There are a lot of options for masking tapes these days. The old workhorse - standard manila tape is still widely used, but there are now a lot of specialty masking tapes for special situations. Special tapes include those used for delicate surfaces. These tapes have an easy release adhesive. There are special tapes for clean lines used with painting stripes, graphics and faux finishes. There are tapes that allow for extended times before you must remove them. This is know as the *safe release time interval. Additionally, there are special masking options that go beyond the used of conventional masking tape.
General Masking
For general masking, where you don’t need a fine bleed-free edge, use the standard manila colored masking tape. The primary reason for using this tape is the cost. It is most. commonly used for protecting wood trim etc… from paint spatter.
Standard masking tape is used to tack up plastic sheeting or masking paper. The tape is strong enough to hold these materials without dropping off the wall. The added adhesive strength can cause problems with newly painted or delicate surfaces (like wallpaper), and should not be used on such surfaces. Use a low tack tape instead on delicate surfaces.
You should remove standard masking tape on the same day that you use it to avoid adhesive transfer to the surface it is applied to. You should not use general masking tape in direct hot sunlight for the same reason.
Blue Tapes
There are two popular blue painter’s tapes: 3M 2080 and 3M 2090. These tapes may look the same but are used for different purposes.
3M 2090 Blue Tape
The #2090 tape is a medium tack masking tape (not quite as strong as standard manila masking tape), that can be left on a substrate for 14 days without the risk of adhesive transfer. If you are doing extensive masking and want to leave the tape for a while (up to 14 days), this is the one to use. It costs more than the standard masking tape, so it is used when a little less tack, or the longer clean removal interval is needed. The 2090 blue tape is not intended for clean edge masking. This blue tape has a texture to it that paint will bleed under if worked up against the tape.
3M 2080 Blue Tape
This is an expensive tape, costing two or three times more than standard masking tape. It is used for masking clean lines for stripes, graphics and faux finishes. This is a delicate surface tape and a long masking tape, and can be used on freshly painted surfaces as well as on delicate surfaces. The safe removal time interval for #2080 is up to 60 days. The 2080 blue tape is distinguished from the “other:” (2090) blue tape by it’s orange inner core - as well as the price. An excellent tape for clean line masking, use it for this, but don’t waste your money using this for general masking, unless paint pull-off is a concern.
Blue Tape Alternatives
While the “blue” tapes are popular, there are other tapes that do the same or similar things as the famous blues.
Frog Tape
Frog tape is green. It has a special “PaintBlock” sodium-based Superabsorbent Polymer that expands to fill the micro voids between the tape and the substrate when activated by waterbased paint applied at the edge of the tape.
You will sometimes read novice recommendations for doing this same sealing of the tape edge by using caulk, clear glaze, flat varnish or some other substance. I have never liked the idea of using a permanent substance like caulk etc.. because it will create a ridge on the tape edge which will be noticeable. Worse than that, the homemade filler will not be invisible (even if it is clear as most commonly prescribed), because the sheen and texture of the substance will be different than the paint on the wall. Frog Tape will not leave a permanent substance on the substrate. If the “PaintBlock” material remains on the wall after tape removal, it can be wiped off.
You can get good clean lines without the “PaintBlock” material in most cases, which is why I like the 3M 2080 blue tape for most clean line masking. On texture surfaces though, the Frog Tape is probably a better solution.
Bloc-it Tape
I have not used this tape yet, it is newer than either Frog Tape or 3M 2080 blue tape. Bloc-it has a clean removal interval of 14 days. It is reported to have a paint blocking type of material incorporated with the tape which the manufacture calls “PST26 Technology”. Unlike Frog Tape, this tape apparently requires no special storage or handling (Frog Tape is stored in a container to prevent the activation of the “PaintBlock” material by accidental contact with moisture) see manufactures notation: "The PST16 Technology, which is completely absorbed into the paper, eliminates the risk of drying out and the hassle of special storing instructions” *
Easy Mask Paper Tape
This is an easy release tape for delicate or freshly painted surfaces. The brown paper is texture-less and flat which helps to prevent paint edge bleed. The adhesive is only on one edge (about 1” or so) which makes lifting the tape off for removal a little less aggravating. There is always an edge to lift up to begin pulling the tape off. The downside is that the singe sided adhesive doesn’t work for some graphics and stripes where you need adhesive on both sides of the tape I find that you can get clean lines with this tape. I don’t use it for graphics or faux stripes (I use 3M 2080 most of the time for this), but I do use it for masking straight lines when cutting in door casings and trim where I want one coat heavy application and can’t fiddle with getting the line straight. I just tape the wall around the perimeter of the door or window casing, and flow the paint on the casing without worry of creating a straight edge. This allows for good enamel flow out which careful cutting in would not allow for.
Other Masking Materials
Standard Masking Paper
Masking paper is used where you need more protection that the 2” width that most masking tapes will cover, and less coverage is needed than full fledged plastic sheeting. Masking paper is resistant to paint bleed through (not edge bleed, but migration through from top side), and is inexpensive. You can get masking paper in different widths for you specific needs. Sizes from 4” to 12” widths are common. You need to use masking tape in conjunction with standard masking paper to apply it as it has no adhesive of it’s own. There are special dispensers that will hold various sizes of masking paper and masking tape and will dispense both together for easy application.
Carpet Shield
Carpet shield is a self adhering, 3mil clear plastic runner, used to cover and protect carpet from paint spatter or wall paper glue during wallpaper removal. It is great for use with door painting too. Cut a piece that fits into the door way and place it down on the carpet. This will hold the carpet down and protect the carpet at the same time. Using the carpet shield, you can paint both sides of the door as well as the top and bottom edge, without the need to remove the door from off it’s hinges. The 3 mil plastic is tough enough to walk on without tearing.
Masking Film
There are different versions of these, but most come folded into approx. 12” widths with one taped edged. The plastic can be dispensed with a the same special dispenser used for masking paper (but you don’t need to piggyback it with masking tape in this case), or you can “dispense” it by hand. The film is applied to a wall at the top for example, and will unfold to a much large length once up. Unfolded lengths are anywhere from 12” to 6’. The dispenser will cut the material at the needed size, or you can use scissors if you are hand dispensing. Masking films are good for draping off larger objects like bathtubs, cabinets, or whole walls.
Safe Removal Interval
The safe removal interval refers to the length of time that the masking tape may remain on a surface before the adhesive begins to transfer to the surface.
Painter’s Tape and Masking Tape
Part 1
Review of Masking Tapes and Special Masking Materials
Used for House Painting
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