Is Painters Tape Needed for Prep?

November 1, 2020

Home DIYers again and again ask the paint specialists’ at Malone Home Center… “Should you apply tape before painting?” The straightforward answer is Yep!” Even though the prep work before you paint is not the most awesome component of the paint job, it is the vital if you would like an effortless clean up and a good-looking final paint project.

Depending on the surface you are painting; preparing the area will change, depending on if there is old paint or if it is a new clean surface.
You fundamentally want the surfaces to be clean and smooth.
Sometimes you may have to fill in holes or cracks with a patching plaster.
Next, you will have to sand down any rough spots and wipe clean to remove any of the dust particles.
If you haven’t already taken off the hardware such as light switch plates, or handles, you will need to do that step first.
Then use painter’s tape to guard these places from the paint splatters that the roller may make or from brush painting.

There are countless types of painter’s tape that you can use for the job. So, what kind or brand of painter’s tape is the favorite choice? There is the traditional manilla masking tape that folks have used for a long time and you might still use if you have some. Lately, brands have fabricated different sorts of painter’s tape that is specifically created for painting interior/exterior, and for different varieties of surfaces.

Traditional manilla tape leaves a sticky film if it isn’t taken off dang near right after you paint, within a couple of hours. Also, because of its high adhesion it can frequently peel off or chip some of the surface being protected. And, if the manilla masking tape stays in continuous sunlight, particularly on windows, a chemical change happens in the glue, making it a little more difficult to get off. You will want to try to finish the job as quickly as possible, but if you end up having problems removing the tape, try some mineral spirits to help. But instead of forming more work for yourself, use an actual branded painter’s tape if you plan to leave your tape up for a extensive period of time, and for the easiest removal. Painter’s tape has a light-adhesive for easy removal and no left-behind glue residue.

Which branded color tape should you use? Blue painter’s tape was first patented by 3M in the early 1990’s. 3M’s reasoning was to make the tape stick out from other manufacturers. Today painter’s tape is accessible in an array of colors. While the color has nothing to do with the performance it does, add to single out the diverse adhesives and purpose of the tapes. Blue, green, and sometimes yellow, the colors will largely vary by brand or type. Branded painter’s tape will have the lighter adhesives, and will make it much easier to peel and less likely to chip or damage surfaces. The painter’s tape paper also has a tougher finish, to help keep the paint from going through to the surface area.

Branded tape is easy to apply, it can save on cleanup, and has a smoother removal.
Painter’s tape will quickly protect all of the items in the area such as light switches, trim, windows, doorknobs, and more.
Your edges and lines will be crisper and your paint project will look like an actual professional finished it.

So…what color tape will you use? Blue or green, it doesn’t matter! They’re all kinda alike – but go with a manufacturer tape that you trust.

Have questions? Just ask. You can also call the paint pros at Malone Home Center in Greenville for all your paint supplies; rollers, tape, drop cloths, brushes, and the top-brand paint you need for indoor and outdoor applications.

Back To Project Blog