Masking Tapes and Films

Masking tapes and films are used to protect surface areas from paint or coatings. They should be removed soon after the coating process is complete. There are many different types of masking tapes and films. Transfer tape is a highly versatile product that consists of a thin, adhesive film without a carrier or backing. It can be transferred readily to most dry surfaces from a peel-away release liner. Single-sided masking tapes and films have a backing or carrier that is coated with adhesive on one side. By contrast, double-sided products have a backing or carrier that is coated with adhesive on both sides. Typically, double-sided tapes are supplied with a coated release liner. Different pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) may be used on each side. This is especially useful in applications with dissimilar substrates. Substrate choices for masking tapes and films include ceramics and glass, concrete and masonry, foam and foam bonding materials, porous surfaces, leather, metal, paper and paperboard, plastic, rubber and elastomers, textiles and fabrics, wood and wood products, and other materials. 

There are three main product construction parameters for masking tapes and films: backing, skin or layers; adhesive or coating type; and release or liner material. Choices for backing materials include aluminum foil and sheets, copper foil and sheets, cloth and fabric, felt and non-woven materials, fiberglass, filament, fluropolymer, foam, carbon or graphite fiber, and paper. Masking tapes and films that use plastic, polyester, polymer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, silicone and urethane skins or layers are also available. Proprietary carrier materials include VELCRO^® (Velcro Industries B.V.) and Kapton^® (DuPont Teijin Films). There are also many choices for adhesive or coating type. Examples include acrylic, cellulose, epoxy, glue or water-activated, heat-activated, polyurethane, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic and thermoset. Liners for masking tapes and films can be made of paper, board, clay or wax-coated materials, fluropolymers, glassine, or silicone. 

Applications, dimensions, physical properties, and performance features are important considerations when selecting masking tapes and films. Some products are designed for aerospace, automotive, biotech, building and construction, electrical, electronic, HVAC, or medical applications. Others are used in label manufacturing, membrane switches and control panels, packaging, plumbing, printing, seaming, semiconductor, splicing, or drug delivery application. In addition to dimensional parameters such as width, thickness and length, masking tapes and films carry specifications for elongation, tensile strength, peel strength, and temperature resistance. Performance features vary by application, and may include chemical resistance and electrostatic discharge (ESD) control.

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Part Numbers for Masking Tapes and Films