As a paint professional, you understand why proper preparation is key to a high-quality paint job. Whether an interior color update or a foundation-to-rooftop exterior revamp, every successful project starts with a thorough assessment of your surfaces and its condition. Starting with a clean, patched, sanded surface can help you save time and money. You have to make sure you have the right tools for a job – especially when it comes to tape!
Considering the volumes of tape professional painters use on the job, it makes sense to pause and ask yourself if the tape you typically use meets your projects’ needs. Why? Well, switching to a tape specifically designed for the project paves the way for crisper lines, higher-quality results, and less rework. These actions could lead to meaningful cost savings over time by avoiding costly rework.
According to 3M Company — a leader in painter’s tapes and the owner of the Scotch® Brand — tape plays an essential role in the painting process — but not all tapes are the same. Therefore, it’s important that painting professionals understand the array of taping options and their distinct applications.
Consider these three factors when searching for the perfect tape for your project:
Surface/Materials — Do you regularly work with metal, plastic, cardboard, or glass? Are the surfaces smooth, porous, irregular, or rough? Once you determine the specific materials and surfaces you may paint, make sure the tape you choose adheres properly to the surface. The last thing you want to do is repair damage from using too strong of adhesive on a freshly painted surface (at least 24-hours old), or damage varnish from hardwood floors, so Scotch™ Delicate Surface Painter's Tape would be the right choice. Tackle rough, tough to stick to surfaces such as brick with Scotch™ Rough Surface Painters Tape.
Environment — What kind of conditions does the tape need to withstand? Is the project interior or exterior? Are extreme high or low temperatures involved? What about humidity, moisture, direct UV or sunlight?
Time — How long does the tape need to remain on the surface? ScotchBlue™ Original Painter’s Tape will stay in place for up to 14 days.
Taking these factors into account will help you narrow the field and eventually lead you to the most suitable tape for your applications.
Types of Tape
Once you identify your project’s needs, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision. Whether the job calls for a tape that is tried-and-true, cross-functional, or highly specialized, Scotch™ Brand offers the following solutions to help you succeed:
ScotchBlue TM Multi-Surface Painter's Tapes
ScotchBlueTM Original Painter’s Tape & ScotchBlueTM Sharp Lines Painter's Tape 2093
Medium adhesion and excellent UV resistance
Great for trim, painted walls, tile, and glass
Can be used for outdoor applications
Cleaner removal without any surface damage when left on for longer periods of time, compared to Scotch Masking Tapes
Scotch® Surface-Specific Painter’s Tapes
Scotch® Rough Surface Painter’s Tape 2060, Scotch® Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape 2080 & Scotch® Exterior Surface Painter’s Tape 2097
Offer better results and require less rework for specific applications, including rough surfaces such as brick or concrete, delicate or freshly painted surfaces, or exterior projects.
Scotch® Masking Tapes
Scotch® Contractor Grade Masking Tape 2020 & Scotch® Heavy Duty Masking Tape 2020+
Great for every-day use on non-damageable surfaces
Strong adhesion and shorter removal times
Best on durable surfaces like vinyl, carpet, metal, and plastic
Still not sure which tape is right for you? Check out Scotch’s Tape Comparison Chart or take the Product Selector Quiz and get your answer with just a few clicks.
Good Prep = Best Results
Now that you’ve found the tape(s) you need, it’s time to put your plan into action, starting with high-quality preparation – which involves more than just taping. Be sure to assess the condition of the surfaces, fix any holes or wall damage, and sand uneven surfaces until they are smooth, clean, and ready to be painted.
Check out the following 3M products:
3M Pro Grade Precision Sanding Paper
Great for construction, woodworking, carpentry, and home improvement projects such as paint and drywall sanding
No-Slip Grip™ Durable Backing reduces hand fatigue
Premium mineral grits
3M Pro Grade Precision Dust Channeling Sanding Sponge
Multi-use sanding sponges
Can be used wet or dry
Premium mineral provides faster sanding
Clog-resistant
Channels dust away from sanding surface
For more information, please visit 3M.com.
This article was created in partnership with 3M.
Finding the Best Tape for the Job
Is Behr Premium Direct to Metal Paint able to have colors added to it or does it come in other colors.
I’m painting outdoor wrought iron table, chairs end table, coffee table, etc. and do not want white, cream
red or black. Can it be tinted with another color at Home Depot if requested .
Hi Valerie,
Yes, The Home Depot stores can tint Direct-to-Metal Semi-Gloss or Eggshell to any color, light to deep.
Kindly,
The BEHR PRO Team
Can I use this on vinyl siding as well?
Hi Nathan,
While our Direct-to-Metal paint can be used on other properly prepared substrates like vinyl, it is not the best choice for vinyl surfaces. BEHR premium exterior paints, such as DYNASTY, MARQUEE, ULTRA, and PREMIUM PLUS, are more suitable for painting vinyl siding. These paints are designed to offer the necessary flexibility to accommodate surface movement caused by temperature fluctuations.
Kindly,
The BEHR PRO Team
Can this paint be used to paint a steel pole building
Hi Terri,
Direct-to-Metal can be applied to metal buildings that are properly prepared and primed. For best results, we recommend using BEHR® Metal Primer.
Kindly,
The BEHR PRO Team
Can the Black Semi-Gloss Direct to Metal Interior/Exterior Paint be used on galvanized fence brackets?
Thanks!
Hi Anna,
Direct-to-Metal can be used on galvanized fence brackets, provided they are properly cleaned, degreased, and primed with BEHR® Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer & Sealer or BEHR® Metal Primer before applying the product.
Kindly,
The BEHR PRO Team