FAQ

Which tape is best for outdoor use?
Our tapes are versatile and for the most part can be used indoors or out. Tape choice is more a matter
of the surface you’re masking, temperature, exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors,
and the amount of time the tape will be left on the surface. Check our Tape Selector Chart to find the
right ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape for your project.
Why is UV resistance important for tapes?
It is hard to avoid UV light exposure because it’s part of the sun’s rays. Outdoor projects and even
projects done in a room with windows will likely expose tape to UV rays, which react with some
adhesives. To ensure clean removal from the surface, it is often the best course to choose a tape with
UV resistance, such as ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape.
Will tape leave residue behind on the surface?
When used according to instructions, tape should remove cleanly from the surface. However, if tape is
left on the surface for longer than the recommended time, or if a non-UV resistant masking tape is
exposed to large amounts of sunlight, then the adhesive may transfer to the surface.
Which tape is recommended for wallpaper?
ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape for Delicate Surfaces can be used on vinyl-coated wallpapers. It is
recommended to test the product before use, since many wallpapers are not securely attached to the
surface and removing the tape may cause the wallpaper to pull up.
Which tape is recommended for wood floors?
3M recommends using ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape for Delicate Surfaces.
Can tapes be used outdoors? What if it rains?
ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tapes can be used outdoors, and have great UV resistance over their entire
removal times - even in direct sunlight. ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tapes have a sturdy construction and a
water-based adhesive that can stand up to rainy weather. It is not recommended to apply tape to a
damp or wet surface, but once applied the tape should stick to the surface if it rains.
What other uses are there for masking tapes?
Masking tapes are remarkably versatile products. Scotch® Masking Tapes can be used for bundling,
labeling, sealing and construction applications. ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tapes can be used for marking
gym floors, labeling, marking sports equipment and for crafts, just to name a few.
Using Tape:
How long should I wait to remove the tape from the surface?
Remove tape when the paint is dry to the touch – typically one hour after application. If you are
applying multiple coats of paint, don’t remove the tape until you have finished the last coat and it has
had sufficient time to dry.
If you notice that the paint is pulling up with the tape, or that the paint is cracking along the paint line
as you remove the tape, score along the edge of the tape with a razor blade before removing. This
breaks the seal between paint and tape, ensuring a cleaner line and easier removal.
How do I remove adhesive residue?
If the tape is still intact on the surface, use a hair dryer to loosen the adhesive and remove all the
backing from the adhesive
Remove as much adhesive as possible by either rubbing the adhesive off with your finger, or by
applying a fresh piece of tape over the adhesive to pull it up from the surface
If residue remains, use a chemical-based cleaner.
For Scotch® Masking Tapes try one or more of the following:
3M™ Adhesive Cleaner