Paper Masking Tapes

It protects parts that must not be painted, plastered or treated, and it peels off without leaving residue if chosen correctly. It is used in building and bodywork to mark out work areas and cover edges, glass and profiles. With the right tape, the paint line comes out clean and precise.

Paper tape is the general choice for everyday masking, with good adhesion on smooth surfaces. PVC tape is designed for building work and more demanding jobs, while washi is a thin paper for delicate or irregular surfaces, leaving few residues. The choice depends on the surface, the length of the job and the environment.

Yes, if the tape stays outdoors or in the sun, a version resistant to UV rays and weather is needed, such as the variants marked UV in the catalogue. Standard tape risks losing adhesion, yellowing or peeling off badly. For outdoor surfaces, always check the product data sheet before choosing.

Remove the tape when the paint is dry but not yet fully hardened, otherwise the film can come away with the tape. Pull it slowly and at a low angle, almost parallel to the surface, so as not to lift the paint. If the tape has been in place for a long time, remove the residue with a product suited to that surface.

The roll of paper with attached tape, such as the 20-metre roll in the catalogue, covers large surfaces in one pass. It is useful for protecting floors, window frames, furniture and whole rooms before painting. For precise edges and details, use a separate tape applied over the paper.

Decorators, painters, body repairers, tile and floor layers, plasterers and window fitters. In bodywork, tapes designed for working on sheet metal are needed, such as the bodyshop masking paper, item no. 4325, in the catalogue. Anyone painting a room, however, often chooses plaster tape and masking paper to protect window frames and floors in a few minutes.

Choose a narrow tape for edges, corners and precise lines, and a wider one to cover surfaces and large areas. On irregular surfaces or those with fine details, a soft tape is best, as it sticks without forcing. The width is stated in the title or the data sheet, so check it before buying a whole batch.

Tape adheres poorly to damp, dusty or greasy surfaces, and to freshly painted surfaces that are not yet dry. Clean and dry the surface before applying the tape, and test a hidden area if the paint is delicate. On porous surfaces the tape may leave more residue than expected.