Painter’s tape VS Masking tape: what is the difference? (2024)

To a non-expert eye,painter’s tape and masking tape might look just the same. They both have a crepe paper backing, that’s true, but they have a few characteristics that make themconsistently differentfrom one another.

Let’s see here thedifferences between painter’s tape and masking tape:

  • Painter’s tape vs Masking tape
  • Can you use masking tape for painting?
  • A brief recap
  • PPM’s range of Masking tapes
  • PPM’s range of Painter’s masking tapes

Masking tapeis your idealgo-to tapefor any house orDIY application. Everyone should always have at least one roll in their junk drawer because you just never know when you’re going to need it. It especially comes in handy forquick fixes and craft projects: it’s easy to tear, easy to peel off, and leaves no residue.

Painter’s tape VS Masking tape: what is the difference? (1)


However, when it comes to an actual painting job, regular masking tape may not be the ideal choice. Why use a generic masking tape when you can get apainter’s tapethat is exclusively designed to ensureclean lines and no spills? No reason at all.

Painter’s tape VS Masking tape

Painter’s tape and masking tape have very much in common, in terms of appearance and feel; however, there are3 main characteristicsthat consistentlydifferentiate themfrom one another:

  1. Applicability: they are born for different purposes. Masking tape is perfect for general impromptu applications and uses around the house at steady temperatures; painter’s tape is specifically made for painting jobs, indoor and outdoor.
  2. Impact: masking tape can be used for painting, but it needs to be removed in a matter of hours; while painter’s tape can be left on for a long time and still leave no residues when removed.
  3. Functional integrity: water-based paint can cause masking tape to collapse or crumble, letting paint drip on the surface below. Oil-based paint can degrade masking tape more quickly, seeping through the surface. Painter’s tape never collapses nor crumbles whenever the paint is applied.

Painter’s tape VS Masking tape: what is the difference? (2)


Can you use masking tape for painting?

When it comes to an actual painting job, regular masking tape may not be the ideal choice. Why use a generic masking tape when you can get apainter’s tapethat is exclusively designed to ensureclean lines and no spills? No reason at all.

Of course, masking tape isextremely versatile and can be used for many purposes, like painting and renovation. And it works great. But painter’s tape isspecifically conceived as a professional and effective product, and it perfectly suits everybody’s needs to paint and renovate.Improved temperature resistance, reliable stickiness, and easy tearingare only a few of its innovative characteristics. PPM offers a wide range of painter’s tapes for any use and application, whether you are a professional or enjoy DIY.

To answer your question: yes, you could use masking tape for painting, but it’s not ideal. Painter’s tape is a specific product for painting and renovation, and it makes it a lot easier. So, why be generic when you can be specific?

Let's recap the difference between painter's and masking tapes

Did you get why painter's tape and masking tape are two different adhesives? Let's briefly sum up why:

  • painter's tape is a type of masking tape that is expressly made for painting applications. Masking tape can work for painting too, but it might not be as performing as the painter's
  • masking tape is more suitable for general applications – both industrial and DIY – at steady temperatures and for a limited amount of time
  • painter's tape can effectively work for a longer period of time without leaving any residues on the surface
  • unlikely masking tape, painter's tape can resist both water and oil-based paints without detaching from the surface or letting the paint seep through
  • painter's tape is versatile, resistant to high temperatures, and easy to remove. It also offers great strength and adhesion power

Painter’s tape VS Masking tape: what is the difference? (3)


PPM’s range of Masking tapes

If you need alight task, generic purposetape, PPM has a range of4 different masking tapes, with different adhesive strengths, perfect for all sorts of applications:

  • 6009 Entry Level Masking Tape: with a thinner paper backing and an excellent quality-price ratio, this tape is ideal for basic indoor applications at steady temperatures.
  • 6010 General Use Masking Tape: this tape is practical and versatile, ideal for both professionaland DIY applications, and it’s recommended for general indoor use at steady temperatures.

PPM is the leading masking tape supplier worldwide, and the products we provide are perfect both for professionals and DIYers when it comes to quick fixes and craft projects.

PPM’s range of Painter’s Masking tapes

On the other hand, if you need a specific tape for a painting job, PPM has over10 different kinds of painter’s tape, for indoor and outdoor applications. Let’s look at a few of them:

  • 2031 Painter’s Low Tack Masking Tape: this tape is specifically engineered to mask delicate and critical surfaces without damage during the removal phase.
  • 5020 Painter’s Low Tack Fine Line Masking Tape: as a fine line tape with a washi paper backing, it ensures extremely smooth, clean, and sharp paint edges while protecting every delicate surface.
  • 5210 Painter’s Blue Outdoor Masking Tape: this high-performance tape is designed to withstand moisture, UV rays, and high and low temperatures for up to 30 days.

These are our most effective types of painter’s masking tape, but we can provide you with many other types to suit your painting and renovation needs. You can also create your specific and unique painter’s tape through our private label. PPM is the best supplier for professional and DYI painter’s tapes, and there is no surface that we can’t effectively cover.

As you can see, general use masking tape and painter’s tape arevery much alikebut are definitelynot the same.

If you want to explore all of PPM’s painter’s and masking tapes, contact us! We’ll gladly show you which one is the right one for you.

Contact us

Painter’s tape VS Masking tape: what is the difference? (2024)

FAQs

Painter’s tape VS Masking tape: what is the difference? ›

Yes. The difference between painter's tape and masking

masking
In art, craft, and engineering, masking is the use of materials to protect areas from change, or to focus change on other areas.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Masking_(art)
tape lies primarily in the adhesive. Masking tape is designed to be extra sticky and not come off, while painter's tape is designed to have a low tack that makes it easier to remove after painting and less likely to leave residue.

What is the difference between painters tape and masking tape? ›

The difference between masking tape and painter's tape

The most significant difference between masking and painter's tapes is that painter's tapes have a clean removal after the job is done, while masking tapes tend to leave residue behind if left up for the duration of a paint project.

What is the best tape to use when painting? ›

For perfect razor sharp paint edges, the best choice is Q1® Precision Line masking tape: an ultra-thin painters tape that sticks perfectly and assures a perfect adhesion. Once removed, it leaves no residues. Use this kind of tape to obtain extremely precise and sharp, straight lines.

Is there something better than painters tape? ›

Blue Frog Tape Pro Grade has the highest tack of any Frog Tape on the market. This tape is ideal for hard to stick to surfaces such as metal and glass. Blue Frog Tape is also great for masking walls and trim that are fully cured, as well as any other place one might consider using a different type of tape.

Why do professional painters not use tape? ›

Lastly, professional painters know that painter's tape does not always work in certain painting situations. For example, it is really difficult to use this product on bumpy or uneven surfaces. This many times defeats the purpose of the straight line of the product.

Can I substitute masking tape for painters tape? ›

Impact: masking tape can be used for painting, but it needs to be removed in a matter of hours; while painter's tape can be left on for a long time and still leave no residues when removed. Functional integrity: water-based paint can cause masking tape to collapse or crumble, letting paint drip on the surface below.

What is the best kind of painters tape to use? ›

Green Painter's Tape for Extra Protection

This product also works best for wall stripping and creating designs that require sharp lines. Although you can use blue painter's tape to cover interior trim for wall painting, you would be hard-pressed to find a better tool than green tape to minimize possible bleeding.

Is there a trick to using painters tape? ›

Run your fingers or a putty knife back and forth over the edge of the tape. This trick will make you obtain sharper paint lines and avoid paint bleeding under the tape.

Is blue or green painters tape better? ›

Blue painter's tape is medium-tack, making it highly versatile. Sometimes, you'll encounter rough and uneven surfaces that rise above what blue tape can handle. Green painter's tape provides a high-tack solution tailored for uneven surfaces, rugged edges and outdoor areas.

What is special about painters tape? ›

Painter's tape can be applied to practically any surface like windows, ceilings, walls, and wood furniture. It is easily removed without splintering, so you don't have pieces of tape stuck to the surface. It also won't peel off while you're painting.

Can I use vaseline instead of painters tape? ›

Vaseline to metal surfaces that you don't want paint. on? Vaseline can act like masking tape for metal. surfaces #paint #exteriordesign #interiordecor.

Why is painters tape so expensive? ›

Because of its special design and residue-free results, painter's tape costs more than your average roll of sticky tape. That's because it offers premium properties and desirability for contractors and painters.

Do professional painters use masking tape? ›

Ultimately, all painter's tapes are masking tapes, but not all masking tapes are painter's tapes. Professional painters should also use a tape that is made specifically with painting in mind, while a general-purpose masking tape may be sufficient for some hobbyists and DIYers doing smaller projects.

Why is painters tape peeling off old paint? ›

An uneven surface could be the reason your painter's tape is peeling off paint. If there is debris, holes or bumps on your surface, the tape will not be able to adhere. Any gaps will create space for the paint to fill, which, when dry, will pull up along with the tape.

Is painters tape as strong as masking tape? ›

It contains a water repellent surface so as not to crinkle and ruin the quality of the line edge when a painter is using water-based paint. Since the adhesive isn't as strong or sticky as it is on regular masking tape, painter's tape peels off residue-free and doesn't take any extra paint with it.

Why does painters tape always bleed? ›

Painter's tapes will not adhere well to a dirty surface. For this reason, nothing must separate what you're going to paint and the tape. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust or any kind of dirt you may find and make it dry completely (use a dry cloth, if needed).

What is the difference between blue and green painters tape? ›

Blue painter's tape is medium-tack, making it highly versatile. Sometimes, you'll encounter rough and uneven surfaces that rise above what blue tape can handle. Green painter's tape provides a high-tack solution tailored for uneven surfaces, rugged edges and outdoor areas.

Does painters tape remove paint? ›

As crazy as it may seem, no one ever tells you what to do after you're done painting: how long to leave painter's tape on after painting? If you peel it too soon, you risk the paint dripping where it shouldn't; if you leave it on too long, you risk chipping away some of the paint when you take it off.

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