?
Image: Masq Sensitive Painters Tape
Masq Sensitive Painter's Tape offers a solution tailored to the needs of sensitive surfaces during paintwork. This innovative painter's tape is designed with a low tack adhesive, ensuring it can be safely removed from delicate areas such as freshly painted walls, without causing damage or leaving residue behind. Its ability to deliver sharp paint lines without bleed enhances the precision of paint jobs, catering to the exacting standards required for professional finishes.
Sensitive painters tape, such as Masq Sensitive Painter’s Tape, is designed for fine-line painting applications on extremely delicate indoor surfaces. Here are some examples of surfaces where you might use it:
- Wallpapers: When you need to protect wallpaper while painting adjacent areas, sensitive painters tape ensures clean lines without damaging the delicate surface.
- Freshly Painted Walls: If you’ve just painted a wall and want to create sharp edges when applying a different colour nearby, this tape is ideal.
- Plaster: Sensitive painters tape works well on plaster surfaces, allowing precise masking without leaving residue or harming the plaster.
- Other Delicate Surfaces: Consider using it on surfaces like primed plasterboards or any area where you want to prevent paint bleed and surface damage.
Remember that this tape is specifically designed to balance adhesive strength (to prevent paint bleed) with sensitivity (to protect delicate surfaces). It’s a great choice when you need precision without compromising the integrity of the material.
EXTERIOR MASKING
Image: Masq Ultimate Painters Tape
As we approach the summer months, with the unpredictable British weather looming, achieving those crisp, clean lines outdoors can present quite a challenge. With its higher tack adhesive, Masq Ultimate Painter’s Tape provides strong adhesion to uneven or irregular surfaces, ensuring secure application throughout the painting process. Despite its robust grip, it removes cleanly without leaving behind any residue or causing bleed, preserving the integrity of the painted surface and resulting in sharp, flat lines.
Masq Ultimate Painter's Tape stands out further, with its remarkable UV resistance, extending up to 120 days. This exceptional durability ensures consistent performance even under prolonged exposure to sunlight, making it an ideal choice for various outdoor painting projects.
Whether you're faced with textured walls, rough surfaces, or intricate details, this painter's tape excels in delivering professional-grade results, enhancing the efficiency and precision of your paint applications. In summary, Masq Ultimate Painter's Tape provides a superior solution for achieving flawless finishes on irregular surfaces, meeting the high standards expected by professional painters and decorators.
FSC-Certification
MASQ masking tapes are FSC certified. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organization established in 1993 to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC certification ensures that forests are managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers while ensuring it sustains economic viability.
The FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide, environmental, social and economic benefits.
COMING SOON TO RABART !
Finally, Arroworthy Advanced Washi Painter’s Tape, is a flat backed washi painters tape recommended for interior use, ideal for creating sharp paint lines, for a crisp finish. Medium tack UV resistant acrylic adhesive, with up to 60-day clean release time.
Washi Ultra-Premium Painter’s Tape is available in 3 roll widths, 25mm (1inch), 38m (1.5inch) and 48mm (2 inch). Each roll is individually shrink wrapped, and contacts 50 metres of tape.
Washi paper, a traditional Japanese paper, has a rich history and plays a significant role in Japanese culture. Here’s how it’s made:
- Harvesting: Washi paper is crafted from the inner barks of plants like mulberry (kozo), gampi, and mitsumata. These barks are harvested, usually during winter when the sap content is lower, making them easier to work with.
- Steaming, Stripping, and Selecting: After harvesting, the bark undergoes a process that includes steaming, stripping, and selecting the fibres. This step prepares the raw materials for papermaking.
Washi paper has been produced for over 1,300 years and remains an integral part of Japanese art and culture. If you’re interested in seeing washi paper being made, there are specific locations in Japan where you can witness this traditional craftsmanship!
Before we leave you with that wealth of information, let’s not forget the importance of protecting your job from paint, dirt, and dust.
Indasa Plastic Masking Cover Roll. Available in a variety of widths from 350mm to 1800mm. The Indasa Plastic Masking Cover Roll is a superb choice for creating a protective barrier in painting projects. This cover roll boasts excellent resistance to paints, varnishes, and solvents, making it an ideal solution for masking areas where you want to prevent any unwanted paint transfer. Its excellent adhesion ensures a secure fit, and it has good mechanical strength, so it can withstand the rigors of painting work
One of the key advantages of this product is its easy and clean removal, leaving no sticky residue behind. Additionally, its solvent-resistant properties ensure it can maintain its integrity even in the presence of various painting materials. Paint bleeding is minimized, thanks to its effective design, and it's easy to apply and release from the roll. The static cling feature adds to its convenience.
Conclusion
