The Best Painter’s Tape
Painting is one of the first things most people do when they move into a new home, but it can be a real hassle if you don’t have the right tools. You’ll likely need brushes, rollers, and paint, of course, but you’ll also need the right painter’s tape to make sure you don’t get paint on any bordering surfaces. It can be hard to figure out what kind of tape is best, so we’ve narrowed down the top products on the market to help you get a head start on your search.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best painter’s tape on the market, we considered the quality of the tape, adhesive strength, the surfaces it’s effective on, and price. For example, if you want a well-rounded tape that works on most types of surfaces, Scotch Painter’s Tape original blue multi-surface tape is the best in the biz. If you’re looking for a tape that gives extra-clean lines and is easy to remove, FROGTAPE 240660 painter’s tape with PaintBlock seals the edges for better paint protection. Read on to see all our top picks and find the painter’s tape that’s right for your needs.
Scotch Painter’s Tape Original Blue Multi-Surface Tape
Simple and sweet
Scotch is a classic in the world of painter’s tape, and for good reason. It’s simple, effective, and affordable, which are three qualities that most homeowners look for when they’re looking to renovate. Scotch Blue tape tears effortlessly for edges, it sticks to most surfaces, and it removes easily when the job is done. You can also use it for common masking tape uses like labeling, holding things in place, and more. It may not be the most heavy-duty tape on the market, but it’s one of the best options for common paint jobs.
Pros:
- Good price
- Can remove cleanly within 14 days
- Works for most types of indoor surfaces
- Great for labeling items
- Tears and removes easily
Cons:
- Not as sticky as other options
Scotch Original Blue Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape Six-Pack
The more the merrier
If you’re always renovating your home, it helps to always have some painter’s tape on hand for when projects pop up. If you want to stock up and save, this multi-pack from Scotch is here to help. With options to buy anywhere from one to eight rolls at once, you can stock up according to your needs. Plus, when you buy in bulk, the price gets more reasonable with each added roll. Since this tape is UV resistant, residue-free, and plenty sticky for most jobs, this bulk buy should last for a good while.
Pros:
- Can buy up to 8 rolls in one pack
- The medium adhesive level works well for most projects
- Made partially from renewable sources
- Good price per foot
- Won’t damage walls
Cons:
- May have slight bleed-through or curling edges
BOMEI PACK 4-Pack Blue Painters Tape
Don't break the bank
If you have a big painting job to do and you’re looking for quantity without skimping on quality, this is the tape for you. This budget-friendly pack from Bomei Pack features four rolls of tape in four different sizes for the ultimate variety set. With sizes all the way from half an inch to two inches wide, you’re covered for all kinds of different uses. As an added plus, this tape is thin, so it’s easy to tear for edges. Despite the large amount of tape in this pack, it still sports a modest price tag, making it a great bargain buy for DIY painters.
Pros:
- Includes four different sizes
- Won’t leave residue
- Easy to tear for edges
- Great price
Cons:
- It’s very thin, so it may tear when removing the tape
Scotch Exterior Surface Weatherproof Painter’s Tape
Bring it on
Not all painting jobs are indoors, and when it’s time to head outside, your indoor tape might not be able to keep up. If you have an outdoor painting job and you’re looking to get adhesion that won’t get ruined with sunlight or water, this weatherproof tape is the way to go. The unique poly-tape design makes it more resistant to the elements, and it also makes it easier to remove without pesky tearing. It may be a bit pricier than standard painter’s tape, but for outdoor jobs that need a bit more adhesive strength, it’s worth it.
Pros:
- Waterproof design
- Resists UV rays
- Sticks to outdoor materials
- Removes without tearing
Cons:
- Won’t stick to extremely rough surfaces
FROGTAPE 240660 Painter’s Tape with PaintBlock
Crystal clear
The goal of painter’s tape is ultimately to achieve clean lines with no smearing or leaking, and if you want the best seal possible for getting sharp lines, this is the tape for you. This FrogTape is bright green, just like its namesake, making it easy to see while painting within the lines. It also comes with PaintBlock technology, a special adhesion that seals to the surface in order to protect any paint from leaking in. Just line up your tape, seal it down with a putty knife or flat tool, and then paint to your heart’s content. When it’s time to remove the tape, get ready to let out a sigh of relief when you see crisp, clear lines.
Pros:
- PaintBlock technology seals tape edges for sharp lines
- Removes cleanly from most surfaces within 21 days
- Lots of length options
- Options to bundle with other painting supplies
- Comes in a tape canister to keep it clean until it’s time to paint
Cons:
- May not stick as well if left in storage for a long time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use duct tape as painter’s tape?
Technically yes, although it’s not recommended. Duct tape is notorious for leaving residue on surfaces and isn’t meant to create a tight seal to keep paint out. It’s thick and sticky, essentially the opposite of painter’s tape. However, if you’re in a pinch and you’re not too picky with the end result, it’s definitely better than nothing.
Why are a lot of painter’s tapes blue?
Most painter’s tapes have bright colors like blue or green to distinguish them from all the other types of tapes on the market and to make them easier to see while painting. The bright colors create a stark contrast with most subtle painting colors, and the tape’s consistency in color gave it a signature look.
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