Alvin_pad
New member
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...
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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
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.
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...
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 -
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
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.