maskingtape is one of the essential tools for any home improvement or DIY job. It is used to hold pieces of wood together, to hold wallpaper in place and it is often used as a barrier between surfaces that you don’t want painted.
-How To Use Masking Tape
Intended Purpose (what are you using it for)
Masking tape can be found in hardware stores and supermarkets. It is very cheap – usually only pennies per roll – but there are some things to look out for if you want to make sure you’re getting the best value masking tape:
-Preparation (how good/ready will it be when you get it)
When masking off areas where paint might be splashed, use masking tape to cover up door hinges and light switches.
In some cases masking tape can be used as a permanent solution – fixing broken tiles, for example – but don’t expect it to last long-term. In some cases it may be better simply to replace the broken tile.
More recently green alternatives have been introduced onto the market that allow carpenters and home renovators to work ‘sustainably’. These use water-based adhesives instead of the usual solvent type, making them kinder on the environment, even if they are a little more expensive than regular masking tape.
-Application (how easy will it be to do)
In order to get a good result from your masking tape you will need to be methodical and thorough. First, choose a piece of masking tape that is the right length (and width) for the job and tear it off.
Now place it sticky side up at one end of where you want to cover and pull back an inch or two before sticking down: this will allow you to press it down firmly without trapping any bubbles underneath.
Finally, rub along the entire strip with your palm (or something blunt like a credit card) to make sure it’s stuck fast – or else there may be gaps in your paintwork afterwards.
Avoid using masking tape outside in windy conditions as this can cause rips and tears, but if there’s no choice then put a few pieces together and fold the corners over to provide extra protection.
For a really straight edge, use a ruler or other flat-edged tool as a guide.
-Speed (will it be done quickly)
Masking tape is quick and simple to use – less time-consuming than solutions like painter’s tape – but the results are not quite as good. The temptation with masking tape is to leave it in place for too long, however, which can lead to paint seeping under the edges. With any DIY job where there’s painting involved, don’t underestimate how much work will go into cleaning up afterwards!
-Ease of Removal (how easy will it be to take off)
One definite upside about masking tapes is that they can be removed and reused. Just make sure they haven’t been stuck down for too long before you try to remove them, or else the tape may rip and leave some behind.
If you’re worried about leaving masking tape on for too long and it tearing, consider putting a piece of cardboard underneath – that way if it does start to tear then at least the damage will only be limited to your paintwork!
-Strength (will it hold)
Masking tapes come in varying strengths according to their application: green alternatives are stronger than regular versions but less stretchy. The best solution is still simply using masking tape in conjunction with painter’s tape, which provides an extra strong barrier against any paint seepage or splashes.