Question: Masking tape

[Alvin_pad]

I would like to know about masking tape. Is it okay to buy home depot paint tape or do I have to see a tape specialist from like napa or etc...

[Stokdgs]

Alvin_pad -
Welcome to the Forum !

If you are going to be Detailing more for fun, etc., perhaps a few rolls of the masking tape at Home Depot would be ok..
If you buy the Blue colored ones, they will stick better and not leave any residue when removed, but they will cost a lot more..

Another alternative is to find an Auto Paint Shop - Sherwin Williams has a lot of them in WA, and perhaps other places as well.
These guys sell automotive masking tape in all widths..

And for an easier choice, right here on Autopia, they will sell you some really good tape as well..

You are just using the tape to cover places you dont want to get compound, wax, etc., on, so its perhaps less expensive than really good tape designed to prevent paint from getting under it, etc...

I personally use 3/4", 1/4" and 1/8" wide tape for different parts of the vehicles I Detail that require much care that I dont hit the sensitive things with a Rotary buffer pad, etc..
Good luck with your research !
Dan F

[Alvin_pad]

Alvin_pad -
Welcome to the Forum !

If you are going to be Detailing more for fun, etc., perhaps a few rolls of the masking tape at Home Depot would be ok..
If you buy the Blue colored ones, they will stick better and not leave any residue when removed, but they will cost a lot more..

Another alternative is to find an Auto Paint Shop - Sherwin Williams has a lot of them in WA, and perhaps other places as well.
These guys sell automotive masking tape in all widths..

And for an easier choice, right here on Autopia, they will sell you some really good tape as well..

You are just using the tape to cover places you dont want to get compound, wax, etc., on, so its perhaps less expensive than really good tape designed to prevent paint from getting under it, etc...

I personally use 3/4", 1/4" and 1/8" wide tape for different parts of the vehicles I Detail that require much care that I dont hit the sensitive things with a Rotary buffer pad, etc..
Good luck with your research !
Dan F

Thank you for reply... I will order it from here.

[rlmccarty2000]

The Carpro masking tape works really well.

[jrock645]

I like the blue stuff because it`s not nearly as strong. The 3m green stuff is super strong. Unnecessary and makes it hard to remove.

[Stokdgs]

I like the blue stuff because it`s not nearly as strong. The 3m green stuff is super strong. Unnecessary and makes it hard to remove.

Yes, the 3m green tape is Painter`s Tape and needs to be able to hold on through masking, then spraying things and you dont want it lifting during that process..
Dan F

[craigdt]

I`ve found the 3m brand is the best. The HDX or whatever the Home Depot store brand is now doesnt seem to stick very good at all. It`s one of those things that pays to buy the name brand, in my opinion.

[Alvin_pad]

Yeah I already ordered 3m for automotive and will get this week.


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[ShaneB]

You get what you pay for, remember that! Ill never buy cheap masking tape. Stuff is such a pain to use! Leaves adhesive behind, doesn`t come off easily, tears just coming off the roll. ugh...

[Alvin_pad]

You get what you pay for, remember that! Ill never buy cheap masking tape. Stuff is such a pain to use! Leaves adhesive behind, doesn`t come off easily, tears just coming off the roll. ugh...

Agreed!


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[Accumulator]

You get what you pay for, remember that! Ill never buy cheap masking tape. Stuff is such a pain to use! Leaves adhesive behind, doesn`t come off easily, tears just coming off the roll. ugh...

Yeah, I learned that the hard way!

The last time, I bought the yellow 3M stuff and it worked really well for me.

But no matter what you use, don`t leave it on there longer than absolutely necessary lest you end up with issues. I`ve even gone through the hassle/expense of remasking just to be on the safe side when something required me to stop the work for a few days. No, it might not`ve been necessary, but "one bitten..." and all that.

[Mary B]

Alvin_pad -
Welcome to the Forum !

If you are going to be Detailing more for fun, etc., perhaps a few rolls of the masking tape at Home Depot would be ok..
If you buy the Blue colored ones, they will stick better and not leave any residue when removed, but they will cost a lot more..

Another alternative is to find an Auto Paint Shop - Sherwin Williams has a lot of them in WA, and perhaps other places as well.
These guys sell automotive masking tape in all widths..

And for an easier choice, right here on Autopia, they will sell you some really good tape as well..

You are just using the tape to cover places you dont want to get compound, wax, etc., on, so its perhaps less expensive than really good tape designed to prevent paint from getting under it, etc...

I personally use 3/4", 1/4" and 1/8" wide tape for different parts of the vehicles I Detail that require much care that I dont hit the sensitive things with a Rotary buffer pad, etc..
Good luck with your research !
Dan F

Great Info !!

[Mary B]

Yeah, I learned that the hard way!

The last time, I bought the yellow 3M stuff and it worked really well for me.

But no matter what you use, don`t leave it on there longer than absolutely necessary lest you end up with issues. I`ve even gone through the hassle/expense of remasking just to be on the safe side when something required me to stop the work for a few days. No, it might not`ve been necessary, but "one bitten..." and all that.

Left mine on overnight had some residue issues, but then again mighta been the 3 different brands, 2 not 3m. So Thank You!

[RaskyR1]

The CarPro red tape is really good and priced very well too. Another comparable one to the CarPro is the 3M 233+ tape. I also really like the 3M Precision Masking Tape (06529) as it`s thin, smooth, and doesn`t get the adhesive pull like you will with many other tapes when you hit them with a polisher. It`s not the best for curves though and requires some effort to apply on those areas.