I often use plastic wrap to mask large areas, sometimes just paper with no adhesive, using pieces of good masking tape to hold down plastic or paper. Plastic is better- paint cannot soak through. With heavy paint sometimes the paint can soak through newsprint- do not use newsprint.
As to the foam makeup sponges, I went to Walmart, (or a craft store), and got a foam chair pad. Enough in that to last years for under 5 bucks. About an inch thick so you can slice and dice as needed.
TB’s auto masking tape is either blue or light green, and from 3M or Norton, available from 1/16" and up. At least 4 times the amount for the same price as the Tamiya version for the same price. Available from most any parts house or auto paint supply, ask for fine line tape. It also leaves a nice clean sharp edge.
I agree with Don regarding using plastic wrap for masking large areas. Using tape to mask large areas takes a lot of time and is a waste of tape.
Aluminum foil works well for large areas too with irregular shapes.
I use Kleenex. I suppose TP would be cheaper, but I like those little boxes that feed one sheet at a time. I have never had a problem with paint coming through. I also wet the outer surface of the stuff so it stays in place.
Goldhammer;
I hope you don’t mind a correction. I actually use the striping tape itself. I get the White in 1/16" and 1/4 ". I do also use the other Basing Tape ( That’s what I call it) On specifically large ship waterlines and Boot stripes. The colored finish decorating tape actually leaves a sharper line! The other tape is expensive, But when you are painting a car and might have to adjust and get finicky it can’t be beat!
Oh, and Don mentioned plastic wrap. Unless it goes over leading edges or root areas I use frisket paper. Has worked well since I discovered it fifty years ago!