FAQ

Removing Tape:
How do I choose the right tape for my project?
We make a variety of tapes so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your project. Check our Tape
Selector Chart to see if a ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape is best for your project or visit the Scotch®
Masking Tapes page to see if one of our Scotch® Masking Tapes would better suit your needs.
How do I get sharp paint lines?
The best way to get sharp paint lines is to use the appropriate ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape for the
surface you are masking. Check out our Tape Selector Chart to see which ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape
is best for your project.
For smoother surfaces, such as smooth painted walls and trim, ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape for
Delicate Surfaces will provide super-sharp paint lines.
ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape for Multi-Surfaces provides sharp paint lines on a variety of surfaces,
including those that are lightly textured, such as orange peel surfaces and tile.
Here are some other tips that will help you to achieve sharp paint lines:
• Clean the surface, and make sure it is dry and dust-free. This will help the tape stick properly.
• Secure the tape by pressing the edge down with a putty knife or a 5-in-1 tool.
• If the surface being masked is highly textured or uneven, seal the edge of the tape with the color
of the base coat on the wall. This will ensure that the final coat of paint does not seep under the
tape.
• Scoring the edge of the tape with a razor blade before removal will break the seal between the
paint and the tape, allowing the tape to be removed easily.
This Masking Tips Video, courtesy of Amy Matthews, DIY Network TV Star and host of Sweat Equity
and Blog Cabin will teach you the masking tips that are essential in achieving beautiful results.
What type of paints or coatings does ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape work with?
ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape works well with most water-based paints and coatings, such as acrylic,
urethane, vinyl latex and enamels. It also works well with many solvent-based coatings – alkalyds,
varnishes, most enamels and some polyurethanes. In addition, ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape works well
with plaster, glazes, textures and metallics used in faux and decorative painting.
However, be careful when working with lacquers – nitrocellulose-based lacquers react with the
adhesive composition on many painter’s tapes, seemingly bonding the tape with the lacquer, making it
impossible to remove. Before you start, make sure the tape you choose can be used with lacquers –
higher adhesion levels such as tan masking tapes are a better choice for this particular use, because
their adhesive does not react with the lacquer in this way.
Do I need to prime before I paint?
We strongly recommend applying a primer to the surface before painting. Priming provides a good
base for paint to stick to, and can also reduce the number of coats needed. It can also reduce the
likelihood of paint peeling off the surface when removing tape.
Can I mask a freshly painted surface?
"Freshly painted" means any surface that has been painted within 30 days. You must wait 24 hours
before applying tape to a freshly painted surface and then choose a tape designed specifically for this
application, such as ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape for Delicate Surfaces.