How To Use Masking Tape: The Different Types And Best Application Practices

Preparation is a key element in ensuring a professional finish, in particular when it comes to masking up to protect carpets, windows and other substrates. With so many masking tapes available from Brewers, it can be difficult to know which tape suits which surface and situation, so we are here to help!

Interior Or Exterior Use

Weather-resistant adhesive tapes are required for use outdoors. They must be stable to UV radiation and moisture so that no adhesive residues are left and the tape does not keep tearing when it is removed.

Type Of Substrate

A range of issues need to be taken into account here:

Material (wood, metal etc.) and if it’s smooth, rough or textured: The rougher a substrate, the stronger/thicker the layer of adhesive compound needs to be.

Awkward Shapes

Take note of any unusual edges that may need to be masked off when assessing your job as there are specialist tapes available to handle curves.

Strength

The strength of the substrate needs to be greater than the adhesive strength of the adhesive tape so that no damage is caused when the tape is removed.

Applying Masking Tape

Adhesive tapes should only be applied at temperatures between 5 and 40 °C. At lower temperatures, adhesion on application drops significantly.

High temperatures can easily cause adhesive tapes to sustain damage (breakdown of the adhesive, resulting in a tendency to leave residues when tape is removed).

Time of usage is an important point when selecting a product as virtually all tapes’ adhesion strength will increase over time. Ideally you should remove adhesive tapes immediately while the paint is touch-dry, but before it is fully cured.

Normal painting work does not put adhesive tapes under much mechanical strain, but work involving filler or plaster will.  This type of work demands products which, unlike paper adhesive tapes, do not immediately give up on contact with a trowel, mortar and lots of water.

Correct storage of tape maintains quality, the rate adhesive tapes age is influenced by temperature, as well as storage time.

Removing Masking Tape

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