Masking tape is a special paper-based tape treated with glue with a special rubber composition. Thanks to these properties, there is practically no glue left from the surface after removal. The scope of its application is quite wide.
Adhesive crepe is collected in rolls from 10 to 70 meters long in various colors. Photos of masking tape from the catalog will help you understand the main models and varieties.
Varieties
The painting product is divided into types according to the basis for production from:
- paper;
- polyethylene foam;
- fabrics;
- aluminum;
- bitumen
Based on the number of sticky sides, crepe is divided into:
- unilateral;
- double-sided
Properties of paper tape
Paper tape is different:
- Extreme adhesion (stickiness).
- Increased tensile strength.
- Work at temperatures from -10 to +120⁰ Celsius.
- Resistance in conditions of high humidity.
- Withstand sub-zero temperatures.
- Compatible with various types of paints and varnishes.
- Easy to remove.
- High degree of elasticity.
Heat Resistant Masking Tape
Heat-resistant crepe is used for painting work on cars. It remains sticky even when exposed to high temperatures reaching up to 120 degrees. Wide adhesive tape with heat-resistant properties does not leave traces of glue on the painted surface after removal.
The tape with an aluminum base, coated with adhesive with an acrylic composition, has the highest heat resistance.
Technical characteristics of masking tape (crepe)
Technical characteristics of masking adhesive tape
To evaluate the properties of adhesive tape, the following characteristics are used:
- quality of adhesion (level of stickiness) or stickability;
- level of edge tear and tensile strength;
- temperature resistance;
- moisture resistance;
- For painting work, the ability to leave no traces after removal is of particular importance. Some manufacturers guarantee that there will be no contamination after removing the masking tape 14 days or more after application.
In the vast expanses of the former USSR, standardization parameters and technical conditions for paper-based adhesive tapes were enshrined in GOST 18251-87. According to GOST, adhesive tape is used for gluing veneer and plywood and banding. It should be noted that we are talking about adhesive tapes, which must be wetted before gluing.
Creppe with two sides
Tape with two sides is used in construction work, because it is fixed even on uneven and rough wooden and metal surfaces. The construction version of adhesive tape is divided into 3 types:
- PP – with a propylene base, impregnated with a mixture of 2 types of glue.
- PVC is a fabric product with the addition of fiberglass.
- Mirror, replacing elements for fastening.
How is crepe used?
Masking tape is most often used to protect the unpainted layer from paint products, or to create a clear demarcation of zones when painting. However, there are many other functions that masking tape serves.
Areas of application:
- when cutting wood, to avoid chipping, cover the cut area with masking tape and saw along it;
- to prevent paint from collecting in the grooves of the cans, they are sealed with tape;
- in the production of stickers for household use;
- for book restoration;
- when making paper patterns;
- for fastening holiday garlands;
- the sticky side perfectly collects lint and pet hair from the fabric;
- masking tape serves as a kind of limiter when drilling holes - it stops the drill or hammer drill and prevents it from moving deeper into the surface to avoid damage;
- to hold the edge of the tape measure over an area several meters long;
- for marking on glass, tiles, walls, preserving wallpaper and decorative painting of nearby surfaces;
- delays sliding when drilling holes on slippery mirrors, glass, tiles;
- collects shards of broken glass or mirror;
- when installing various equipment at height, bolts, nuts or plugs can be secured with adhesive tape for convenient operation;
- when installing the door, the reinforcement, glued with overlaps on the sides, protects the door leaf and frame from damage and construction foam;
- double-sided tape is used instead of glue;
- for insulation of wooden windows;
- to protect glass, plastic and metal surfaces from scratches;
- when transporting furniture.
How to apply masking tape without special tools
To apply tape quickly and accurately without using special tools, stick a few centimeters of tape to the baseboard and unwind it about 15 cm. Pressing the roll of tape tightly against the wall, turn it down to stick a piece of tape and repeat the operation. It takes a little practice, but once you master this technique, you will gain significantly in speed and accuracy.
This was the first part of the material about useful tips that will help you use masking tape in paintwork most effectively, saving time, effort and money. Stay tuned to our website so you don't miss the second part!
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