Where do you buy your masking tape?

[murrmac]

I have been getting mine in widths from 1" to 3", from Stax. I am, however, getting sick of how the rolls coagulate into a gummy mess after a few weeks, rendering it impossible to tear off a clean strip.

Can anybody recommend an alternative supplier, online or otherwise, whose masking tape doesn't deteriorate ?

TIA

 

[gregmcateer]

I've tended to get mine at screwfix - mostly due to the convenience and price.
They stock a wide range of sizes and brands. I avoid the real cheapo one, as had similar problems to you, but otherwise seem fine

 

[custard]

I've had instances where I've used masking tape to secure clamping blocks, but when I pulled it off it lifted a few fibres from the workpiece requiring a lot of remedial work. I understand luthiers are very familiar with this problem! Ever since then I've abandoned discount masking tape and only use 3M stuff.

 

[blackrodd]

I've had instances where I've used masking tape to secure clamping blocks, but when I pulled it off it lifted a few fibres from the workpiece requiring a lot of remedial work. I understand luthiers are very familiar with this problem! Ever since then I've abandoned discount masking tape and only use 3M stuff.

As above, 3M is the best but a bit more costly, the cheaper budget stuff I use for fast on, use and off again within a couple of days and not use in the sun when it goes nasty and a real pain.
Regards Rodders

 

[lastminute]

I use blue tape...see it on the tube a lot...its strong and stretchy, great for 'clamping'.

...you can find it online.

 

[petermillard]

I get mine from my local decorators' merchant. Worth noting perhaps, that many basic masking tapes are only intended for less than 24hrs use - after that the adhesive starts to cure and harden. 'Blue' tapes are more UV resistant, and usually come in 7/14/30 day variants, at ascending prices, naturally. Many quality brands to choose from, and many, many variants e.g. have a look at the range available at e.g. http://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk

HTH Pete

 

[Cordy]

Wilkinsons is popular for masking tape on the Scroll-saw thread

Although for 'special care' jobs I use the superior, more expensive Blue Decorator's tape bought fro the Bay

 

[Mike Vastano]

Frog Tape Green and expensive but does the Job

 

[RobinBHM]

Ive been using this tape from toolstation recently. It comes off cleanly and leaves a crisp paint line.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p85936? ... atgBUSJACn

 

[wallace]

For paint masking I really like the yellow frog tape, you get no bleed under and it comes off without bringing paint with it. even freshly painted items. It is expensive though

 

[Woody2Shoes]

I agree that cheap tape can be a false economy. Sometimes the 3M stuff is available at LIDL/ALDI at very good prices, but obviously you need to be in the right place at the right time! Cheers, W2S

 

[murrmac]

Thanks for all replies ... 3M it will be.

It's not so much the behaviour on the workpiece that concerns me so much as the fact that after a few weeks, with the cheap stuff from Stax, (particularly the 3" widths) it becomes impossible to peel a strip off a roll.

 

[AES]

+1 for 3M tape, or (available here, not sure about UK) TESA brand is pretty good too. The blue stuff (when I can find it here) - never heard of/seen the green or yellow stuff here.

Cheapo tapes are definitely a false economy.

1 further point. Though I'm in a cellar I have one chest high window which gets direct sunlight in the mornings. Without thinking I rigged up a holder (long length of scrap plastic pipe) just under that window. A few weeks later, ALL tape was unusable! NOT a good idea.

It now all lives in a cupboard.

AES

 

[markblue777]

I have been getting mine in widths from 1" to 3", from Stax. I am, however, getting sick of how the rolls coagulate into a gummy mess after a few weeks, rendering it impossible to tear off a clean strip.

Can anybody recommend an alternative supplier, online or otherwise, whose masking tape doesn't deteriorate ?

TIA

Put it in a microwave for 5 seconds and it should sort the adhesive out

 

[custard]

For paint masking I really like the yellow frog tape, you get no bleed under and it comes off without bringing paint with it. even freshly painted items. It is expensive though

What a pleasure it must be to work wood with something as magnificent as that!

 

[BillK]

3M blue tape is my favourite paper tape, it survives solvents and paint fairly well (I spray guitars, bikes & cars), and has a decent edge.

If masking tape it goes hard and doesn't want to peel give it a waft with a hot-air gun or a hairdryer, it softens right up.

 

[Matt@]

I've bought sundries from Mylands for over 20 yrs and they have only have ever sold 3m - nothing worse than a cheapo masking tape hence 3m is the one to buy. Be aware, masking tape even 3m does not have a hugely long shelf life...