Thanks to some great product placement on home improvement shows, marketing by 3M, and retailers giving more shelf space to blue painter’s tape, it has really been a popular choice for end users to buy for their painting projects. Originally, the tape manufacturers developed this product for professional painters to use on outdoor painting jobs. They needed a tape that could withstand the UV exposure, temperatures, weather, etc. for up to 7-14 days without falling off or leaving a residue behind when removed. These products typically had a lower adhesion level than regular paint grade masking tapes and were made blue in color to make it easier for the painters to differentiate from their other tape.

One can use blue painter’s masking tape for indoor painting jobs; however, you are paying for the UV protection that is not needed indoors. If paying several dollars a roll more than a good quality indoor paint grade masking tape isn’t important to you, then by all means go ahead and buy the pretty blue tape. In the retail world, manufacturers have developed other versions of this product catering to the home improvement do-it-yourselfers and smaller contractors, but the price is still higher. Take a look at the adhesive tape manufacturers products us wholesalers have available. I bet you can save some money on your tape and use it to upgrade something more permanent you can enjoy longer – like a better faucet or tile.

• General Purpose Masking is used for bundling, labeling, non-critical masking where higher adhesion level is needed. They have excellent quick stick and flexibility.
• Industrial Grade Masking Tape is designed for industrial, commercial, and residential paint markets for use on plastics, metal, glass, and rubber. Offers good resistance to solvents and moderate heat (not over 150 degrees F). The tapes in this line have good hold but will remove cleanly. The blue masking tape or painters tape is made to hold up to outdoor UV exposure for up to 14 days without residue upon removal. It will work for indoor painting, but you are paying for the outdoor resistance.
• High Temperature Masking can withstand temperatures from 180 to 325 degrees F. Different products in the line have their own range. They are ideal for the transportation industry and strip cleanly after baking or extended applications.
• Colored Masking Tape or Specialty Masking can be used in a variety of applications for general use blue masking tape is the most used in painting.