IN GENERAL
Blue painters tape will securely adhere to most surfaces. Under ordinary conditions it will NOT spontaneously loosen or peel up. It will NOT get brittle or gummy. But it can be peeled-off when you want without leaving tape or glue on the surface or staining the surface.
Although blue tape is stable for years under ordinary conditions, all uses should be considered temporary, and other solutions should be sought for long-term applications. Since blue tape is for temporary solutions, I suggest some corresponding more long-term alternatives.
A FEW UNUSUAL USES
1) Blue painters tape actually makes more comfortable "BANDAIDS" than the commercial products, especially for fingers. Use a 2"-3" length of blue tape. Any tissue or napkin can be folded and cut into a square of the appropriate size to use as the pad. "Light-days" feminine pads are even better, one can be cut into dozens of small pads. Stick the pad to the tape, apply antibacterial cream, and apply to the injury. For the tip of a finger, apply the tape bandaid "the long way", and then another length of tape around your finger.
2) Blue painters tape (applied with the ends folded over to make tabs) can be used to make GIFTS "easy-open" for the handicapped, e.g., folks with poor eyesight, use of only one hand, or severe arthritis. Older folks particular miss the joy of unwrapping gifts.
3) Blue painters tape is great for labeling FOOD STORAGE containers, even to be frozen. When you have used the contents, the label easily peels of. "Freezer tape" is essentially the same product, except white, smoother, and more water-proof. Scotch Freezer Tape, 3/4 x 1000 Inch (178)
4) Blue painters tape is ideal for marking your LUGGAGE so that it is distinct from identical luggage on the same flight. Since you have to take your laptop out of the bag for TSA, it is a good idea to make it distinct with blue masking tape, so that it doesn't get mixed up with someone else's laptop---This actually happened to me, only the blue tape stopped someone from walking off with my LAPTOP while I was being detained and "patted down".
5) The bottoms of doors on many modern luxury cars (for example Acuras) are not sealed--if you get into a puddle 10" or so deep, the water can FLOOD inside the car. Just a wet carpet, right? Nope, your car's computer is probably under your driver's seat, will cost over $2000 to replace, and such water damage is not covered by warantee. An obvious solution if you have such a car and often have to ford deep puddles, is to keep a roll of 2" or 3" wide blue tape handy, and tape up the bottom of the doors. Of course, unless you are a gymnast, you will probably have to get a friend to apply the tape to the driver's door.
TO TEMPORARILY HOLD THINGS TOGETHER
1) Blue painters tape is very handy for example to hold a the handle of a cup in place to re-glue it, and/or to make a temporary "stand" to hold the cup at the ideal angle to glue the handle in place. For a stand, make a circle of the appropriate diameter.
2) Blue painters tape can be used to hold FABRIC together while sewing.
3) Blue painters tape is great for temporarily BUNDLING things together. For example to bundle computer cords behind a computer, or to bundle sets of plastic forks, spoons, and knives for a picnic. Fold over the end to make a tab, to make the tape easier to remove. For long term organization of electrical cords, "velco" cable ties are better. Velcro One Wrap Cable Ties - 50 Pieces - Color: Black For long term storage, zip-lock freezer bags work better for organizing your collection of unused cords and adapters. Ziploc Double Zipper Freezer Gallon Bags - Total: 152 Bags (4 X 38 ct.)
4) Blue painters tape is useful for taping folding furniture folded for SHIPPING.
TO LABEL THINGS
1) Blue painters tape is great for labeling things (using a black permanent marker Sharpie Chisel Tip Permanent Markers: 2 Black Markers. Sanford Model 38262), such as the transformer bricks used for small electrical devices. Even if your device turns out to be defective and needs to be returned, the blue tape will easily peel off, leaving no glue nor marks.
2) Blue painters tape is great for labeling glass storage containers---and also improves the grip.
3) Blue painters tape is great for marking the orientation of POWER CORDS, including USB cords---just place a patch of tape on the "up" side. The tape will not fall off or accidentally peel off, but can be easily removed if you need to remove it.
4) Blue painters tape is perfect for making IDENTIFICATION TABS for electrical cords. Cut off a ca 3" length of tape, and fold it in half over the end of a cord. Label with a permanent marker. This also applies to USB cords. My Nikon camera has a standard mini-USB socket, but requires a dedicated cord. Unfortunately the cord is in no way distinguishable from other USB cords with the same connectors---until I labeled the cord ("Nikon") with a blue tape tab.
5) Blue painters tape is great for temporarily taping up SIGNS. I frequently tape instructions to deliver persons to my front door.
Caution: Multi-colored masking tape is available, and would seem terrific for color labeling things. It is, in some cases. However, most is "ordinary" masking tape which is hard to remove from most surfaces, more likely to harden and flake off, or become gummy.
TO TEMPORARILY HOLD THINGS IN PLACE
1) Blue painters tape is great to temporarily hold wall LIGHT SWITCHES on or off. For example, sometimes I tape up the wall switch OFF when working on the corresponding circuit instead of switching off the breaker (which is generally recommended). When I go on vacation, I tape a wall switch ON, to keep the power on to a timer and floor lamp, so that it won't be turned off by my neighbor checking up on the house.
2) Blue painters tape is great to prevent the tuner wheel from moving on a small pocket RADIO.
3) Blue painters tape is great to hold the battery compartment cover closed on my MP3 player. When I need to replace the batteries, I pull off the tape, replace the batteries, and then replace the tape.
4) Blue painters tape is great for making re-closable STORAGE boxes. The "peelable"/"re-stickable" area needs to be non-porous. On a cardboard box, a piece of clear shipping tape can make a "re-stickable' area for this purpose. Fold over the end of the blue tape to make a tab.
5) Blue painters tape can be used to hold lengths of EXTENSION CORDS together. This is particularly useful when working out-of-doors with power tools. When you are done, it is easy to take the tape off.
6) Blue painters tape can be used to tape up wire FM radio antennas behind furniture.
TO PROTECT THINGS
1) Blue painters tape is useful for covering holes in firm FRUIT. In my case, squirrels often take a single bite of a green mango. If taken inside to ripen, the mango will rot and/or generate a colony of fruit flies before ripening---but, if the hole is cleaned and then covered over with blue painters tape, the mango will usually ripen properly. I suspect that painter's tape would work well with melons, even if still on-the-vine. I find that I usually need to use 2" wide painters tape for this purpose.
2) A "tangle" of blue painters tape around a choice orange is effective in discouraging Baltimore Orioles.
3) Blue painters tape can be used to temporarily splice or INSULATE cat-chewed electrical cords. (But use Goop glue for permanent repairs). Amazing Goop All-Purpose Household Goop, 3.7-Ounce Tube #130012
4) Blue painters tape can be placed on the bottom of ceramics or other decorations to protect tabletops. A few strips of blue tape can turn an ordinary floor tile into a coaster. Felt bumpers are better for long-term use. Waxman 7295 Self-Stick Round Felt Pads, Brown, 3/8-Inch
5) Blue painters tape can quickly, temporarily, "BABY-PROOF" a house--particularly when visiting a relative for several days. You can use it to tape kitchen cabinets shut, and to cover electrical outlets. Mommy's Helper Outlet Plugs 36 Pack
6) Recreational drivers use 3" wide blue tape to protect the front bumper area, mirrors, and particularly turn-signal lenses and headlights from flying gravel.
GENERAL USES
1) Blue painters tape can be used to temporarily seal a leaking WINDSHEILD. Silicon glue is a better long term solution.
2) A 3' length of 2" wide blue tape on your ankle can prevent you from getting a BLISTER---especially when breaking-in new shoes. This works MUCH better than bandaids which usually just rub off.
3) Blue painters tape can be used to prevent a DOOR from locking---for example when bringing in the groceries. It's usually best to place a wad of paper in the hole, and then cover it with blue tape.
4) Blue painters tape can also be used to hold a door open (or a trunk lid closed with something sticking out). However bungy cords are usually better for this purpose. Master Lock 3023AT Assorted Bungee Cords, 24-Pack
5) Blue painters tape is great for keeping small parts from getting lost. Recently, when I changed the strap of my watch, I "stuck" the two tiny "spring stems" to a 2" length of blue tape so that they would not get lost while I worked.
6) Blue painters tape is great for keeping tools handy. I have a wonderful Ikea chair, which unfortunately needs to be tightened regularly. I keep the allen wrench blue-taped to the bottom of the chair so that it is handy when I need it.
7) These days, many small items come in sealed plastic packaging which you must cut open (and once cut open are not securely resealable). Often such packaging includes instructions, various small parts or accessories, which I do not immediately use. Blue tape is great for "resealing" the packages for personal storage.
8) Blue painters tape (2" wide or wider) is great for temporarily taping an extension cord to the floor to minimize the tripping hazard.
PAINTING
Regarding the complaints of some reviewers: Blue masking tape is not magic---it takes some skill and experience. Until you've acquired that skill and experience, proceed slowly.
First, buy "fresh" masking tape. A roll of masking tape which has been stored for five years in a tool shed which is an oven in the summer and a freezer in the winter and probably filled with chemical fumes most of the time, may not perform well.
When the paint is dry enough not to transfer to your finger or a paper towel (which depends on the type of paint, thickness, temperature, and humidity), begin removing the tape. If it the paint is still too wet, you'll notice---in which case, stop, and try again a little later. If you waited too long (usually days), and applied several layers of cheap paint, you may get a ragged edge. The only solution to a thick layer of brittle paint which has been left on masking tape too long is to score the edge (cutting through the paint) with a utility knife before pulling off the tape---but that is a difficult and time consuming "solution" which I do not recommend.
Ideally, you should remove the tape after each layer of new paint and apply a fresh layer of tape before the next layer of paint---but in practice, if you paint quickly, you can apply primer and two top coats over one application of masking tape. I also recommend the inexperienced to use masking tape only to "cut in", that is, do not attempt to paint an entire wall or room at one time---instead, just paint a line within about 2"-4" of the tape---then remove the tape at the appropriate point, then paint the rest of the wall.
Brushing technique is also important. Do not brush TO the edge of the tape. Instead, brush parallel to and over the tape as though it is part of the wall.
If you've removed the tape at the right time but the edge is still ragged, then the tape did not stick well enough. Remember to run you finger with some pressure over the edge of the tape as you apply it. Otherwise (if your tape was fresh) a ragged edge means that the surface was dusty, dirty, or otherwise defective---in which case the paint will not stick well either. On exterior walls, pressure washing with detergent, followed by a rinse, is almost mandatory. Indoors, I suggest applying water with some detergent from a garden-type sprayer, then rinse with more spray, while sucking off the excess moisture with a shop vacuum.
It is also a good idea to paint EVERYTHING (except the floor, glass and unpainted wood) with a good primer before any top coats. Let the primer thoroughly dry---it will provide an excellent base for the masking tape. Don't skip the primer. If you do, then you'll probably need an extra top coat, even several extra top coats, anyway.
With luck and skill, it is possible to mask (clean) drywall. But drywall is usually very dusty--at least vacuum throughout first. Press the edge of the blue tape lightly as you apply it. However, is far better to paint the drywall with primer first --- at least the edges where you'll use the tape. For example, if you plan to paint the window frames a different color than the walls, then first paint (overlap) the edge of the wall AND the edge of the frame with your wall primer. You can put any color or any type of paint over good latex primer. Alternatively, if you are chalking joints anyway, just feather out the edge of the chalk over the surfaces you plan to paint (you can even use a dry or damp brush to smooth it). Chalk is essentially just thick paint, and does an excellent job of "priming" (and making a good surface for blue tape to adhere to). The same applies to "joint compound" used with drywall.
RECOMMENDATION: I can paint my entire 1200 sq ft house interior or exterior, 3 coats in one day. How? First do all the "cutting in" around the edges (the floor, windows, etc.) the day before. Second, use only one color and one type of paint for everything, walls, baseboards, ceilings, doors, etc. (if you want to go back and paint the doors, window frames, etc a different color later, then do so---later). Use a power roller. For inside, set up a low "scaffolding" (e.g., milk crates and 2" x 10" boards), so that (with the extension on the power roller), you can paint the walls and the ceiling in one continuous motion. It helps to have an assistant to reposition the "scaffolding" as you work. It is best to have at least 2 "sets" of "scaffolding", so that one can be moved while the other is in use. If you need to take a break (even overnight), then tightly seal the roller in a plastic bag, and then the entire outfit in a larger plastic bag. For outside, you will probably need saw-horses for the base of your scaffolding. I use 3 milk crates or 3 sawhorses to support each 10' length of 2 x 10. So two sets = 6 milk crates or 6 sawhorses. Homeright Electric Power Paint Roller #C800015
> Click on “Stoney” just below the product title to see my other reviews, or leave a comment to ask a question.
ScotchBlue Painter's Tape Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape, 1.88 In. x 60 Yds, Blue, Paint Tape Protects Surfaces & Remo
4.8 | 12,346 ratings
Price: 7.87
Last update: 12-17-2024
About this item
READY. SET. PAINT!: 1 roll of 1.88 inch wide ScotchBlue Original Painter's Tape, a multi-surface solution for preparing to paint your living or working environment
DAMAGE-FREE PAINTING TAPE: Adhesive tape can stay on surfaces for up to 14 days, and it removes easily without leaving a sticky residue behind
CONQUER MOST SURFACES: Specially designed blue tape for smooth or lightly textured walls, trim, baseboards, tile and glass
TACKLE INDOORS AND OUTDOORS: Resists UV rays, sunlight and moisture so you can use it as an indoor or outdoor tape
SUSTAINABILITY: Solvent-free paint tape made from 45% renewable resources with a core made from 70% post-consumer waste
HOW TO USE: Let the firmly applied tape set for 30 to 60 minutes before starting to paint, and when paint is dry to the touch, lift tape up slowly to remove at a 45-degree angle
DAMAGE-FREE PAINTING TAPE: Adhesive tape can stay on surfaces for up to 14 days, and it removes easily without leaving a sticky residue behind
CONQUER MOST SURFACES: Specially designed blue tape for smooth or lightly textured walls, trim, baseboards, tile and glass
TACKLE INDOORS AND OUTDOORS: Resists UV rays, sunlight and moisture so you can use it as an indoor or outdoor tape
SUSTAINABILITY: Solvent-free paint tape made from 45% renewable resources with a core made from 70% post-consumer waste
HOW TO USE: Let the firmly applied tape set for 30 to 60 minutes before starting to paint, and when paint is dry to the touch, lift tape up slowly to remove at a 45-degree angle
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ScotchBlue Painter's Tape Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape, 1.88 In. x 60 Yds, Blue, Paint Tape Protects Surfaces & Removes Easily, Painting Tape for Indoor and Outdoor Use (2090-48NC)
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Top reviews from the United States
Stoney> 1001 Uses, even for painting
Mark E. PennellDependable Painter’s Tape
Hooman YazdiBest Painting Tape
Hooman Yazdi
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2024
Here are some key points that I like about this tape:
- Clean Lines: One of the most praised features of ScotchBlue tape is its ability to provide sharp, clean paint lines. The tape adheres well to surfaces, preventing paint from bleeding underneath, which ensures a professional-looking finish.
- Versatility: This tape works well on a variety of surfaces, including walls, trim, glass, and metal. Whether you're painting a room, refinishing furniture, or doing detailed trim work, ScotchBlue tape performs consistently.
- Easy Removal: ScotchBlue tape is designed to be removed easily without leaving a sticky residue behind. This makes cleanup quicker and prevents damage to freshly painted surfaces
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CHENNYGreat value
Nicholas SilvaGreat product. Thick.
Amanda SmithWorks like a charm!!
Amanda Smith
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2024
Doesn’t leave a sticky residue, and leaves clean lines with no bleeding. Easy to use, and will last for weeks if you put it up and get distracted fro your task for weeks lol ????
Performs as expected.
Versatile, as it works well for acrylic paint and watercolors too!
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Carin BavaroNot just for painting… although works great for that too!!
Aniruddha Kundu