Author: Katie Kaman | Updated: April 5, 2021

Go to any hardware store and ask where you can find tape. You will definitely have a question about which type of tape you want: plumbing, masking, adhesives, cellophane, electrical, paint, double-sided, plumber, etc. Most of these tapes look and feel very different, so it is easy to decide which one is suitable for the job. After all, wrapping children’s birthday gifts with black electrical tape will definitely attract attention. But for the two most commonly used tapes-masking tape and paint tape-the difference is not so obvious.

Except for the name of painter's tape, which is easy to expose its professionalism, masking tape and painter's tape are made of crepe paper backing, have similar weight, and can be used for the same job in a critical juncture. In fact, they are technically from the same family-all painters' tapes are masking tapes. But on the other hand, not all masking tape is painter's tape.

So, if they are really that similar, is it really necessary to choose one? The answer depends on your project type, budget and time.

With its eye-catching blue or green, painter's tape is favored by DIY enthusiasts and professionals for its ability to create clear and clean paint lines without leakage from the edges of the paint. It contains a waterproof surface so that when the painter uses water-based paint, it does not wrinkle and destroy the quality of the line edges.

Since the adhesive is not as strong or sticky as ordinary masking tape, the painter's tape can be peeled off without residue and will not take away any extra paint. Although it is best to remove the tape as soon as the paint dries, you can leave painter's tape on the wall, floor, ceiling, or window for up to 14 days to avoid any major problems. Since it has a thin layer of extra paper backing, it is unlikely to tear or break when you pull it off the wall.

So why is the painter's tape usually blue or green? Choose a unique color to create a brand identity and easily distinguish it from all other tapes on the market. This color also helps it stand out from most paint colors during application.

One disadvantage is that it may affect your wallet. Painter's tape is more expensive than masking tape, so if you have a large paint job, it can add up. But it’s worth considering that you don’t have to touch and clean up the remaining residue, which saves time and headaches.

Known for its off-white color and relatively light weight, masking tape is more versatile. Since its adhesive is stronger than painter's tape, it is very suitable for making labels, fixing lightweight objects, and in some cases painting.

But its adhesive strength has a disadvantage. When removed from any type of surface, the masking tape will leave a residue, similar to the result of removing a band-aid that has been applied to the skin for a few days (of course, there is no pain). Residues can accumulate quickly and it can be a bit frustrating to clean up. Therefore, it is most suitable for projects where the tape needs to stay for a period of time.

Although masking tape is usually used for paint jobs, it also has some risks. When you remove the tape, some paint will ooze from the edges, and even some paint will appear on the tape, which is very common. However, it is a cheaper alternative than paint tape, and when used carefully and quickly removed, it will help you create a straight line on a small paint project.

The look and feel of painter's tape and masking tape are almost the same, but their differences are obvious in paint jobs. Masking tape is certainly effective, but to obtain professional surface treatment and reduce cleaning work, please consider buying one (or two) painters' tape at a hardware store.

Duct tape is one of the most popular tapes because of its amazing strength and versatility-even in outer space. In the famous Apollo 13 mission, NASA astronauts had to use it to repair the air filter during the lunar module. It persisted and took them all home safely.

Please copy/paste the following text to correctly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: