Masking Tape

General Information: Masking tape is an adhesive tape that has many general purpose uses, but it can also be highly engineered to perform specific masking functions.

General purpose masking tape is most often used:
• in light duty bundling
• to hold items in place
• for flagging and marking

Such masking tape consists of a crepe paper backing and a rubber based adhesive system. The thickness and strength of the paper may vary, and the adhesive may have different properties as well. So, there are many types and grades of “general purpose” masking tape.
Invention: Masking tape was invented in 1925 when 3M employee Richard Drew observed auto-body workers growing frustrated when they removed butcher paper they had taped to cars that were being painting. The strong adhesive peeled off some of the paint they had just applied. Drew recognized the need for masking tape with a less aggressive adhesive system.

Applications: As a result of Drew’s realization, masking tape is now used extensively in painting applications.

• High temperature masking tapes provide excellent bonding to surfaces during paint application with oven drying requirements in excess of 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Some paint applications require such high temperature resistance that the backing of the masking tape may in fact be polyimide film, not paper.

• Lower temperature masking tapes have crepe paper backing and are used for masking applications in the transportation industry and for protection against spray painting. These masking tape products are highly conformable to irregular surfaces; the adhesive removes cleanly; and they provide straight paint lines, avoiding fuzziness or bleeding. Masking tapes used for painting homes are rated by how long they can stay up without leaving a residue when removed. These tapes are typically blue; and the longer they stay up, the less adhesive they have.

• High performance masking tapes have technically engineered adhesives and may have backings designed for outdoor use. Some masking tapes have polyethylene backing with ultraviolet inhibitors. Surface protection films are essentially masking tapes because they mask and protect glass and painted surfaces during transport, assembly or manufacturing. Low, medium and high tack adhesive systems are required depending on the application.

Important Note: Masking tape is often confused with drafting tape, but they certainly have distinct uses. Drafting tape looks similar to ordinary household masking tape, but has a lower tack. It is intended to hold blueprints or onion paper to a drawing board or table, and it should peel off easily without damaging the drawings.

Can-Do National Tape will help you select the appropriate masking tape for your application. We can also slit to your custom width or die cut shapes to your specification.

877-239-0123