Masking tape is one of the most versatile tapes on the market. It comes with so many characteristics and different uses.
You can use it at home or the office for different applications.
Different types of masking tape available for a range of applications.
If you have been using masking tape, one question might be grappling into your mind,
Is masking tape waterproof?
Then I would say, both- ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
Some types of masking tapes are waterproof but some are not.
Here we will get to know more about masking tape and its waterproof properties so that you will take the advantage of this tape in your everyday life.
What is Masking Tape?
Masking tape is a common type of tape available in a various type, including a variety of widths and colors options apt for different uses and applications.
It is a pressure-sensitive tape made with thin and easy to tear the paper.
The masking tape has easily released pressure-sensitive adhesive which is an important characteristic of masking tape.
It allows for the tape to remove easily without damaging the surface and leaving the residue back where it is applied.
It is commonly used in painting to create straight lines and mask off areas that should not be painted.
The masking tape is available in different adhesive strengths which are rated on a 1–100 scale grounded on the strength of the adhesive.
Most painting applications require a tape in the 50 range.
Masking tape for household purposes is made of lower-grade adhesive and weaker paper.
What is Masking Tape Made of?
Masking tape protects the area properly for application to painting or coating the surface and also used for a variety of applications.
Let’s get to know here how masking tapes are made.
The masking tape is made of three layers i.e. backing, adhesive, and release coat.
The backing is typically made from a saturated crepe paper.
Crepe paper is popular for its stretching ability and allows the tape to bend.
Saturation helps increase the paper’s physical properties.
There are two types of paper used for making tape- smooth crepe or coarse crepe paper.
Smooth crepe is used for high-performance tape. It helps to leave a clean paint line and offers no bleed through.
Coarse crepe paper comes with a rough finish. It is used for a general purpose where a clear line is not required.
There are two types of adhesive used for producing masking tape- acrylic and rubber.
Acrylic adhesive is water-based or solvent-based. It uses synthesized polymers to create an adhesive structure.
Acrylics have durability, medium initial adhesion, temperature resistance, solvent resistance, and UV resistance.
Rubber adhesives can involve natural or synthetic rubber.
Natural rubber adhesives are commonly used for general purpose applications.
Synthetic rubber adhesives are produced by mixing synthetic compounds with rubber.
Rubber adhesives come with medium-high initial adhesion, UV resistance, temperature resistance.
The third layer is the release coat. The release coat decides the unwind properties of the tape.
It means the release coat allows the tape to come off the roll easily and not stick to itself.
Now get to know how it is produced?
Primarily, the large sheet which is generally wider than the finished product is coated with adhesive.
They use nearly thousands of pounds of pressure to laminate adhesive at the backing.
Then the large sheets of backing paper passed through a roller.
When adhesive get dried. It is processed through a slitting machine. Then cut the tape into desired widths.
Lastly, final masking tape is wound on paper or plastic hubs and it is packed properly.
Types of Masking Tape
There are three main types of masking tapes based on a thin layer of adhesive material used while producing it.
Rubber-Based Masking Tape
This type of masking tape is used for various general applications.
It comes with strong adhesive properties. Rubber-based tapes generally provide the greatest adhesion.
This rubber-based adhesive has a lower temperature resistance compared to other masking tape types.
Silicone-Based Masking Tape
Silicone-based masking tape is works perfect for extreme temperatures.
This tape allows for the best level of temperature resistance.
Silicone masking tape is heat, shrink, and abrasion-resistant. It can be used in various applications such as powder coating, flash breaker, and bag sealing applications, etc.
The backing material of this tape is not crepe or flammable.
Its silicone adhesive can resist temperatures up to as high as 260°C.
Acrylic-Based Masking Tape
Acrylic-based masking tape is used in extreme temperature conditions. It holds strong even in more challenging environments.
This masking tape is Versatile and adaptable.
This tape able to perform efficiently under fluctuating temperatures from sub-freezing up to about 150° Celsius.
Acrylic based masking tapes removed cleanly on surfaces when applied to metal, plastic, and LCD.
Masking Tape vs Painters Tape
I know most of you confused between the masking tape and painter’s tape as they are having similarities in feel and look.
Masking tape is also known as painter’s tape. They are the same product.
But keep in mind all painter’s tape is masking tape. But all masking tapes are not painter’s tape.
It means the painter’s tape is a type of masking tape.
Traditional masking tape is generally less sticky than specialized painter’s tape.
Painter’s tape is commonly used for more speciated applications. It is used to create high-quality, clean paint lines.
It is specially designed for preventing paint bleed and peel off easily.
Masking tape is used more for general application.
The most vital difference between a painter’s tape and masking tapes is, painter’s tapes can be removed cleanly after the job is done.
Contrary, Masking tape is not designed to remove off clean.
Painters tape won’t leave residue behind on the surface it is applied whereas the masking tape tends to leave some residue behind it.
You can find the major difference between these two on the paint job.
Masking tape surely works great, but if you want a professional finish and creating less clean up, painter’s tape is the best bet.
Is Masking Tape Waterproof?
As you know masking tape can be used for a variety of applications.
But what if you need a masking tape waterproof application.
Is masking tape waterproof?
Then my answer is, Both- ‘Yes’ and ‘No’.
All masking tapes are not waterproof. It depends on the particular types of masking tape.
Some types of masking tapes are robust and durable which can be used for external use and they are having waterproof properties.
Whereas some masking tapes don’t have waterproofing properties.
You can find the majority of the making tapes have water-resistant properties.
But this doesn’t mean they are entirely waterproof.
So, it is advisable to check out the manufacturer’s guidelines if you are not sure.
Water-resistant masking tapes mean these tapes are able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely.
Waterproof masking tapes mean these tapes are impervious to water and prevent permeation by water.
There is high performance masking tape which is totally waterproof. They come with a thicker paper backing.
These tapes are specially produced to meet the requirement of building and construction professionals.
They are featured with strong holding power, conformability, and water-resistant treatment.
I was also looking for waterproof masking tape for outdoor use. Then I found Scotch Exterior Surface Painter’s Tape which has a great waterproof backing.
Scotch is a trusted brand of painter’s tape which produces quality tape.
You can find this one of best waterproof masking tapes on Amazon.
It offers 90ᴼ Snap Tear off the roll that comes in Size: 1.88 in. x 45 yd. size.
This tape leaves no sticky residue or damage to the surface where it is used.
This tape is specially designed for outdoor use, so comes with durable flake resistance waterproof backing.
The tape holds strong in environmental conditions like rain, wind, and humidity.
It has tear free removal properties and it is surely weatherproof as well as waterproof.
This tape also has UV and sunlight resistance properties. It works great for DIY or professional paint projects.
Conclusion
So, now you got the answer, is masking tape waterproof or not.
Some masking tapes are waterproof and some are not.
Some masking tapes are durable and strong specifically designed for external use.
If you want to use your masking tape for waterproofing purposes or if you have any doubts regarding the waterproofing properties of your masking tape, you can check out the manufacturer’s guidelines for better results.
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