Duct tape should never be used as a replacement for painter’s tape.
With so many different tapes available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for the job. For painting jobs, it is generally recommended to use a painter’s tape or masking tape. But what about other types of tape – or, more specifically, duct tape? Despite the many uses of duct tape, it should never be used for painting, and this article will explain why.
Painter’s tape vs. duct tape
Painter’s tape and duct tape are very different. Duct tapes are designed to provide a strong, durable, semi-permanent or permanent bond. This is a great thing for a lot of circumstances, but it’s not well-suited for painting.
In contrast, painter’s tapes are specially designed for temporary bonds. Painter’s tapes are applied only during painting projects and should be removed while the paint is still wet to ensure the cleanest lines. Painters tapes are designed to leave a sharp paint line, where duct tapes tend to have a rougher edge not meant for painting projects.
Duct tape can damage your walls
If you haven’t been convinced by the details, consider one more thing: duct tape is designed to have incredibly strong adhesive strength. If you attach duct tape to a surface and then remove it, it could leave sticky residue behind depending on the surface and the type of duct tape used.
Even worse, if you apply duct tape to a surface that is not well bonded to its substrate, the duct tape may pull up material from the surface. A light coat of paint may be peeled off, or might damage the wall itself.
Use painter’s tape instead
There’s really no competition here: painter’s tape is the clear choice for painting projects. It’s the best way to protect your surfaces and ensure clean, clear lines. This ability to safely apply and remove without damaging the wall or surface is what makes painter’s tape the best choice for paint projects.
Find all of your painter’s tape needs at shurtape.com.