Masking tape is masking tape right?

[kuririn]

Did two masking jobs recently. One with a generic 1/4" masking tape from an online vendor and the other was 1/4" Tamiya masking tape.
Generic:


Tamiya:


The Tamiya tape is about twice as expensive as the generic.
Just in case you all were thinking about "saving money" by buying the generic tape.

 

[Marc_G]

Wise words. The right tape for the right job is critical!

 

[Funkworks]

I've learned my lesson with regular masking tape: never use masking tape to mask a rocket.

My go to product is Frog Tape for the edge, and a garbage bag, taped to the Frog Tape with regular masking tape, for the bulk. Tamiya works well when space is an issue.

 

[prfesser]

Watch out for Frog Tape! I tried it on a rocket and the tape partially dissolved into a sticky mess. I think the paint was a lacquer but I don't recall the brand...it wasn't Rustoleum, Krylon, or any of the common ones. Thank goodness it was in a place where it didn't matter.

I've found that I get a better edge by laying a strip of blue tape on the cutting board, and slicing off a few millimeters from one edge. I also spray the taped edge with the base coat so that if there is any leakage it won't be noticeable.

 

[David Schwantz]

3M fine line tape. I like the blue over the green as it stretches better. The only thing I use regular masking tape for is the paper.

 

[neil_w]

I use the Tamiya yellow for all my edges, and then fill in the large areas with either cheap blue tape or plastic bags or mail flyers or whatever.

I also have the Tamiya tape for curves (flexible white stuff) for special applications. Works well once you get the hang of it.

 

[lakeroadster]

I've found that I get a better edge by laying a strip of blue tape on the cutting board, and slicing off a few millimeters from one edge. I also spray the taped edge with the base coat so that if there is any leakage it won't be noticeable.

Sage advice. I've had good results too by cutting a fresh edge on Scotch blue tape.

But.. use regular masking tape over the blue tape for masking purposes. Blue tape on Blue tape doesn't stick well at all.