Deciding which tape to use for a task can be a sticking point for DIYers. From precise painting to light repairs, there are lots of projects that will benefit from a well-suited tape.
“When it comes to achieving clean edges and protecting surfaces while decorating, choosing the right tape makes all the difference,” says Nick Parsons, Technical Manager at Harris, which produces masking tapes as well as paint brushes.
“Many people see masking tape and painter’s tape as the same, and while they share a similar purpose, there are small distinctions that affect the end look when painting or prepping a space,” he adds.
“Painter’s tape is formulated with a slightly different adhesive that reduces paint bleed and works well on more delicate or textured surfaces, making it ideal for precision work or longer projects, while masking tape is a decorating essential, trusted for its versatility across a wide range of tasks – from securing dust sheets and covering trims, to marking off edges for neat lines.”
Here's our guide on which to choose for either DIY or painting a room and why.
Nick began his time with Harris in 1988, and throughout the decades has worked in various departments. His experience and product understanding inform the evolution of all Harris products, from benchmarking to insight, research and development.
Essential tapes for your toolkit
It's sold as a masking tape, but this Seriously Good tape from Harris has superb specs for painting, including UV resistance and clean removal for up to 30 days.
The original masking tape, classic Scotch tape is strong enough for weight-bearing applications and can also be used for painting if applied carefully.
A premium painter's tape like this Hemway model is worth the investment, if you're aiming for a perfect, professional finish.
What’s the difference between masking tape and painter’s tape?
Masking tape was invented in the 1920s by Richard Gurley Drew, a lab technician at 3M (which still makes the popular ‘Scotch tape’ range). It was designed to cleanly mask areas where paint shouldn’t touch – and a century later, many DIYers, craftspeople and artists still use masking tape for this purpose. Its formulation of cabinetmaker’s glue and crepe paper makes it a flexible and (usually) low-mess option for many household surfaces.
People soon came up with additional uses for masking tape, such as labelling items, temporarily putting up decorations and holding dustproof coverings in place.
Since the 1980s, painter’s tape has emerged as a subcategory of masking tape. These specialised tapes vary from one product to the next, but most of them have more suitable properties than ordinary masking tape for household painting. They are often water repellent and less likely to mark your surfaces.
Painter’s tape vs. masking tape: What are the benefits of each type?
1. Adhesion
Generic masking tapes usually have stronger adhesion than specialised painter’s tapes. Simply put, they’re stickier. This makes masking tape better suited for weight-bearing applications, such as light repairwork or holding a plastic dust door over a doorway.
“It offers dependable adhesion without being overly strong, meaning it holds firmly in place during painting but peels away cleanly once dry,” says Parsons.
“For the best result, use a high‑quality option like the Harris Seriously Good Masking Tape alongside the best paint brushes, which is available in two different widths, 19mm and 38mm. Both sizes adhere smoothly, tear neatly by hand, and help achieve crisp paint lines without leaving sticky residue behind.”
The downside to some masking tapes (especially lower-quality ones) is that the glue can bond with the underlying surface and leave a mess, especially if the tape is left in place for a long time.
Painter’s tape adheres far less strongly, and can therefore be left in place for longer periods (up to two weeks or even longer in some cases) without marking the surface. Of course, this makes it unsuitable for weight-bearing uses where stronger adhesion is desirable.
Theo Jones is Director of Fynn, an Islington-based architecture and interior design firm which specialises in renovating or extending historic buildings. He is a member of RIBA.
2. Use in painting and decorating
Painter’s tape was developed in response to some of masking tape’s shortcomings – and it has clear advantages in painting and decorating applications. It is less prone to leaving a gluey mess after removal, and often has a water-repellent outer surface to prevent wrinkling (a cause of messy lines in masking tape).
The most common use for painter’s tape in home decorating is ensuring paint is applied only to the intended surface. For instance, while painting a wall which adjoins contrast-coloured woodwork, you might apply painter’s tape to the edge of the panelling to prevent unwanted overlap.
Theo Jones, director at London architecture and interior design firm, Fynn, also advocates for using painter’s tape more creatively, especially when it comes to painting a ceiling.
“We use it to choreograph where colour starts and stops,” says Jones. “One trick is to drop the colour change to partway down the wall instead of at the ceiling line, so the ceiling reads as taller and more dramatic. A crisp, taped line can visually divide a room, frame a bed or desk, or create a band of colour that wraps around the space without feeling like a theme wall.”
Some DIYers make do with masking tape (rather than painter’s tape) for painting, but this approach carries a greater risk of mess and remedial work.
3. Cost and versatility
Painter’s tape is usually more expensive than masking tape, but in the context of a home renovation, the cost of these products is a drop in the ocean. It’s worth getting tapes of both types to ensure you have a suitable option for every task – and you’ll often find that paying a little extra for a high-quality product improves the finished results.
“Do not cheap out on the tape when painting, because you can see the difference immediately,” Jones urges. “A good quality, low-tack tape gives you sharper lines, less bleed and far less damage when you peel it off. It is a tiny percentage of the project cost, but it is the difference between “DIY weekend” and a really polished finish.”
If you’re watching the pennies and you just want to buy one roll of tape, then a generic masking tape would be the more versatile option thanks to its greater adhesive strength. However, you’d have to be extra-careful while using it in painting projects.
Richard Gurdin is Senior Buyer for Workshop items at Robert Dyas. The retailer was founded as an ironmonger's in 1872, and now sells a diverse array of homewares online and in-store. Gurdin's masking tape recommendations are below.
Tips on using painter’s tape
Using masking tape for general household applications is simple, but there’s more skill involved in using painter’s tape for delicate painting.
“Proper usage can make a huge difference in getting clean, professional-looking paint lines,” says Richard Gurdin, senior buyer for workshop at Robert Dyas.
Preparation
There are four basic steps to applying painter’s tape:
- Before applying the tape, make sure the surface is clean and dust-free. This is important for the tape’s adhesion and the finish of the paint. “Use a damp cloth and let it dry completely before applying,” says Gurdin.
- Apply the tape smoothly and gently along the edge or line you wish to paint up to.
- Seal the edge of the tape by pressing it down using a flat tool (a bank card or even your finger will do the trick). “This prevents paint bleeding underneath,” Gurdin notes.
- Leave the tape to set in place (this usually takes around 30 minutes, but brands vary).
Following this process will stand you in good stead – though you can take an additional step for a more professional finish.
“There is a decorator’s trick we love to borrow: once your base colour is dry and you’ve applied the tape, first paint along the tape edge with the base colour to seal it, let that dry, then paint your second colour,” says Jones.
“Any bleeding happens in the base coat, so when you peel the tape you get a razor-sharp line.”
Patrick O'Donnell is the online face of premium paint brand, Farrow & Ball. As well as producing social media content for the brand, O'Donnell provides virtual and in-person colour consultations to home renovators.
Painting
As long as your tape is sealed, straight and correctly positioned, painting right up to its edge (and not beyond it) should create the desired effect. However, Gurdin notes that you should use your brush to “angle paint away from the tape edge, as this helps prevent paint being pushed under it”.
Again, you can use more elaborate methods to elevate the finished results.
“One easy trick with a simplistic but striking style is using one colour in two finishes,” says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball. “Paint the lower half of the wall (to chair rail height) in full gloss, and consider carrying this over to painting the skirting too for even more drama and accentuated height. Above this, use an ultra-matt finish such as our ‘Dead Flat’ to create a contrast.”
If your room feels excessively high-ceilinged, O’Donnell suggests splitting the wall colour.
“Using a darker colour on the lower half will ‘ground’ the space, while a complementary or tonal colour above will help soften the scale,” he advises. “This is especially effective in a hallway, where the wall can feel vertiginous on the stairs.”
Removal
O’Donnell stresses the importance of removing tape carefully.
“Peel off the tape while the paint is still slightly wet by pulling gently and slowly at an angle of 45°,” he advises.
“If the masking tape is left on too long, then trimming along the edge with a sharp blade may be required.”
Masking tape recommendations from Robert Dyas' head buyer:
“The right tape can make or break your finish. This one is good for quick indoor jobs, but can bleed or leave residue if left too long.”
“Designed to give crisp edges and peel off cleanly, even after several days.”
“Best for freshly painted walls or wallpaper; less adhesive strength to avoid damage.”
FAQs
How long can masking tape be left stuck on?
This depends on the type of tape and the specific product. Almost all masking tapes and painter’s tapes will leave a mess on the surface after being left stuck on for an excessive period, but the timeframe varies greatly.
Generic masking tapes are more strongly adhesive, and most of these products should be removed within 24 hours of application to limit the risk of bonding with the underlying surface finish.
Painter’s tapes, especially high quality ones, can be left stuck onto the surface for far longer, without causing a mess. Very good examples can stay in place for up to 14 days, or even longer periods.
Can masking tape be used with water-based paints?
It’s generally not recommended to use an ordinary masking tape with water-based paints, as the water content can cause the masking tape to wrinkle, which compromises the neatness and straightness of paintwork.
Use a water-repellent painter’s tape instead, as these products are engineered to work perfectly well around moisture.
Looking to top up your toolshed with useful items that will make a difference to your DIY projects? Get clued up with our guides to wire detectors, tenon saws and the world’s first professional digital tape measure.
