i usually just order up "masking tape" and get whatever the supplier sends me. usually its "Tesa" brand. last time, i got a roll of 1/2" 3M, and i can't believe how much BETTER it is than the Tesa. the Tesa sometimes peels off the transfer tape, and doesn't stick at all to the backing sheets. the 3M seems to stick to everything, and i can even use the same piece two or three times.
i'm just curious what brands other people use, and why.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
I use whatever I can get off the shelf at the particular time and place I remember that I need masking tape. I'm not to particular about it, I only use it to position graphics before application or to hold material in place on the light table while I register multilayer vinyl jobs.
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
If I just want to hold something in place...i use 3M masking tape. But ...if it's for masking ...I use the blue painter's "long time" tape...comes off clean and easy and doesn't dry out.
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
I've gotten real fond of that expensive blue painter's masking tape. It comes off the roll cleanly, sticks to what it is supposed to stick to and then removes without leaving any residue.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
I just get whatevers at the paint store. Seems to be Shurtape these days. I always use the tape 3 or 4 times. I got a constant supply of tape stuck to my shelves & all over my install buckets or carts. I had some 3M tape I had paid about $5 a roll for to mask off some fiberglass for ding repair on my surfboard. At that price I avoided that roll for years thinking it was too good to use. I finally used it & it was pretty good stuff, but no better really for stickin down vinyl IMO. I used the blue painters stuff for some wall decoration I was doing on newly painted hotel rooms, but hanging an 8' x 12" piece was too heavy for that stuff to hold. The other tape screwed up a little paint, but having 8 sq. ft. of vinyl coming un-hinged in mid-install could have caused me to screw up a lot more.
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
I like 3M "3 day" tape for paint masking and applying vinyl to banners. I have been using the blue painter's tape for years and with good success on vehicles, aluminum, mounting foam letters etc. But, it leaves residue on banners. I don't know why, but it does. The 3M 3 day tape doesn't.
Posted by Arthur Vanson (Member # 2855) on :
Anyone familiar with drafting tape? Years ago I had a roll of it – looked just the same. At the time I remember thinking it far superior, then forgot all about it, until now.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
By the time you read this, 3M had changed their tan crêpe masking tape to a lime green color. I myself can only use 3M because I use series #233 - #6343 which is now #26343. It is an 1/8 inch tape, which I use for a guide line for pinstriping. The #233 series includes 1/4" to 1" I believe.
When the prices of crêpe tape are too expensive for one to use, its time to re-evaluate your livelihood and stab yourself in the chest with a pair of sizzors. I like a trouble free shop with proven methods.
