Preferred brand of masking tape?

A

aviator8

Promoted Users
Is there a preffered brand of masking tape everyone uses? I bought some cheap yellow rolls on amazon and have worked fine for paint masking but when taping my edges it has a tendency to lift up, which isnt to bad but means retaping some. However, when I get to any wet sanding stages removing the tape is a total mess and adds so much time to cleaning up all the residue since it wont lift cleanly. Also what is there a size most used when taping edges? 1/4, 1/2. The 1.33 I have is just kind of wide.
 
I use 3M yellow. It seems a good compromise between price and quality. The knock off yellow tapes are to be avoided. We keep 3/4" and 1.5" around, and some special fine line tape that I forget the number of, but we don't use that much since we normally disassemble everything pretty thoroughly.
 
I only use 3M refinish tape. Yellow or green. 3/4" and 1 1/2". Sometimes 2". Those three sizes are the only ones used in 99% of collision and restoration shops, with the exception of fine line tape when needed. Most jobs 3/4 and 1 1/2 are all thats needed.
Every time I try an alternative brand it bites me.
 
This is the 3M yellow that I have been using for the past 5 years or so. Shop around for price; I usually buy it from TPTools or AutoBodyToolmart.

06652 ¾ in. x 60 yds. (18 mm x 55 m), 48 rolls per case
06653 1 in. x 60 yds. (24 mm x 55m), 36 rolls per case
06654 1 ½ in. x 60 yds. (36 mm x 55 m), 24 rolls per case
06656 2 in. x 60 yds. (48 mm x 55 m), 24 rolls per case
 
I’m trying some yellow Indasa that Chad recommended, it’s a lot cheaper than 3M and so far so good. I can tell it’s not as tacky as 3M yellow but sometimes it can be too sticky.
 
The problem I saw with cheap tape is don't you dare soak it with water or you have a huge mess on your hands. Now I guess if all of the processes are done dry, it might not be a problem. If not, soaking the tape and coming back after lunch is a good test .
 
I tried a supplier brand tape once and all of the adhesive came off the on a multi colored candy job.....I just went back to 3M yellow and stopped looking for alternatives.
 
I've been liking the yellow and green indasa, it is different than 3m though, however I do everything I can do use as little 3m as possible.
 
i have tried so many brands of tape here because i just use so much of it now. easily 30 times as much as when i was doing cars and bikes. i have 12 cases sitting here right now that i will burn right through. somehow for any solvent or automotive tape i always keep coming back to the 3m yellow. it cost more than the others but every other tape i tried i think...ok this is not bad...BUT. there is always a BUT with every one of them. some are too sticky, others not enough, some leave adhesive, some the paper isnt strong enough and it shreds easily when you pull it off. its always something. the only BUT with the 3m is the price really.
 
crashtech said:
The problem I saw with cheap tape is don't you dare soak it with water or you have a huge mess on your hands. Now I guess if all of the processes are done dry, it might not be a problem. If not, soaking the tape and coming back after lunch is a good test .
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My issue exactly. What I have works ok until it gets wet. then I get to take an hour getting all the residue pieces that tear off and don't lift cleanly.
 
If a specific tape for waterproof, outdoor,and no glue residue, is Scotch #2097. Had a customer door glass left open 3 inches, I taped it closed for him. It took him 2-3 months before he got the part. I replaced the regulator. He drove it every day, and the tape had stayed on there. Tape pulled off clean with no residue. I have never seen a tape like this stuff.
 
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Thanks for the suggestions!
Had to look up the American PG tape. Did not know that Norton owns them and Saint-Gobain owns Norton!
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texasking said:
If a specific tape for waterproof, outdoor,and no glue residue, is Scotch #2097. Had a customer door glass left open 3 inches, I taped it closed for him. It took him 2-3 months before he got the part. I replaced the regulator. He drove it every day, and the tape had stayed on there. Tape pulled off clean with no residue. I have never seen a tape like this stuff.
Click to expand...
I can see some indoor uses for that tape. Like around the top of this 57 chevy when wet sanding.

Wet sanding masking tape.jpeg
 

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I haven't tried this on automotive paint, but I have used it for at least 10 years for general taping, such as floor protection.

www.incomdirect.com

INCOM | Polyethylene Abatement Tape

Polyethylene abatement tape is designed specifically for the Abatement industry. The thick polyethylene sheeting tape offers a durable working surface while the rubber adhesive will bond well to most surfaces, even in lower temperatures. Ideal for use with poly sheeting in abatement applications.
www.incomdirect.com www.incomdirect.com

Sticks extremely well, yet leaves no residue, even after weeks. I have yet to have it pull finish.

There are multiple brands available. The PTAK is available with pinked edge or square, as are the other brands.

Any thoughts?
 
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