Most people know that masking tapes are generally used to cover or “mask” particular areas that do not require surface coating or painting. As well as this, their relatively low cost and easy removal properties also make them attractive for use in a range of other applications across many industries, offices and as at home for things like holding, bundling, labelling and sealing applications.
What most people don’t know however is that not all masking tapes are created equal. Masking tapes are generally graded by the quality and performance of their pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) (which is determines the amount of time the tape can stay attached and still be removed cleanly without damaging the surface) and their carrier materials abilities.
Unfortunately, the masking tape market is flooded with cheap, low quality variants which although may perform satisfactorily in some applications, others require a professional quality tape that will definitely not allow bleed-through, will stick where it’s put and remove cleanly after use.
The 3M Difference
Did you know that masking tape was invented in 1925 by a 3M employee named Richard Drew? Hence it is no surprise that since then, 3M have continued producing the world’s highest quality range of masking tapes, adapting their range to suit many demanding applications. Here at AG, we are proud to operate a 3M approved tape conversion department, allowing us to offer the full range of 3M masking tapes slit to the exact width you require for your application.
Read on to find out more about the some of the varieties of 3M masking tape available from AG. We have provided some quick information as well as a small summary of their key features and areas of application for each.
Construction: Crepe Paper with rubber-based PSA.
Applications: General masking, holding & bundling applications.
Temperature Rating: Short-term up to 93ºC for 30 minutes.
When most people think of masking tape, they are picturing something similar to 3M 2214 Paper Masking Tape. This grade is manufactured from a crepe paper backing with a rubber based adhesive is suitable for most general, non-critical masking applications. It is highly conformable and can removed cleanly even after exposure to temperatures up to 93ºC for 30 minutes. 3M 2214 is the most economical and popular of the range and is available in 55 metre rolls slit to whichever width you require. Care should be taken when using this grade externally as if left long periods of time it may become difficult to remove.
Construction: Crepe Paper with rubber-based PSA.
Applications: General masking, holding & bundling applications.
Temperature Rating: Short-term up to 121ºC for 30 minutes.
Although similar in construction to the general purpose 3M 2214 grade, this tape is a higher-quality grade of tape for general masking applications. The tape features a higher temperature classication of 121ºC and controlled unwind properties. It is also highly conformable and the adhesive offers superior holding power when compared to the 2214 grade. As with the 2214 be careful when leaving attached externally for long periods of time as it may become difficult to remove.
Construction: Green Crepe Paper with special proprietary PSA
Applications: Critical masking, holding & bundling applications
Temperature Rating: Short-term up to 121ºC for 30 minutes.
This premium grade of masking tape has been designed especially for professionals performing complex and demanding masking applications. 233+ is noted for its ability to be removed cleanly even from surface types that are generally considered difficult such as EPDM rubber. This grade of tape is used extensively in the auto-body repair and manufacture industry and will perform better than most conventional tapes withstanding sunlight. Scotch 233+ is bright green in colour which makes visual inspection of masked areas quick and easy.