In the field of construction or when performing painting and installation work, elements of room decor, masking tape is considered indispensable, as it can mask various defects. This tape is also used when carrying out other work, because crepe masking tape has a lot of positive properties and ease of use. In the hands of a craftsman, masking adhesive tape can turn into an indispensable tool that will allow you to design a room and create attractive patterns and geometric designs on different surfaces.
Non-standard applications
- Collect broken glass with the adhesive side of the tape.
- Small scattered parts or very tiny ones, such as beads, needles, etc., can easily be collected on the surface of the masking tape.
- Create various markings and inscriptions on the wall, including logos with a clear edge.
- A paper funnel is formed and attached to the wall to collect construction dust when drilling holes in the wall in the absence of a vacuum cleaner.
- If you need to measure a large length with a tape measure, and there is no assistant, then one edge of the tape measure is glued with masking tape and the measurement is taken.
- If you need to drill into a smooth surface on which the drill will slide, apply tape at the entry point of the drill and make a mark for drilling. The tool will not slip and you will make an accurate hole.
- Sealing old wooden windows for the winter.
- Crepe tape is used for sealing seams and joints, limiting the flow of sealant beyond the desired area.
- Pasting door panels during installation to avoid damaging them.
- Taping furniture during transportation with masking tape and bubble wrap in the absence of standard tape.
- Like a phone holder.
Bilateral
In terms of strength and adhesiveness, it is similar to ordinary stationery tape, but both of its surfaces are adhesive. Depending on the purpose, the density and adhesion to the base can be changed to achieve the specified characteristics.
To glue several surfaces with it, remove the protective film from one side, exposing the adhesive surface. After this, the tape is glued to the base, and at the right moment the protective film is removed from the other side.
Main characteristics
Painting tape is an adhesive tape that can restrain paint from flowing and reliably protect the surface due to its textured surface.
The adhesion level of painter's tape is lower than that of ordinary tape; it does not leave marks and does not tear off the paint when torn off. The adhesion level is fixed on a scale of 1-100. For wall painting work, index 50 is sufficient.
There are a number of the most important characteristics of masking tape that are worth paying attention to:
- Material.
- Dimensions and weight.
- Marking.
- GOST
Reinforced
The polymer tape is supplemented with fabric-polyethylene fabric, which significantly increases tensile strength. Some varieties are reinforced with fiberglass. High strength increases resistance to steam, moisture, and mechanical stress. Well suited for the most reliable packaging of goods.
It can still be torn by hand, but its high resistance to tearing allows the material to be used to strengthen containers, bundle electrical wires, and protect containers from moisture. Ultimate elongation reduces the likelihood of breakage due to impact or friction.
Important! This type of adhesive tape is called construction tape, but this category includes several types of adhesive tapes discussed in this article.
Masking tape material
The main type of material for masking tape is a paper base of crepe paper, onto which a layer of natural or synthetic rubber adhesive is applied.
This gave certain properties:
- Work at temperatures up to 80 degrees and above, in some species up to 120.
- Frost resistance from -10, but you need to check this on the packaging of each manufacturer.
- Excellent strength, removal from the surface with a “stocking” without torn edges.
- Moisture resistance and resistance to UV radiation (not for all types).
- Compatible with different types of paints and solvents (special tapes for car painting).
Also used as the main material are polyethylene, polypropylene, bitumen, fabric paper, foil, but for painting walls it is the paper crepe base that is used.
How to choose
The choice of paper tape is primarily influenced by the purpose of the work:
- To protect against paint flowing under the hood and adjacent surfaces of the engine body during auto mechanic work, a heat-resistant option is suitable. It retains its characteristics at elevated drying temperatures: up to 120˚C for 90 minutes.
- When painting, it is better to use corrugated material on a paper or fabric basis.
- To fasten and mount elements with different base structures, double-sided tape with a reinforced adhesive coating is used.
- The joints of plumbing communications are sealed and protected from corrosion damage with tapes based on aluminum foil.
GOST and marking
GOST 18251-87. This standard applies to wet-activated adhesive tapes used for gluing veneer, plywood, gluing cardboard boxes, gluing plexiglass and gluing telegrams.
The marking of the crepe tape is indicated in GOST.
The following grades of base paper should be used to make adhesive tape.
| Brand of adhesive tape | Base paper grade according to GOST 10459-87 |
| A | A |
| A | A |
| B | B |
| IN | IN |
| IN | IN |
| IN | IN |
| D | B according to GOST 19625-83 |
It is allowed to use other types of paper as base paper for the production of tape, provided that the quality indicators of the tape meet the requirements of this standard.
The tape must be produced in reels. The bobbin sizes are indicated.
| Tape brand | Bobbin width, mm | Prev. off, % | Reel internal diameter, mm | Prev. off, % | Reel outer diameter, mm | Prev. off, % |
| A, A | 12, 15, 18, 20, 25 | ±8 | 50, 65, 70 | ±5 | 320, 250, 350 | ±4 |
| B | 60, 80 140 | ±2 ±1 | 50, 65 | ±5 | 350 | ±4 |
| B, B | 50, 65, 70, 75, 80, 100 | ±3 | 70, 75 | ±5 | 250, 320 | ±4 |
| IN | 25, 40, 50, 60 70, 75, 100 125, 150, 180, 200 | ±5 ±6 ±5 | 50, 65, 70 | ±5 | 250, 320, 350 320 | ±4 ±4 |
| D | 10 | ±1 | 50 | ±4 | 190 | ±3 |
The packaging of adhesive tape usually indicates: winding length, tape width, materials, scope of application, maximum permissible gluing times and some other characteristics.
Roofing
When arranging the walls of frame houses and the roofing system, thermal insulation is used to protect against heat loss. To prevent moisture from penetrating the insulating material, builders use wind and vapor protection, as well as waterproofing. Such films protect well from moisture, but at the joints there is still a risk of water penetrating under the protection.
To prevent this phenomenon, sheets of wind protection and waterproofing are laid overlapping, and the joint is covered with thick adhesive tape with a high adhesion index. When applied correctly, it provides complete protection from moisture, ensuring high durability of the finished finish.
Please note! This tape is effective only when used with rolled protective membranes. In all other cases, only metal brackets and other similar fasteners are used.
Types by color
The following colors are available for different areas of application:
- Yellow, white – regular masking tape for gluing surfaces before painting.
- Blue - waterproof tape with latex coating for facade work during temperature and humidity changes.
- Green – heat-resistant for work at temperatures up to 80 degrees, has a better adhesive composition.
- Pink, purple - for delicate surfaces, such as plaster, wallpaper, freshly painted walls.
Always check the area of application of the masking tape, and do not rely only on its color.
Clerical
A typical consumable for office workers, students, teachers and people who frequently work with paper materials. The thin transparent polymer base (thickness up to 40 microns) does not have high strength. The degree of adhesion to the base is low. This tape cannot be reliably glued to brick walls, rough surfaces and other similar substrates.
Protective film and paper with masking tape
Small reels, the top edge of which contains a tape with an adhesive layer, the bottom is rolled out, has a paper or polyethylene base. It is most often used for painting the ceiling to protect the walls from paint if the walls are already painted or have wallpaper on them.
Sold in any construction hypermarkets; several manufacturing companies are represented in the line.
5 reasons not to use cheap masking tape
- It comes off during peeling.
- It is thoroughly saturated with paint during its application.
- Doesn't stick tightly, causing paint to penetrate under the tape.
- It peels off poorly and leaves behind traces of glue that are difficult to remove.
- It peels off along with the paint even after short contact with the surface.
You need to understand that masking tape is not intended to be applied for too long a period of time. It must be removed in a timely manner, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Otherwise, particles of dried paint or entire layers may come off along with the tape. As a result, the painting line will be unclear and the intervention of a specialist will be required to correct the defect, or the wall will have to be completely repainted.
How to choose masking tape?
See what the manufacturer indicates and how long you can stick a particular type of masking tape.
You can’t put tape on freshly painted walls right away; you need to wait a while, ideally a day. But if this time is not available, then at least 2-3 hours and use only special tape for delicate surfaces.
Quality checking. Method No. 1
Professionals strongly recommend refraining from buying cheap masking tape. If you have no experience, it’s worth doing a simple experiment. Stick the tape to some surface. Then paint it and peel off the tape once dry. This way you will see if the tape leaves any traces behind and if it takes away some of the paint.
Method No. 2
Pull the edge of the tape a few centimeters and firmly press it back onto the spool, and then pull this edge again. If it also moves away from the spool with force, then you have masking tape with good adhesive properties.
See the scope of application on masking tape; tapes for car painting are considered to be of very high quality, since very high requirements are applied there.
Choose certain types of masking tape with a density of 125 microns or higher. Be sure to look at the price of products from different manufacturers. Often, the more expensive the tape, the better quality it is.
Masking tape manufacturers and prices
1.
TESA
Used for painting walls inside and outside buildings. Allows you to get clear boundaries. This tape is used with all types of paints and varnishes. TESA tape can be easily removed even 8 weeks after paint application. Professionals note only one drawback: after using TESA masking tape, there is no desire to use other tapes. Cost: from 250 rub. Manufacturer: Germany.
2. 3M
Peels off easily and leaves no marks after removal. Adheres tightly to surfaces of any shape. Has a thin elastic base. Can be used at temperatures up to 80 degrees. Considered a professional consumable.
Cost: from 500 rub. Manufacturer: USA.
3.
FOLSEN
Has excellent quality. Recommended for painting work where smooth edges are required. Within 5 days it leaves no traces when removed. Rubber glue is used as an adhesive base.
Cost: on average from 240 rubles. Homeland of the brand: Latvia. Production: South Korea.
4.
SPINO
SPINO masking tape can be applied to plastic, wood and plaster. The adhesive base is made of synthetic rubber and leaves no marks. You can work with the tape at temperatures from -10 degrees.
Cost: from 100 rub. Homeland of the brand: Latvia. Made in Italy.
5.
Beorol
does not come off in pieces when peeled off. It does not leave sticky marks on the surface. Beorol masking tape can be applied to putty walls, wood, metal, brick and plastic.
Cost: from 120 rub. Manufacturer: Serbia.
You should also pay attention to Unibob and Dexter masking tape. Using them, you can achieve high quality painting.
Cleaning up traces
Without a trace of peeling off is an important plus, but if for some reason residual stains appear, they are removed:
- Soap solution;
- From glass with alcohol or lotion;
- On MDF with gasoline;
- From wood or plastic by heating with a hairdryer;
- From ceramics and tiles with acetone, acetic acid, glass cleaner;
- An ordinary school eraser.
Soda paste with water also helps, wipe the area with it and rinse off with liquid.
Number of meters in one roll
When purchasing various models, most users are interested in the question of the footage of a particular product, especially if the product is used quite often. It all depends on the type and width of the tape, so it will not be possible to give accurate results.
For example, the length of a stationery product varies from one meter to 33 m. While for a painting product, the minimum value is 2 m, and the maximum is 75. When using packaging rolls, models are often purchased whose value reaches 990 m.
Top best transparent models
Attache Silent
A durable option that is popular for packaging or creating boxes. It is completely colorless and has a low noise level, which makes it in demand in any field. A good adhesive base guarantees a reliable connection of the material. The width is standard and is 5 cm, with a length of 66 meters. Sold in many hardware stores.
The average cost is 75 rubles.
adhesive tape Attache Silent
Advantages:
- High-quality execution;
- Long service life;
- Efficiency;
- Strength;
- Reliable adhesion to the surface.
Flaws:
- Not found.
“Sibin”, transparent, 48mm x 50 m
A good packaging option that easily copes even with securing heavy loads. The user can be sure that the bottom or top will not come off. The advantages of this specimen are that it retains good adhesive ability even at low temperatures. For production, polypropylene film of special strength was used. Thickness – 40 microns.
The average price is 50 rubles per roll.
adhesive tape “Sibin”, transparent, 48mm x 50 m
Advantages:
- Good adhesive ability;
- Adhesion to various surfaces;
- Affordable price;
- Material of manufacture.
Flaws:
- Not found.
ErichKrause Invisible
A good office option, which is designed for tightly connecting various papers. The surface is matte, the color is white, transparent. The width is 1.8 cm, with a length of 20 meters. The set contains 4 rolls. Manufactured by a popular company that produces hundreds of office supplies.
Sold at a price: from 199 rubles.
adhesive tape ErichKrause Invisible
Advantages:
- Not a bad office option;
- Life time;
- Optimal length;
- Bonds paper products well;
- Set contains 4 adhesive tapes.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Masterprof HS.070010
High-quality adhesive tape, which has good technical performance and ensures maximum reliability. The length is 120 meters, which is a good indicator for packaging tape. Product thickness – 40 microns. Due to its transparency, the product can be used for packaging souvenirs or gifts. The product is well suited for home use.
The average cost is 180 rubles.
adhesive tape Masterprof HS.070010
Advantages:
- Full transparency;
- When applied correctly, it does not form air bubbles;
- Suitable for joining cardboard and paper;
- Fixes posters well.
Flaws:
- There are no significant ones.
Special purpose tape
Stationery varieties are good for printing houses and offices, but some areas require the purchase of special models:
- Magnetic tape. An unusual device that will help you easily hold small metal elements on the outer layer. The scope of application is quite wide: from households to jewelry workshops. When purchasing, you should not forget about the brand and try to purchase products from well-known manufacturers, as they guarantee good reliability.
- Mirror options are considered universal. For their manufacture, a foam base is used, the scope of application is the fastening of mirrors or areas for assembling furniture structures.
- Some manufacturers also produce tapes that are designed to test the strength of the bond of dyes. Mainly used as a test tool.
- Heat resistant tape. This option is actively used to provide connections in areas where work is carried out at high or low temperatures. Key design features are flexibility, strength, thermal conductivity, etc.
Mounting
At its core, it is also double-sided tape, but it is distinguished from its analogues by increased mechanical strength and a high adhesion rate during adhesion. With its help, it is possible to discreetly and effectively glue various surfaces with a smooth connection line. Key benefits:
- applicable for quick installation of various products;
- low consumption;
- durable and reliable grip;
- does not require professional skills or special tools.
The dense polymer base can withstand low and high temperatures. The only requirement for installation is cleaning and degreasing the base.
