What is washi tape?

Washi tape gets its name from its carrier, which is Japanese washi paper. The major advantage of washi paper is that it’s thinner and stronger than the traditional crêpe paper.

Due to these unique properties, washi tape results in less paint accumulation against the side of the tape. Additionally, the tape easily moulds itself to the surface, meaning paint is less likely to get under the tape. Another advantage of washi tape is its strength and flexibility. This means the tape doesn’t tear as easily when it is removed. Together, this results in a professional finish with clean paint lines.

Acrylic adhesive
Washi tape basically always has acrylic adhesive. Thanks to this adhesive, the tape is easy to move after application. Because this tape is UV stable, you don’t have to worry about annoying glue residues.

Properties of washi tape

• Washi tape is flexible, for example, for masking round windows
• It’s easy to tear by hand
• The outdoor washi tapes have high UV resistance
• The tape is easy to reposition
• The tape can be removed in 1 piece after applying multiple layers of paint
• The result: super clean paint lines without glue residues

How to use washi tape?

Strong washi tape

Strong washi tape is a tape with fibre reinforced washi paper and extra high adhesive strength. This washi tape is usually available in the colours red and orange. If the job starts in the morning, and there’s no time to wait until the morning dew has dissipated, these tapes are the perfect solution. Even when lacquer or varnish needs to be masked, or for wetter and thicker putty, stucco and plaster work, the strong washi tapes make a difference.

When to use strong washi tape?

Strong washi tape is used for demanding jobs. For example, moist or rough surfaces. Strong washi tape maintains its properties such as adhesive strength and clean paint lines, even at high temperatures. Below we’ll describe three situations in which strong washi tape is at its best.

• Use strong washi tape on a slightly rough surface and slightly moist surfaces, such as morning dew.
• When masking multiple layers of paint or for the wetter and thicker plastering/putty work.
• Special applications in which masked surfaces have to be heated in an oven. Strong washi tape can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees.

Sensitive washi tape

Sensitive washi tape is the best choice for vulnerable surfaces. Sensitive washi tape ensures faster and better results! The tape is available in the colours purple and lilac.

When to use sensitive washi tape?

Below we’ll discuss a few examples of situations in which sensitive washi tape is the best solution.

• Sensitive washi tape is the thinnest type in the Washi tape range. This is used for sensitive and easily damaged surfaces such as wallpaper, plasterboard, decorative frames, or fresh lacquer.
• You also use sensitive washi tape if you’re doing your paintjob in a hurry. This tape significantly reduces the turnaround time of a job. This is because you can immediately mask freshly painted dry surfaces without damaging the new paint, saving a lot of time!

Allround washi tape

Allround washi tape is the most universal masking tape in our range. Perfect for the most diverse indoor and outdoor applications. There’s a reason why the allround washi tape is part of the professional’s standard equipment.

When to use standard washi tape?

Standard washi tape can be used in all kinds of situations. On various surfaces and at various temperatures. Below we’ll list a few of these situations.

• You use standard washi tape when painting with water-based paints
• The allround washi tape is suitable for outdoor use, so ideal for when you’re working outdoors.
• The tape is suitable for use with spray guns and drying in an oven afterwards (from 80 up to 120 degrees)

The best masking tapes

Washi tapes are superior to traditional crêpe tapes. Or ‘masking tape’ as this is popularly called. Crêpe tapes are actually only useful for briefly masking non-critical surfaces.

Washi tapes are the best choice for the professional. Painters and plasterers are choosing the new standard in masking tape in large numbers. These are the best tapes for long-term masking of surfaces. Do you want to be sure you’ll find the perfect tape? Have a look at our broad range.

Washi tape is also the best choice for masking large surfaces. Are you curious which film or paper is the best fit for your job? View the films with pre-applied washi tape here.

Tips for using washi tape

It’s important to ensure a clean surface. If the surface is dirty, the tape won’t adhere properly. The paint may then run under the tape. Contamination in the form of solvents can have a different consequence. The solvents react with the adhesive, leaving behind glue residues after the tape is removed.

What paint you use, and how many layers of it, will help determine which washi tape is best for your application. For example, for multiple layers of paint, the strong washi tape is the best choice.