Until recently masking tape
types, or choices comprised of just a simple role of tan masking tape. The only real choices
were the width and length of the role. Today, that’s all changed. Today you
can find masking tape in tan, gold, blue, purple and even green colors. All
of these different masking tape types represent more than just an
assortment of pretty colors. Instead, they represent different levels of
adhesive strength and thus can serve different types of masking
applications, such as masking over fresh coats of paint, or over wallpaper
coverings.
In general the stronger the
adhesive strength of the masking tape, the better the performance in
achieving crisp cutting lines. However, on the downside, the stronger the
adhesive strength the more difficulty in removing the masking tape and the
higher probability of damaging the masked surface.
Photo By Mark Donovan
Traditional tan masking tape still
serves its purpose for simple paint jobs, where only one tone of paint is being
applied to a surface, and you’re only masking around stained trim and woodwork.
It is also ideal for ensuring really clean cut lines due to its high pressure
adhesive strength.
Unfortunately this high adhesive
strength does not work so well with more contemporary home painting applications
where walls may be two-toned or the trim work painted. Frequently the tan
masking tape pulls off the paint on painted wall or trim surfaces. It can also
pull the print off of wallpaper.
This is particularly apt to happen if
the tape has been left on for too long or has been exposed to sunlight. Sunlight
can influence the masking tape’s adhesives reaction time and create a stronger
bond to the masked surface more quickly.
The newer types of masking tape
on the market today are meant to address the problems of traditional tan
masking tape and to enable more contemporary and complicated painting
applications. They are designed to have less adhesive strength and are
easier to remove. Also, there are different types of masking tapes for
different types of surfaces that need to be masked.
It is important to read the information on the masking
tape packaging to make sure you use the right tape for your home
painting project. Masking tapes are rated by how many days the tape can
be left on a surface. The less the adhesive strength of the masking tape
the longer it can be left on a surface or used on more sensitive
surfaces.
Photo By Mark Donovan
However in most cases the tape should be removed very soon after the area
has been painted.
So the next time you start a home painting project, and need to purchase
some masking tape, take a little extra time and make sure you buy the right
masking tape type for your home painting project.
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