Masking Tape

[CBQ Fan]

What brands are you using?  I want to mask some structures for spray painting.

[peteski]

For precision masking: Tamiya Tape.
For other tasks: Scotch brand Blue Painter's Tape.
For unusual masking jobs I use liquid masks (various brands).

Sometimes combinations of those 3 mediums.

I found out that Tamiya tape is just Japanese "Washi tape", that seems to now be available in USA. I got some Washi tape in my local Ace Hardware store.  Washi tape is more expensive than any standard masking tapes, but less expensive than Tamiya tape.

[Bob]

Same as Peteski - I use Tamiya tape for small, precise jobs and regular blue tape for larger less precise jobs.  Thanks Peteski about the fact that Tamiya = Washi, and that this is available in at least some hardware stores.  Bob

[CBQ Fan]

I have been eying the Tamiya tape.  I am going to order some and try it out.

[CRL]

For precision masking: Tamiya Tape.
For other tasks: Scotch brand Blue Painter's Tape.
For unusual masking jobs I use liquid masks (various brands).

Sometimes combinations of those 3 mediums.

I found out that Tamiya tape is just Japanese "Washi tape", that seems to now be available in USA. I got some Washi tape in my local Ace Hardware store.  Washi tape is more expensive than any standard masking tapes, but less expensive than Tamiya tape.

I’m guessing that most specialty model related supplies are just relabeled & repriced products from other high volume industries.

[wazzou]

I like the Tamiya Tape because it is transparent enough that you can  somewhat see beneath it, it snugs down really well over details with very little burnishing required and it is quite flexible for curves if necessary, particularly the narrower widths.
Like all tape though, I'll most of the time cut a straight edge with a knife if a super straight line is important.

[Hatchet]

I was in my local Michael’s looking for another item and found a ton of Washi tape in the scrapbook section. Haven’t looked for it at Ace Hardware yet but at least it’s an alternative source.

Mark

[peteski]

Not surprised to find Washi tape at Michael's scrapbooking section. It has pretty color pictures printed on it.  Even the stuff at Ace hardware is not plain. I found it in the section where regular masking tape is sold.  But yes, it seems that Washi tape is sold as craft product, not just masking tape.

For full disclosure I want to mention that it was actually Mark Watson here who introduced me to Washi tape, and the fact that it is just like the Tamiya tape. He mentioned looking for it on eBay - I just accidentally ran into it at Ace Hardware.

[kondor]

For precision masking: Tamiya Tape.
For other tasks: Scotch brand Blue Painter's Tape.
For unusual masking jobs I use liquid masks (various brands).

Sometimes combinations of those 3 mediums.

+1, same technique all around.
if you need less aggressive adhesion on your masking tape of choice, don't be afraid to stick it then remove it from your workbench a couple of times before applying to your workpiece.

[peteski]

+1, same technique all around.
if you need less aggressive adhesion on your masking tape of choice, don't be afraid to stick it then remove it from your workbench a couple of times before applying to your workpiece.

Good point!  Or, stick it and remove if from your forehead. Yes, you read it correctly.  The oils in your skin will make the adhesive less aggressive.

[Rivet Miscounter]

Good point!  Or, stick it and remove if from your forehead. Yes, you read it correctly.  The oils in your skin will make the adhesive less aggressive.

New banner in 3...2....1....   

[wazzou]

+1, same technique all around.
if you need less aggressive adhesion on your masking tape of choice, don't be afraid to stick it then remove it from your workbench a couple of times before applying to your workpiece.

The only reason I wouldn't agree this is a good idea is the risk of small hair, dust or any other crap on your bench sticking to the tape and ruining a paint job.
Tamiya tape doesn't have a very aggressive adhesive to begin with.

[Wutter]

For normal masking tape has pretty high tack usually (which I use to fill in the big areas after using Tamiya tape to do sharp edge lines); I have a piece of glass that I scrape clean with a razor blade right before I use it and then apply the tape to the glass to cut my lines before pulling it up and using it. Its also a good clean surface to do thin line cutting or other shapes before applying.

[perezbill]

For painting I have used the blue painters tape from Scotch. One thing I always do is after masking is to repaint the same color I masked off so it seals the tape and the next color won't bleed underneath the tape.

[craigolio1]

I’ve had good success using Frog Tape. It works almost as well as Tamiya and much better than blue painters tape.  It works very well for precision making. I cut it on glass with a straight edge to make thin strips of any size.

Craig