The Best Painter’s Tape

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber
Published on
August 19th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben has over a decade of experience in cleaning projects of all types along the entire eastern seaboard of the United States. Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician), WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning and leading teams goes back as far as he can remember.

The Cleaning Institute

Achieving professional painter results is all in the tape. Those crisp, clean lines didn’t happen magically – they were carefully planned and executed. We wanted to ensure that you could also paint every room in your house with the same level of professionalism, so we put all the top brands of painter’s tape to the test to find the ones that worked the best for any project.

Testing Categories

Application

One of the most basic qualities that tape requires is how easily it can be attached to walls and other surfaces. Some of the contenders seem to peel off quite easily from the roll, but then took a lot of pressure in order to actually get them to stick to other surfaces. Others did not flow easily but stuck more quickly.

Hold

It was not just about how easily the different types of painter’s tape stuck to the walls to begin with, but how well they held up after painting had begun. Some of our weaker competitors began to peel off only minutes after they were put up, which was, of course, not ideal. Needless to say, the adhesives that actually stayed in place the entire time were among the top choices.

Surfaces

It was also quite convenient if the tape being used was sufficient for multiple surfaces instead of just one. All of the products tested were judged on how well they stuck to all types of surfaces, including wood, drywall, stone, tile, concrete, plaster, etc.

Quality

The quality test was quite simple – we just wanted to ensure that no peeling or shredding occurred when trying to remove tape from the roll. There is nothing more annoying than having to attempt peeling off tape, several times, just to get a suitably sized piece off of a roll without having to reattach ends.

Bleeding

This was quite an important test. If the adhesive bubbles up or worse, if paint seeped through to the other side, you may as well have saved yourself the trouble of carefully placing it down in the first place.

Removal

Lastly, removal of the tape after the project is complete is equally important. Any tape tested that left damage or peeled up freshly painted surfaces was quickly removed from the list of possible top contenders.

Top Pick

ScotchBlue Original
Multi-Surface
Painter’s Tape

This well loved original painter’s tape is still going strong due to its super easy application, as well as residue and damage free removal.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Can be used on multiple surfaces, including walls, glass, metal, and trim. The hold is super firm and has very consistent adhesive. Can be used for 3D printing. Creates very sharp, professional-looking lines.

Biggest downsides: Must be removed when paint is wet, otherwise, it could cause peeling. Tape is a bit wide, can be difficult to secure on round areas. Sometimes separates when removing, which requires more effort and time.

Honorable Mention

FrogTape 1358463
Multi-Surface
Painting Tape

A painter’s best friend, this tape uses special technology to keep paint from seeping through, which gives you a more professional look every time.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Very nice sharp lines, good for intricate designs. Can be left on the wall for extended periods of time and still peels away clean. Stays up once applied firmly.

Biggest downsides: Takes time and diligence to apply. Adhesive needs extra pressure to seal out paint. Does not stick to all surfaces evenly.

Green Pick

Scotch Masking
Tape for Basic
Painting

This long-lasting adhesive will quickly become a must-have for every painter. It is also made with recycled fibers to produce less waste.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Very reliable and stops paint from seeping through. Holds strong when used on approved surfaces. Sturdy enough to hold things to the wall.

Biggest downsides: Only sticks to clean services. Cannot be used to hold things together, it is strictly a painter’s tape. Has problems sticking to itself when trying to be applied to the wall.

All Our Picks

Tips for Using Painter’s Tape

The most important step in applying any brand of painter’s tape actually starts before the tape is applied. It may seem simple, but many novice painters forget to clean the area before applying the tape. Even if you are in a hurry, it’s imperative to dust all trim or molding, as well as clean the surface with a damp rag, which will remove any greasy or grimey residue. This will ensure you get a firm and well-sealed grip the first time to cut down on bleeding, which will produce crisper lines. Once the wall or area is completely dry, only then can you begin the taping process.

Tip: When applying tape around trim or baseboards, you can use a putty knife to apply more pressure and create a cleaner seal.

Storing Your Painter’s Tape

It is a little-known fact that adhesive requires proper storage in order to remain usable. Tape is not impervious to the elements and, if not kept in an appropriate environment, it can degrade faster over time. In order to preserve the chemical makeup of adhesive, store your painter’s tape in a cool, dry place. Even the slightest moisture can seep in and cause the tape to become useless in just a short period of time. Keep in mind that unlike other some other tools, tape can also go bad over time.

The Best Painter’s Tape

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

ScotchBlue Original
Multi-Surface
Painter’s Tape

FrogTape 1358463
Multi-Surface
Painting Tape

Scotch Masking
Tape for Basic
Painting

All Our Picks

ScotchBlue Original
Multi-Surface
Painter’s Tape

FrogTape 1358463
Multi-Surface
Painting Tape

Scotch Masking
Tape for Basic
Painting

Tips for Using Painter’s Tape

Storing Your Painter’s Tape

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

The Best Painter’s Tape

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape

FrogTape 1358463Multi-SurfacePainting Tape

Scotch MaskingTape for BasicPainting

All Our Picks

ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape

FrogTape 1358463Multi-SurfacePainting Tape

Scotch MaskingTape for BasicPainting

Tips for Using Painter’s Tape

Storing Your Painter’s Tape

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

ScotchBlue Original
Multi-Surface
Painter’s Tape

FrogTape 1358463
Multi-Surface
Painting Tape

Scotch Masking
Tape for Basic
Painting

ScotchBlue Original
Multi-Surface
Painter’s Tape

FrogTape 1358463
Multi-Surface
Painting Tape

Scotch Masking
Tape for Basic
Painting