USA Contact | Masking Tape Products | JTAPE (2024)

FAQs

What is masking tape called in America? ›

Masking tape, also known as painter's tape, is a type of pressure-sensitive tape made of a thin and easy-to-tear paper, and an easily released pressure-sensitive adhesive.

The most significant difference between masking and painter's tapes is that painter's tapes have a clean removal after the job is done, while masking tapes tend to leave residue behind if left up for the duration of a paint project.

Paper tape, unlike traditional masking tape, is made from a durable paper backing that provides strength and resilience. This type of tape is often used in painting projects, providing a clean and sharp paint line.

The ideal time to remove masking tape from a home improvement project is when the paint is dry to the touch, usually after at least one hour. This is what we usually suggest to do to when the work is done, but this might not always be that easy.

If you don't want to spend any extra money or are in a pinch and need to use something that's already in your house, then a sheet of paper or thin card will do the trick. 'For the quickest and most economical alternative to masking tape when painting edges, use a sheet of paper or thin card,' confirms Pat.

Why is painter's tape so expensive? It's true painter's tape is more expensive than masking tape and Frog tape is even more expensive again, but this is for good reason as they are a far superior product that has been specifically designed for the purpose of aiding the painter and making their job much easier.

Professional painters are also quick to note that using painter's tape is not guaranteed to make a project look professional. Even the highest quality tapes have been known to bleed through, allowing paint to get into areas where you really don't want it and where touch-ups will be needed after the job is complete.

Frog Tape claims to have a paint blocking technology that keeps wet paint from seeping under the edges. Anyone who has done any painting knows that paint has a way of creeping under the edge of painter's tape. There is nothing more frustrating than pulling your tape up and seeing a jagged, jacked up, uneven line.

Painters tape and masking tape have a lot in common. Many people opt to use masking tape instead of painters tape because it's cheaper.

While kraft paper tape is best for securing packages and boxes during transportation, masking tape is ideal for temporary fixing and masking during painting or other projects. Both tapes are widely available and can be purchased from hardware stores, online retailers, and other outlets.

What is the best painters tape that doesn't bleed? ›

Green painter's tape is typically strongest at preventing bleed-through and is durable on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Washi tape makes paintwork easy. Washi tapes guarantee a perfect end result with clean paint lines, even on the most difficult surfaces. Additionally, washi tape is very easy to apply and doesn't leave behind glue residues. These properties make washi tape the ideal masking tape for painters.

Masking tape, also known as Painters tape, is water-resistant rather than waterproof. Masking tape has to be non-porous as it is used by painters and decorators to mark off areas where they do not want paint to go.

Wait until the paint is dry to the touch before removing the tape. Check the paint can for the manufacturer's dry times. Use a putty knife or razor blade to score along the edge of the tape. This prevents paint from being pulled up with the tape and from cracking along the paint line.

Painter's tape is notable for its ability to mask off areas being painted while leaving no residue once removed. It has a very low tack, so it is easy to apply straight from the roll, tear, and remove after painting. It allows for a clean, straight line when painting.

In much the same way that Scotch Tape came to be used in Canada and the United States when referring to any brand of clear adhesive tape, Sellotape has become a genericised trademark in Britain and a number of other countries where it is sold.

Sellotape is a generic term used for similar tapes of sticky tape or adhesive cello tape. It is a general purpose clear tape with many uses in home, office or industry. Scotch Tape is a 3M brand product name and is identical to Sellotape.

Duct tape (historically and still occasionally referred to as duck tape) is cloth- or scrim-backed pressure-sensitive tape, often coated with polyethylene.

Types of Masking Tape

One of the primary ways to categorise tape types is by the thin layer of adhesive material used in their manufacture. Three main types are used – acrylic, silicone, and rubber or rubber resin. Each of these types is explained in further detail in the sections below.