Masking Tapes, Films and Consumables

Stylus Tapes: Trusted Masking Tape Suppliers

Masking tape is an essential tool across various industries. It is known for its versatility and reliability. Whether for painting, automotive repair, or construction, masking tape serves countless purposes. 

At Stylus Tapes, we pride ourselves on being the preferred wholesaler of high-quality masking tapes across Australia and internationally. We stock various types, colours, and widths to meet all your professional needs. 

Explore our extensive range of masking tapes, including automotive repair, general-purpose, and specialty tapes.

What is masking tape?

Masking Tape consists of two layers: a thin crepe or Washi paper that can be torn by hand and an adhesive layer made from either natural rubber, hot melt, or acrylic. 

Cloth or PET Masking Tapes are used in industrial applications where High Temperatures up to 260°C is required. These tapes have a specialised silicone based adhesive.

This construction makes it highly versatile and easy to use across many applications, including painting, decorating, and construction. Masking tape and painter’s tapes have a primary function in the painting and decorating industry: to create clean edges and protect surfaces from damage during painting. 

However, masking tape has many other applications across the home DIY and professional industries. 

• Painting: Masking tapes create sharp, clean lines and prevent paint bleed, making them ideal for intricate details and broader applications.
• Automotive work: Mask off vehicle sections that shouldn’t be painted or protect surfaces during detailing.
• Construction: Widely used for labelling, temporary fixes, and protecting surfaces during renovations.
• Office use: Organising files, labelling office supplies, or securing lightweight items temporarily.
• Industrial: High temperature masking during powder coating or HVOF (High Velocity Oxygen Fuel) thermal spraying applications.

Types of masking tape

While masking tape is a fairly universal product, there are several different kinds available, some of which have specialist applications. 

Most masking tapes will fall under general-purpose tapes that can be used for almost anything. The different colours and widths set them apart, but most of you’ll see regular masking tape in stores. Specialist types include: 

• High-temperature masking tape: Made from high-performance polyester (PET) film coated with a specially formulated silicone adhesive, this type of masking tape offers a temperature resistance of up to 150℃. It is suitable for splicing, tabbing, electroplating, and spray coating.
• Aerospace masking tape: This is made from aluminium foil and glass fabric coated with silicone adhesive, making it ideal for high-temperature masking up to 260°C. Its main applications are repairing aircraft engines or masking areas exposed to HVOF plasma flames.
• Automotive repair masking tape is used primarily in the automotive industry for short-term masking applications. It is suitable for aftermarket car, bus, and truck masking and can typically withstand higher temperatures than normal masking tape, making it ideal for tasks involving an automotive smash repair oven.
• Painter’s tape Differentiates itself from masking tape with its water-resistant properties and no-residue removal. It also provides UV protection and longevity, making it ideal for painting applications.
• Masking films: A masking film is a temporary placeholder to protect a surface from damage while painting. 

Is masking tape waterproof? 

Generally speaking, it is not waterproof as it’s made from crepe paper. However, specialised painter’s water-resistant tape will typically protect an area for at least a few days, provided the area isn’t wet. Certain automotive masking tapes are also water resistant. 

How to apply and remove masking tape

Applying and removing the tape is easy to do. Here’s how you can go about it:

Applying masking tape

1. Make sure the surface is clean and dry.
2. Pull out the tape to the desired length, applying it steadily to avoid air gaps.
3. Press firmly for a secure bond.

Removing masking tape

1. Wait until the paint is dry to touch. 
2. Carefully lift the edge with a thin tool and peel off slowly at a 45 degree angle from the surface to prevent surface damage.
3. Use a mild solvent, like rubbing alcohol, for adhesive residue.

Can I use masking tape instead of electrical tape?

Masking tape is made from crepe paper, which is not only flammable but also doesn’t provide the stretchiness or durability of electrical tape. 

Masking tape should only be used temporarily as a placeholder for labelling wires or denoting which wire is for which electrical appliances. Never use masking tape as a permanent replacement for electrical tape.

How to choose the right masking tape

The right masking tape is essential to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. At Stylus Tapes, we understand the diverse needs of various industries and offer a comprehensive range of specialty tapes that can be tailored to your specific requirements.

When choosing masking tape, consider the environmental conditions of your application. For high-temperature settings, such as automotive repairs or manufacturing processes, look at our specialty or automotive masking tapes, which include high-temperature masking tapes that can withstand up to 150℃. 

We have a wide range of tapes with gentle adhesives for projects involving delicate surfaces that will avoid damage upon removal. Matching the tape to the surface type and texture is essential. 

Consider the required durability and longevity. For example, painter’s tape offers both UV protection and clean removal, making it suitable for longer-term projects.

For more information on choosing the right masking tape, read our masking tape selection guide. 

Why choose Stylus Tapes?

Stylus Tapes is Australia’s most well-known and reliable wholesalers of masking tape and many other tape types. 

Our commitment to excellence ensures you receive the highest-quality products tailored to your business needs.

We offer:

• A wide array of masking tapes for various applications.
• High-performance products designed for durability.
• Expert advice and quality customer support.
• Customised tapes to meet specific project requirements.
• Wholesale and bulk purchases.

Have any taping questions? Contact our team today for any advice or inquiries that you may have. We’d be more than happy to assist you with any of your questions.