A Guide to Masking Tapes

Using the correct type of masking tape on a paint job can make all the difference to achieving the crisp, professional finish you’re striving for. There are a number of choices on the market; choosing the right kind is all down to what you need it for.
Masking tape can help to ensure clean, straight lines on your paint job and avoid overpainting onto areas you want left untouched; either from wayward brushstrokes or runs and drips. It is usually made from crepe paper, making it lightweight and extremely flexible.
There are four factors to take into consideration when you are choosing a masking tape. Sometimes you may need more than one for the same project.

What type of surface will be masked?
Arguably this is the most important factor. It is important to think about the condition of the surface you will be adhering the tape to.

• Is it a painted or finished surface?
• Is it a surface that requires care or is delicate?
• Do you require the tape for a general painting project?
• Do the surfaces you are masking require protection from damage?
• Is the surface rough or textured?

All manufacturers of masking tapes will cater for each of these unique situations and answering these questions will narrow down your choices.

Adhesion / tack level
There is nothing worse than pulling your masking tape away from your fresh new paintwork to see it pull away the old paint, creating an unwanted second job.
Luckily, the fine people who make masking tape have thought it through and employed technology to solve the problem. Looking at the level of adhesion you need for each project will help you protect sensitive or delicate surfaces like those with older paint, wallpaper or even fresh paint.
Look for the adhesion levels that are printed clearly on the packaging of all masking tape brands:

• Low to medium will suit coated paint finishes that are over 30 days old, delicate or damaged finishes and irregular surfaces. The clean removal time is around three days.
• Medium or long life is perfect for lacquered surfaces, wallpaper and vinyl. Look out for UV-stable versions for exterior use.
• High to very high adhesion levels will suit old, cured paint and lacquered surfaces. They are perfect for irregular surfaces and have a clean removal time of 24 hours.

Each brand will have its own descriptions. Try Scotch Blue painter’s masking tape from 3M for your delicate surfaces or Resene’s professional masking tape for lacquered and irregular surfaces. Feel free to buy more than one tape for your project should the surfaces you are dealing with warrant it.

To determine if a paint surface is cured, look at the manufacturer’s recommendation of length of time before it can be washed.

Clean removal times
This is simply referring to the amount of time masking tape will be required to be in place before it is removed. For larger projects, it is useful for your masking tape to be left in place for longer periods of time, yet still be able to be removed cleanly.
Generally speaking masking tape clean removal times sit in the following time frames:

• One day
• Three days
• Five days
• Fourteen days
• Sixty days

If you are unsure of the amount of time the masking tape will be required to be in place, it pays to purchase one with a longer removal time.

Additional factors
Always consider what product you are using – paint, varnish, wood stain etc. For lacquers and stains, you will need a tape that does not leech and will come away from the surface cleanly, leaving a fine line.
Think about what temperature you will be working in, as this will affect the adhesive properties of the tape. Again, every manufacturer will have their own version of a masking tape that will adhere properly in different extreme conditions:

• Cool temperatures are 10 degrees or less.
• Normal temperatures are 10 degrees to 37 degrees.
• Warm temperatures are 37 degrees plus.

Other factors to take into consideration are:

• UV resistance
• Water resistance
• Interior use
• Exterior use
• Fine lines

Always remember that using the right masking tape will help to reduce or eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming rework. To make life easier, look out for masking products that are pre-cut at a 90-degree angle for easy insertion into corners.

When should I remove masking tape?
Ideally all masking tape should be removed when the paint is dry and the tape should be removed at a moderate pace. Removing the tape too quickly can cause it to tear, while removing too slowly will cause the adhesive to transfer to the surface you are working on.
Always lift the tape at a 45-degree angle and pull it away from the painted surface, as this will leave the clean edge you are looking for. If you notice the adhesive is starting to transfer onto the surface below, try changing the angle at which you are pulling to 90 degrees.

If masking tape is very hard to remove, try using a hair dryer to warm and soften the adhesive. Masking tapes are designed to help you achieve a professional job. The staff at your local Mitre 10 will help you decide what the ideal masking tape is for your project. Remember that preparation is key; a little time spent planning your project will always pay off.