Let’s talk about painter’s tape, or as some call it masking tape, for a moment. It is probably the least exciting part of a painting project but definitely an essential part of any painting job.
Before you start any job make sure you know exactly how to use the tape correctly and get some all-important tape removal tips to avoid ruining a good job. Some painter’s tape does require burnishing and leaving for a period of time to ensure that you don’t get paint bleeding.
The temptation to just start rolling, brushing, or even spraying interior walls without a second thought can be overwhelming. However, painting between the lines is never as easy as it seems.
Unless you have the steadiest hand known to man, you are bound to mess up as we are sure you will know, so you may be wondering what is the best painter’s tape to use, well that depends on the project in hand.
Best Painter’s Tapes For the Perfect Paint Job
Painter tape is essential for making a project look professional and clean, and is an essential part of preparing surfaces for painting. Regardless of your experience level, painter’s tape on walls before you start will keep your lines perfectly straight, and without bleeding or drip marks. Knowing this, picking the right painter’s tape requires some consideration.
This article lists 5 of the best painter’s tape on the market today to help get you the right tape. The list is in no particular order but instead ranks every product by its specific strengths. Each one will serve any DIY painting project well but some are more suited to certain paint jobs than others.
Best Overall: ScotchBlue Multi-Use Painters Tapes
A name that just about every painter is familiar with and is a #1 seller in the U.S and is of course Scotch. This option of painter’s tape has an ideal combination of flexibility, durability, and ease of use.
ScotchBlue Multi-Use can be applied on almost all surfaces indoors and out. It unravels without tearing prematurely and tape removal is easy with no residue or surface damage making it one of the best masking tapes for paint projects such as walls.
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The best way to ensure that you get a neat and bleed free line is once the masking tape is in place is to press the tape down firmly with a smooth edge, such as a putty knife or credit card, and then leave it to set for about 30 -60 minutes.
This is particularly loved for how easy it is to create the borders you need for any given paint job. The design of ScotchBlue’s Multi-Use allows for exact lines without the need to tear off multiple pieces, overstretch or constantly reposition it.
At 1.41 inches wide, it will suit just about any DIY paint jobs around the house, window glass, baseboards and tiles, this multi-surface tape will do them all. It can maintain adhesion for up to 14-days and can work on uneven or lightly textured surfaces putting it on our painters’ tape reviews.
Best Seal: FrogTape 1358463 Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape
FrogTape is the perfect best paint tape option for those who need their paint line to be perfectly sharp and focused, simply apply the making tape and burnish it onto the surface using a blunt flat tool, such as a putty knife or credit card.
FrogTape comes equipped with patented paint block technology that will ensure perfect lines every time. This is accomplished with an integrated polymer that reacts to the water in latex paint by gelling into a micro-barrier that instantly blocks any bleed through.
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Additionally, Frog painter’s tape comes with a reusable durable case to keep it clean and undamaged, so each project remains spotless after application. It is also durable and will adhere to most surfaces including carpeting.
It has up to 21 days of interior clean release and 7 days when exposed to constant sunlight. Please note, where possible try to remove the masking tape while the paint is still wet to ensure you get that perfect finish.
With a finely structured crepe paper backing, this is ideal for when creating specific designs and aesthetics and paint-bleed might be a problem but with this painter’s tape you will have no worries.
For Outdoors: ProTapes Pro Scenic Tapes
When painting work takes you outdoors, you will want to rethink the best masking tape for any home improvement job on the exterior of your house.
Not only do surfaces tend to be rougher and more textured, but just the sunlight will wear down the effectiveness of the painter’s tape. ProTapes is hardy, thick, tough, and at 2 inches wide it is ideal for covering most utility-style projects.
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It is designed to resist harsh UV light from the constant sun as well as high humidity and moisture. ProTapes is thus better able to withstand longer outdoor work that might require more than one or two days to finish. Its weather resistance makes for far less reapplication so if you find yourself working outside then this is the right tape for you.
Despite its durability, ProTapes is still flexible, easy to apply, and clean removal without residue. Moreover, ProTapes is better than a lot prevent bleeds and will even block fingerprints from pressing through and distorting the surface beneath.
For Detail: 3M 2090 ScotchBlue Painters Tapes
Not all painting projects require broad strokes and heavy coats of paint. Especially when working with intricate designs or nuanced surfaces, this is the best painters tape for wood trim, as detail work needs the right tape and a thin painters tape.
If you have a difficult angle or need to go around corners and still maintain clean paint lines then this is one of the best masking tapes for you.
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This 3M painters tape will allow painters to map out intricate patterns and designs as it starts at just 0.25 of on inch. It is ideal for any project that goes beyond just layering color. With this option, painters can get into the finest details without worrying about too much bleeding or residual adhesive material.
Even better, despite its focus on delicate work, it has just the strength as its wider brethren, while remaining easy to apply and has clean removal when finished, it will stick to most smooth and lightly textured surfaces and will resist UV light.
It will remove cleanly within 14 days regardless of sunlight exposure.
For Versatility: XFasten Professional Blue Painters Tapes
XFasten’s selection is the perfect choice for when you’re unsure of how a tape will adhere to a specific surface. XFasten can handle most unique surfaces like porcelain, glass or even a tile floor without issue.
It has such a good combination of delicate adhesion and durability that is not only good as the best tapes for painted walls but the fact that it is even effective for automobile painting is brilliant.
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It has some of the most adhesive material around. Not only will it stick firmly to just about any surface from metal to textured drywall, but it also won’t leave behind any residue. Perhaps more impressive, it can be left for up to 60 days without significant deterioration.
XFasten is perfect for both indoor jobs and rough outdoor work. It is resistant to UV light, humidity, and moisture. Moreover, it effectively blocks out most bleeding and will leave behind sharp, crisp paint lines. This is incredibly easy to apply since it is designed to rip and peel easily without suffering from curling or accidental tears.
Lastly, at 2 inches wide, it is a versatile tape for any projects around the house, but there are different widths and although the pack size is only for one, you can choose a multi-pack if you have a larger project to complete.
For a quick recap, Here are our top 3 painters tapes;
- 94 inch x 60 yard roll
- Medium adhesion
- Patented Paint Block
- Keeps paint out
- Excellent conformability
- Reduced fingertip abrasion
- Resistant to humidity
- Consistent/easy unwind
- Anti-Bleeding Properties
- For delicate surfaces
- Does not curl
- Stays up to 60 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Now you will have an idea of what type of tape is best for you, but just in case you have any doubts below we have answered the questions that we are frequently asked. Happy painting.
Is there a difference between masking tape and painters tape?
There is a difference between masking tape and painters tape, and it is one that can ruin a good paint job. Painters tapes are designed to withstand prolonged use, some having UV protection, and can easily be removed without leaving a residue. They are also less likely to let the paint bleed underneath the tape causing extra work at the end of the paint job.
How long do you wait before removing painter’s tape?
It is best if you wait for the paint to dry before removing the painters tape, preferably for 24 hours. But if you are in a hurry make sure the paint has hardened to avoid pulling away with the tape.
That said there are some that do suggest you remove it immediately so always check the recommendations on the pack.
Can you use masking tape for painting?
You can use masking tape for painting but it can be unreliable at giving clean paint lines, by puckering up when wet and allowing paint to bleed underneath. It also tends to leave a nasty residue that will need to be cleaned off.
Overall Painters Tape Conclusion
Despite being one of the dullest items in a painter’s kit, a solid painter’s tape is a lifesaver.
Good painter’s tape and knowing how to use painting tape correctly can be the difference between a professional, breathtaking finish, and a mess of crooked lines and smears. Every item on this list is highly regarded by DIYers and professionals from all types of painting backgrounds.
Knowing that all you need to do is consider what your projects require and how long they will take. One of these choices will be perfect for you.
