Type and Width of Masking Tape You Use?

[BookemDano]

Spring is here, my collection of detailing products is swelling with new stuff, and it`s time to get started using the latest tools and techniques. Our cars have not had much care in the last few years due to house remodeling. One technique I want to use is taping, but I`ve never taped before polishing before. So I need to get some masking tape, but am not sure of the best type and size.

I`ve seen several reviews where 3M (green) or beige masking tape is used. The beige tape could be Meguires or some other brand. Is there any advantage to the green 3M tape over Meguires or standard masking tape?

Aside from the obvious use of wide tape for grills and vent openings, what width do you normally use? Or is it a variety of widths?

Thanks,

Dan.

[C. Charles Hahn]

I have widths from 1/4" to 2" on hand, with a variety ranging from the Meguiar`s tapes to 3M Blue, 3M Green, and 3M Yellow. Which tape I buy largely depends on what`s available and/or on sale when I need more tape.

I also keep a few rolls of the 3M blue fine line plastic tape (1/8") on hand for sharp body lines and to mask around odd shapes easily.

[Van185]

I usually use Meguiar`s tapes to 3M Blue, mainly because those are the tapes that I can find.

[mrclean81]

I love Carborundum tape. I keep a sleeve of 1" and 2" handy at all times.

[Bunky]

I also keep a few rolls of the 3M blue fine line plastic tape (1/8") on hand for sharp body lines and to mask around odd shapes easily.

I have never seen the 1/8-in tape. What places carry it?

[RaskyR1]

I have never seen the 1/8-in tape. What places carry it?

Body shop supply stores.

[RaskyR1]

I have widths from 1/4" to 2" on hand, with a variety ranging from the Meguiar`s tapes to 3M Blue, 3M Green, and 3M Yellow. Which tape I buy largely depends on what`s available and/or on sale when I need more tape.

I also keep a few rolls of the 3M blue fine line plastic tape (1/8") on hand for sharp body lines and to mask around odd shapes easily.

+1


I love Fine line tape!

[Old Pirate]

I have widths from 1/4" to 2" on hand, with a variety ranging from the Meguiar`s tapes to 3M Blue, 3M Green, and 3M Yellow. Which tape I buy largely depends on what`s available and/or on sale when I need more tape.

I also keep a few rolls of the 3M blue fine line plastic tape (1/8") on hand for sharp body lines and to mask around odd shapes easily.

2nd that.....

[Greg Gellas]

I recently ordered a sleeve of 12 rolls of 1/4" 3M 233 tape. By getting the roll of 12 I was able to get the price per roll down to 3.25, compared to a single roll at about 6 bucks depending on where you buy it. So I am just gonna split this 12 pack with a buddy, and save some money

[Bunky]

I recently ordered a sleeve of 12 rolls of 1/4" 3M 233 tape. By getting the roll of 12 I was able to get the price per roll down to 3.25, compared to a single roll at about 6 bucks depending on where you buy it. So I am just gonna split this 12 pack with a buddy, and save some money

You can spend more money on tape than what you spend on the polish for a single stepper.

[BobbyG]

1/2, 3/4, 1", and 2"......

[glfahlc1]

1/4, 1/2, 1` and 2"....

[C. Charles Hahn]

I have never seen the 1/8-in tape. What places carry it?

...

Body shop supply stores.

I get it at my local Finishmaster; it can also be had online. This is the stuff:

3M Vinyl Tape 471+ 06404

[rzatch]

Al it`s basically like the old school pinstripe tape. You can bend it to just about any curve you need. Body shops use it to get very clean lines between colors.

[BookemDano]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the feedback. I decided to go with 3m 233 green in widths from 1/8 to 2" at very good prices. For example, the 1/4" was $2.56 per roll, quantity 1.

Since this is a PBMG forum, I don`t feel comfortable posting a link to the vendor. Please PM me if you`d like the vendor.

Regards,

Dan.