Last Updated on October 2, 2022 by jordan Nelson
Few days back, I had to repaint my old house to give it a new and fresh look. I thought to paint it myself as I had vacations. I had no experience in painting walls and that is why I started to learn about wall-painting and the accessories required for it. During my search, I came across painters tape and its uses in painting. I wanted to use a waterproof tape as there was a strong forecast of rain during my holidays.
So, my first question about the painters tape was, is painters tape waterproof?
Painter’s tape is not waterproof; it is water-resistant. Painters and decorators use masking tape to mark off places where they don’t want paint to go and it has to be non-porous. If it had been porous, paint would have seeped through and made a mess.
Let us dig deep into the water-repellant nature of painters tape, its positive and negative features, uses, alternatives and the best waterproof painters tape.
Is painters tape waterproof? (Detailed Answer)
The painter’s tape is not waterproof but is water-resistant.
Because it is used to prevent paint from seeping through, the painter’s tape must be impermeable. If it were permeable, the painting would be a disaster. Painters tape is not watertight as its paper foundation is also what makes it so flimsy. Thus, prolonged contact with water reduces its effectiveness.
Because the paper and glue will deteriorate in the presence of moisture, they cannot be used for tasks like mending leaks. Furthermore, it is not suitable for keeping things in place outside during a rainstorm.
Pro Tip:
Because you may need more than one coat of paint to finish the task, you will have to re-tape. To get the best results, take off the tape before the first coat is dry and reapply it before the second coat is applied.
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Painters tape vs Masking tape
| Features | Painters Tape | Masking Tape |
| Adhesiveness | More adhesive | Less adhesive |
| Removal | Easy | Difficult |
| Residual mess | No | Yes |
| Application | Specific for paint jobs | Widespread/Multi-purpose |
| Waterproof | No | No |
Painters tape vs Masking tape: Is there any difference?
The similarities between the masking tape and painter’s tape are well known, and I expect that many of you have been confused between the two.
Painters’ tape, or masking tape, goes by both names. There is no difference; they both refer to the same item.
But remember that any tape used for painting will also serve as a mask. Painter’s tape is not the same as other types of masking tape. In other words, the painter’s tape is a form of masking tape.
Adhesiveness
The adhesiveness of regular masking tape is usually inferior to that of painter’s tape. The specialized uses of painter’s tape are widespread. It is employed to produce paint lines of superior quality. Because of its innovative construction, paint won’t bleed or flake off.
It is more common to utilize masking tape for general purposes.
Removal
When compared to masking tapes, painter’s tape has the distinct advantage of being easily removed without leaving any residue.
Masking tape, on the other hand, is not meant to come off without leaving any residue. Moreover, painter’s tape, in contrast to masking tape, will not leave a sticky residue on the surface to which it is applied.
Paint job
The paint job is the most noticeable distinction between these two.
While masking tape does the trick, painter’s tape is the better choice if you’re going for a polished look and want to minimize cleanup time.
Masking tape: Can you use it instead of painters tape?
Both, Yes and No.
The purpose of masking tape is to form a seal between two surfaces so that no paint can seep through. Although masking tape is pretty watertight, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not waterproof. Paint might leak through the tape and destroy your paintwork if it is applied too thickly or if it is not applied properly.
Cutting masking tape with a putty knife or razor will create a score line down the edge. As a result, the paint won’t be pulled up by the tape, and the lines won’t be cracked. Even while masking tape is cheap, it might leave a residue if it isn’t removed promptly. Painters’ tape can stay on surfaces for longer than regular tape because it’s made specifically for the painting industry.
If you’re doing some house repairs, you should wait until the paint is dry to the touch before removing the masking tape. Because of this, painters’ tape may be removed cleanly without damaging the underlying material. Paint on interior and exterior walls and ceilings peel when exposed to water.
Surface protection tip:
The surface can be protected from moisture by first applying a primer, which will act as a sealant against moisture and help the paint adhere to the surface. Good painter’s tape can be used to separate multiple items so that they can be taken out one by one. After a certain period has passed, removing the paint will be more difficult, and it will have a higher likelihood of cracking when being removed.
Best Painters tape
ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape
This medium-adhesive painter’s tape measures 1.41 inches in width and may be used on a broad variety of surfaces, from tile to wood to drywall. The tape’s resistance to ultraviolet light makes it useful for both indoor and outdoor use.
Significant Features:
- Suitable for use on a wide variety of substrates, including smooth or mildly textured walls, trim, baseboards, tile, and glass.
- No harm or sticky residue is left behind after 14 days of removal.
- Medium adhesive
- Sun and UV ray proof.
Tape Application Tip
For the best paint job results, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and dust-free before applying the tape. The next step is to carefully apply the tape to the area while pressing firmly. Finally, you should wait 30-60 minutes after taping to paint.
Tape Removing Tip
Ensure that the paint is entirely dry before removing the tape. To remove the tape at a 45-degree angle, first, lift it by slowly dragging it back on itself.
Alternatives to Painters tape
As discussed above, painter’s tape is not waterproof and it may cause many people to seek for its alternatives that are handy and inexpensive. Below are some of the alternatives to painters tape:
1. Cardboard
Take a piece of cardboard that is only a few millimetres thick and hold it up to the edges.
2. Frog Tape
Frog Tape is a product that is comparable to painter’s tape, but it prevents bleeding by bonding to latex paint. It almost makes the recording process worthwhile.
3. Angle Brush
It is incredible the wonders that may be accomplished with a quality angle brush.
4. Freehand
After some practice, all you’ll need is a steady hand and a regular paintbrush. All it takes is a little bit of practice. Just in case, you should always keep a damp rag on hand nearby.
5. Paint edgers
Paint Edgers are great for regular straight walls, but if your home is anything like mine (i.e., extremely old, so the walls aren’t perfectly straight), it can be challenging to use them because they rely so heavily on straight edges. Paint Edgers are great for regular straight walls.
6. Artist’s Brush
To make a slit in the edge, you can use a thin artist’s brush.
Things I Like about Painters tape
- As an example, if you are painting close to a baseboard and don’t want even a tiny run to get on your baseboard, you can use painter’s tape to protect the surface you have previously painted.
- The easiest approach to ensure a straight line while painting is to use painters tape. As long as the tape is applied in a straight line, you will have a clean, predictable line.
- Cutting in, the practice of painting along an edge or creating a line with specific usage of your paintbrush is made less necessary. While cutting in could be quicker than taping, it still necessitates a steady hand and some ability; tape removes this requirement.
Things I Dislike about painters tape
- Painter’s tape isn’t too pricey, but it still costs a few bucks for a roll, so that’s an extra cost to consider.
- If you have a steady hand and don’t mind taking your time, painter’s tape is a great tool for creating crisp lines and straight edges. But it may slow you down if you’d rather just cut in with a paintbrush.
- Although painter’s tape is intended to be put over dry paint without tearing the dry paint off when removed. There are instances in which some of the existing paint will be removed when the tape is peeled off. If this happens, you may need to repaint the section that was protected with painter’s tape.
Places where Painters tape can be beneficial
As useful as it is to be aware of the potential drawbacks of painter’s tape, it can be just as useful to be aware of the typical painting projects in which it will be most useful.
- To avoid having to repaint the baseboard and risk having the new paint not fully cover the wall colour, it is best to paint the wall above the baseboard. Using painters tape on baseboards is an excellent technique to prevent these typical problems when painting the baseboard and wall.
- For the same reason that painters tape is useful when painting walls, it is also useful for painting baseboards and trim. This is because it prevents the paint from seeping past the intended line and onto the wall.
- Painting an accent wall involves painting one wall a different colour than the surrounding walls, and painter’s tape may help you obtain a clean, crisp line at the wall’s edge. It is essential for maximizing the wall’s aesthetic value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to painter’s tape if it gets wet?
Scotch Blue exterior painter’s tape sticks to surfaces for up to a week in all weather conditions and peels off easily. It is the tape that can withstand the elements, including wind, rain, and sunlight, is ideal for use on outdoor painting projects. This tape can withstand the elements, including wind, rain, and sunlight, is ideal for use on outdoor painting projects.
What about Scotch Blue Painter’s tape? Is it watertight?
This tape is designed to be used outside and can withstand the elements, including high temperatures, high humidity, strong winds, and direct sunlight. For up to fourteen days, it will attach strongly but peel off cleanly. The special waterproof backing of this tape makes it easy to tear by hand and guarantees a clean separation every time.
Can painter’s tape be used when painting outside?
Painter’s tape is versatile; certain varieties can be used even when painting on the outside of a building. A word of caution, though. It may be difficult to completely seal off rough or uneven surfaces with tape, leaving them vulnerable to paint damage.
Approximately after how long painter’s tape should be removed?
After an hour or so of drying time has passed after painting, the tape can be safely removed. If it still feels sticky after 24 hours, leave the tape on overnight and peel it off the next day.
How to remove painter’s tape, wet or dry?
If you want a clean, professional look, remove the tape while the paint is still wet. Slowly and at a 45-degree angle, peel off the tape.
How to get rid of painter’s tape that has been left on for too long?
Position a low-heat hair dryer directly in front of the tape and hold it there for a few seconds.
Distribute the heat from the hair drier along the length of the tape.
When heated, the glue will soften and release.
Do not rush; the tape must be removed carefully.
After removing the tape, use a soapy rag to remove any remaining sticky residue.
Final Words
It is now clear that painters tape, a type of masking tape, is not waterproof. However, it is the best option when it comes to painting for beginners and professionals. Certain alternatives, however, can be used if you do not want to use painter’s tapes like cardboard, frog tape, and an angle brush.
One of the best paintertapespe is ScotchExterior Surfaces Painter’s Tape. It has a thick, watertight backing that makes it ideal for use in the great outdoors. This exterior tape stays strong in the face of wet weather. Removes easily and cleanly for up to 14 days in direct sunlight without damaging the surface or paint.
