FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about masking, painting, ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape or Scotch® Masking Tape?
Chances are, you’ll find the answer here.
Getting Started:
Why mask?
In addition to protecting a surface from paint drips and splatters that may cause damage or are
difficult to remove, masking also helps you easily achieve professional-looking results at home.
Spending a little money on tape at the beginning of a project is a small price to pay to avoid the time
and money spent doing rework or fixing damage.
What size tape should I buy, and does the width matter?
Trim and doors often require wider tape in order to cover the whole surface, or wrap around corners.
1.5” is the most popular, and for good reason - painting can get messy, and this width offers a little
more margin for painter error. 1” tape is great for narrow baseboards and glass. ScotchBlue™
Painter’s Tapes and Scotch® Masking Tapes come in a variety of widths from ¾” up to 3”.
What’s the difference between ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape and Scotch® Masking Tape?
The most noticeable difference is the color. Most Scotch® Masking Tapes are beige in color
and ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tapes are usually blue, although they are available in other colors as well.
Masking tapes use a rubber-based adhesive that is not UV resistant, and cannot be left on a surface
for extended periods of time. Masking tape is ideal for use on non-damageable surfaces, such as
unfinished wood, brick, concrete and carpet.
Painter’s tapes use an acrylic adhesive that provides UV resistance and allows a longer masking time.
That makes ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape ideal for use on glass in direct sunlight – the adhesive will not
transfer to the glass. ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape for Multi-Surfaces is safe for use on multiple
surfaces, and ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape for Delicate Surfaces is specifically designed for delicate
surfaces such as wallpaper, wood floors and freshly painted surfaces (less than 30 days old). Painter’s
tapes are generally recommended for use in most residential painting projects.
How much tape do I need for my project?
Most Scotch® Masking Tapes and ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tapes come in rolls that are 60 yards (180 ft.
or 54.8m) long. One 60 yard roll can mask an average-sized (10 x 10) room, such as an office or
bedroom, including ceiling, baseboards and door and window trim. For larger rooms such as a living
room, basement or rooms with many surfaces to mask, such as kitchens with a lot of cabinets might
require two or three rolls of tape.
For a more exact estimate, make a list and measure all of the surfaces that you are planning to mask.
Include all baseboards, trim around windows and doors, ceilings, walls and fixtures, such as door
knobs and hinges. Be sure to remove electrical outlet covers, vent plates and other removable fixtures
before you measure and paint, so that you do not have to mask around them. This will help save time
and tape.
In any case, always double-check the length of the roll of tape before you make a purchase so you
can be sure you are buying the right amount.
What is the shelf life of masking tape?
The recommended shelf life for masking tapes is generally one year.
What temperatures are ideal for tape application?
In ideal conditions (70 degrees Fahrenheit, low humidity), tapes can maintain their performance for
much longer. Very hot or cold temperatures and high humidity can contribute to reduced performance
of the adhesive. Application temperatures vary for different types of tape, but most tapes will work
well when the surface temperature is between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.