Masking tape

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Hello,
What is the best masking tape to use for masking plastic models?
George

2

Hi,

you will probably get a lot of different advices but myself I always use Tamiya masking tape. It can be cut easily in very thin stripes
for delicate masking (like canopies), and never ever lifted paint with me.

best,

Christian.

3

i like tamiya aswell, and i heare nothng but praises for it on here…
i have also heard that 3m blue painters tape is good for modelling, but goddamn its expensive!!

4

[#ditto] on the tamiya tape.

5

I use Tamiya and 3M blue painters tape. I have always had good results with both.

6

Pactra also makes really good tape. The 1/16" comes in real handy. The best of the 3M blue tape is “for delicate surfaces” #2080.

7

I have only this to tell you: Using masking tape is like choosing a wife: The most important thing is not to find the perfect woman (or tape) but to avoid the vast number that will make you miserable! Don’t use just any tape!

Ask me how I know…After running out of it and using a far less expensive substitute, I’m staring to think that 3M tape is downright inexpensive! I painted a black strip on a smokestack this weeknde and the edge of it looks like a relief map of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge!

So whatever you do, avoid cheap tape, and cheap women, and you won’t end up miserable.

8

Agreed the place NOT to cut corners is the masking materials.
I keep 3M blue, Tamiya, Good quality painters masking tape, Liquid mask, silly putty, even rolling papers, all in my stock.
Right tool for the right job.

9

So, what makes a good masking tape “good”?

10

Tamiya…Tamiya…Tamiya…

11

3m Painters Masking Tape makes a good masking material. I been using it for a long time and it doesnt create ridges everytime I paint. I see it more pratical than tamiya masking tape, it is not very cheap nor expensive but affordable. Plus, 3M provides more longer tape than Tamiya.

Whoohaa! [4:-)]

12

I’m with SPARTAN, I use the 3M tape and have been for over 10 years.

13

I use 3M low tack tape most of the time, the blue kind. If I want a super sharp line I use frosted transparent tape from 3M.

14

Hello Guys,

I can get the 2mm masking tape that made by a japanese model accessory manufacturer called Modeler’s. $ 4.50. Price can be lower if the amount of purchase is more than 10. You can email me for pictures. This kind of tape works really well for precise modeling

15

by the way, my email address is pqs_vincent@hotmail.com

16

I also use 3M Blue painters tape and agree there is a problem with the edges being raggedy. I solve it by cutting my tape with a razor on a piece of glass before applying. The glass seems to take some of the tack off the tape and the freshly-cut edge puts an end to the ragged edge problem I used to have.

Dennis

17

I would suggest using tamiya tape, it’s very good!

18

Myself, I use the cheapest stuff I can find at Fred Meyer (a department store here in the Great Northwest). One roll lasts forever, and I’ve never had peeling issues. [:D]

19

I use Tartan masking tape but I’m DEFINATELY switching because it peels off by itself and it even says not recommended for painting

20

I use the 3m blue low tack tape. Never had a problem with it and I paint almost exclusively with acrylics. Also found some pinstripping tape, not sure who makes it, I’ll have to look. It’s got a rubbery texture that you can stretch and wrap around any difficult curve. I’ve never had it buckle or crinkle on any curve