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What is masking tape? Let’s see what it’s made of and used for

2025-03-28 21:33:50 MetInfo 2

We know it can be used for many purposes and applications, but really: what is masking tape? What is it made of? What is it used for? Let’s answer these questions once and for all.

What Is Masking Tape?

Masking tape is an adhesive made with thin, easy-to-tear paper that is most commonly used during painting to create clean lines and protect against overspray.

However, masking tape's usefulness isn't limited to paint projects. It's a very versatile product, able to be used in many scenarios, including but not limited to:

  • Labeling objects

  • Acting as temporary markers

  • Creating arts and crafts stencils

  • Picking up small, hard-to-grab objects

  • Holding items together as glue dries

What's more, you don't need any extra tools to use this tape — no dispenser or scissors are required


What is masking tape made of

Masking tape is made of two layers:

  • A thin saturated crepe paper backing, that is thin enough to be torn by hand (so that no cutting tool is required).

  • An adhesive that can be solvent free, hot melt or acrylic based, depending on the level of adhesion required.

How masking tape was born

Masking tape has a very long history, that dates all the way back to 1925. Richard Gurley Drew, a sandpaper manufacturer, invented masking tape after witnessing the frustration of auto-body workers as they used butcher paper to cover the cars they were painting.

The butcher paper adhesive that was used at the time was very strong, which caused a great deal of damage when removed. After having witnessed the ineffectiveness of butcher paper, Drew saw the need for a better alternative, which marked the birth of adhesive masking tape.

What is masking tape used for

Masking tape was originally used (as we said earlier) to cover off auto parts which didn’t require painting. Today, this application is still the most common; however, considering that masking tape guarantees clean and sharp edges and prevents paint from dripping, it’s also being used today for all kinds of professional and DIY painting jobs.


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