Direct masking

Apply tape directly to a clean, dry surface with or without gross masking paper or film.

Do not tape over freshly painted surfaces. This can trap solvents and cause imprinting or ghosting.

Over tape masking for fine paint lines

When the finished job requires a very fine paint line, a 3M fine line masking tape is first applied to the surface.

3M crepe masking tape is then applied over the fine line tape. The edge of the crepe is set back from the paint line edge of the fine line tape. The crepe holds gross masking paper or film.

NOTE: Before applying the crepe tape lightly scuff the back of the fine line tape with a Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pad to increase the adhesion between the two tapes if needed. This is particularly important if the crepe tape is holding large gross masks.

Spiral or twist masking

This technique helps prevent paint blow bye into gaps such as door jambs. With adhesive side out, twist the tape back onto itself creating a cylinder with an adhesive exterior. Press the cylinder into a gap or close the door on it.

Double stick offset masking

Overlap two tapes adhesive side to adhesive side with edges offset so that adhesive is exposed on both sides. Tape can then be applied first in production and then a gross mask added later.

The technique can also fill gaps. For example, tape is first applied to the edge of a desk and hangs inside an opened drawer. When the drawer is closed the tape seals the gap.

Inside out masking

Apply tape to the inside of a frame such as a window, leaving some of the adhesive side overhanging into the opening. Apply gross masking paper or film to the exposed adhesive.

Feathered edge masking

A feathered paint edge provides a very low profile that is usually covered with a decorative tape. The tape after application appears smooth with no visible ridge from a paint edge.

To create a feathered edge, fold up one tape edge. Spray paint from an angle that does not allow the paint to go directly under the folded edge.

Reverse masking for large areas

For two-tone applications over large areas, this technique involves sealing the ends or flaps of large masking bags or sheets.

2. Prepare a 6" high gross mask of paper or film with 3M crepe masking tape overhanging the top and bottom edges.

3. Apply one edge over the fine line tape. The crepe edge is set back from the edge of the fine line tape. The other edge of the gross mask is an unattached flap at this point.

NOTE: Before applying the crepe tape lightly scuff the back of the fine line tape with a Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pad to increase the adhesion between the two tapes if needed.

4. The primary color will be protected with a masking bag or large sheets of gross masking paper or film. Tuck the bag or sheet edges behind the flap of the 6" mask and press the flap firmly in place.

5. Tape down all loose flaps.

Tape Selection | Application Tips | Application Techniques | Tape Removal

For a printable version of the Professional Masking Tips and Techniques brochure (PDF 1.2 MB), click here.