Professional Masking Tips and Techniques

Selection Tips: Make it easy on yourself

• Ask yourself five questions to make 3M Masking Tape selection as easy as I, II, III
• Be sure to check out the nine (9) "go-to" crepe masking products on the Simplified Selection page

Application Tip: Make the most of your time and tape

• Surface considerations for best results
• Handling tape for best application
• Thin crepe is better than thick
• End tabbing for easier removal

Application Techniques:

• Direct masking
• Over tape masking for fine paint lines
• Spiral or twist masking
• Double stick offset masking
• Inside-out masking
• Feathered-edge masking
• Reverse masking for large areas

Removal Tip: Not too fast, not too hot

• 90° pull at moderate speed for best results
• Remove at 60-120°F for clean release
• When removal is not quite right…