Left to right: 3M TA20 Hand-Masker, Kip low-tack, Tessa precision, Tessa sensitive low-tack, Kip Ready-Masker.
Why mask up - surely you can just cut that in?...
Masking off non-painted surfaces is essential for a proper job.
Masking off the carpet when painting skirting boards not only stops paint getting on the carpet but stops the brush picking dust and dirt from the floor and marring the perfect finish.
Slacking off the screws on electrical fittings and masking the edges allows you to roller right up to the fitting and minimises unsightly picture framing (brush marks from cutting in).
When the walls only are being painted masking the top of the skirting will shield from roller spatter.
The extra time spent masking up is repaid as you can work quicker in the knowledge that the paint wont go where it shouldn't.
Different types of tape.
Regular:
Crepe paper with a rubber based adhesive. Suitable for general use, shouldn't be left on surfaces for longer than 24 hours, as the glue sets and becomes dificult to remove. Ideal for masking carpets.
Painters tape:
Crepe paper tape. Longer release 7 days, gives a cleaner edge than regular. A good general purpose tape.
Precision/clean edge:
Not crepe but flat backed for the sharpest edges. Lower tack than regular and painters tape, acrylic adhesive, 2-5 month removal dependant on brand.
Low tack/delicate:
Ideal for masking wallpaper, freshly or previously painted surfaces, plaster board, stripng. Acrylic adhesive. 7-30 day removal dependant on brand.
Exterior:
Usually has UV protection to stop adhesive 'baking' onto substrates. Often higher tack to adhere to rougher exterior surfaces.
Currently Tessa, Kip (Suretape) and 3M are the better brands of masking tape.
