Masking Tapes

Masking tapes are used for temporarily shielding areas that you want to protect during a variety of preparation or finishing processes. Masking tapes use a lower strength adhesive on the tape face allowing you to remove the tape after use with minimal effort whilst leaving no tape residue on the surface. What kind of masking tape do I need?Tapes come in a range of materials from most commonly used paper backing to polyester, PVC and even aluminium foil. The variety in masking material will provide different protection depending on the work or process being carried out. Along with a choice in tape backing material, a range of adhesive materials such as acrylic, rubber and silicone are available to suit each masking application. Available in different colours, widths and lengths, masking tapes can be used during painting both with a brush or roller as well as spray painting. Tapes can also be used while preparing a piece for painting or coating and is easy to tear, apply and remove.Masking tape’s adhesive determines where the tape is best applied:• Rubber-based adhesive material generally delivers the best adhesion but has the lowest temperature resistance.• Acrylic-based adhesive material can be used at a wide temperature range.• Silicone-based adhesive material can be used at the highest temperature range.Speciality tapesThere is a range of speciality masking tapes suitable for more specific applications. These tapes usually boast particular qualities that enable them to work in more extreme environments. Heat resistant foil masking tapes can be suitable for use in hot zones as well as being used in conjunction with a flame. Other higher strength tapes use stronger, thicker backing material that can be subjected to abrasives such as sandblasting.