A substitute for masking tape is painters tape which is similar to masking tape and is made and designed for painting projects.
The painters tape provides nice and clean lines and easily removes without damaging surfaces.
Masking tape has a shelf life of up to 2 years and overtime the adhesive can start to degrade and not stick and sometimes the tape may not come off the roll easily after 2 years or longer.
Masking tape is a type of pressure-sensitive tape made of a thin and easy-to-tear paper, and an easily released pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Masking tape is available in a variety of widths.
It is used mainly in painting, to mask off areas that should not be painted.
Masking tape is also known as painters tape although they do have some differences.
The difference between painter's tape and masking tape lies primarily in the adhesive.
Masking tape is designed to be extra sticky and not come off, while painter's tape is designed to have a low tack that makes it easier to remove after painting and less likely to leave residue.
Masking tape can be used for painting, but it needs to be removed in a matter of hours; while painter's tape can be left on for a long time and still leave no residues when removed.
Functional integrity: water-based paint can cause masking tape to collapse or crumble, letting paint drip on the surface below.
Wait until the paint is dry to the touch before removing the tape.
Check the paint can for the manufacturer's dry times.
Use a putty knife or razor blade to score along the edge of the tape.
This prevents paint from being pulled up with the tape and from cracking along the paint line.
Professional painters should also use a tape that is made specifically with painting in mind, while a general-purpose masking tape may be sufficient for some hobbyists and DIYers doing smaller projects.
Whether you're cutting in or making an isolated line, painter's tape can create a straight line on almost any surface.
Although blue tape works best for sensitive indoor walls, you may want to consider using green painter's tape if you plan on painting a rough, uneven surface or painting outdoors.