green or blue tape for masking

I've used both "flavors" of the blue 3M tape, too.  I've only had problems with seepage a couple of times, and both times I got in a hurry and didn't quite burnish down corners where 2 pieces of tape overlapped each other.

I use 3M (blue) *Safe Release Painters Tape, product number #2080.  It has the familiar "thin" quality of Tamiya tape and is more flexible than the standard Multi-Surface type.  It works just as well for general masking and for canopies, etc.  I have'nt had any problems with bleed-under or damge to underlined painted surfaces either.  It's great stuff, give it a try..it will raise an eyebrow or two.

People painting or varnishing real yachts favor a tape known as Fine Line Tape. It produces a very sharp line when removed. That is, the paint does not get under the edge. The blue tape can be left on for a couple of weeks while Fine Line can be left on for a few weeks or possibly longer.

Fine Line is a very pale green and is more like Scotch Magic tape as opposed to a paper-like tape. It would be found at better boat supply stores such as West Marine. I have not seen it in a LHS. I believe it is also made by 3M and is also the most expensive of the tapes. But, if you need a really fine line, it should be considered.

Regards, Jay

I use the blue tape. It pulls off really easy and I've never had a problem with paint underneath lifting off. I've found that using the tip of a pencil or other pointy object will help snug it into odd corners and such.

EdGrune wrote:

I too like Tamiya tape -- but sometimes you just gotta cover a larger area, cheaper.

That's when I use Tamiya for the demarcation line and cheaper tape or paper to cover the rest.  

3M makes 2 flavors of blue painters tape.  

One is Multi Surface.  It has a white tube roll core.   Its surface is sorta crepe-like - more line your standard masking tape texture.   It says it is safe release for 14 days.    I use a lot of it for general masking & sticking parts to a board to paint  

The second is their Delicate Surface tape.   It has a yellow tube roll core.  The surface is more smooth and paper-like.   Its adhesive isn't quite as strong as the former -- but stronger still than Post-It notes.

I also have a roll of 3M Post-it tape.  White - paper consistency.  For when I want some real soft adhesive.

I too like Tamiya tape -- but sometimes you just gotta cover a larger area, cheaper. 

 

Tamiya tape is the best but for what you have I would feel the tackiness of the tape with your fingers and find the least tacky of the two.

 

I use the blue stuff. I'f Im applying the tape straight onto the surface, I pull out a strip and press it to my pants leg once or twice. This cuts the adhesive's strength back even more.

Then I cut it on a sheet of heavy glass with a SHARP blade.

  I`m not sure what thr green one is, but I`ve had very good luck with the blue...