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One of the questions we get asked all the time is, "Which masking tape should I buy?"
It's easy to see why. There are so many different options on the shelf, and at first glance they all look pretty similar.
The truth is, they're not.
Different masking tapes have been designed with different adhesives, materials and features to suit different decorating jobs. Choosing the right one can help you achieve cleaner paint lines, protect delicate surfaces and save you from having to touch up mistakes later on.
It's actually one of the reasons we've recently introduced our own DCO masking tape range. Rather than launching lots of different tapes, we've started with the two we think you'll reach for most often: a Multi-Purpose Masking Tape and an Ultra Delicate Masking Tape.
Of course, every project is different, which is why we'll always recommend the tape that's best suited to the job, whether that's one of ours or not. So, let's take a look at which tapes I'd recommend for different decorating jobs, including options from DCO, Q1, Masq and Arroworthy.
Painting walls, woodwork or skirting boards?
For most interior decorating jobs, you don't need anything overly specialist.
What you do want is a tape that sticks securely while you're painting, but removes cleanly afterwards without leaving adhesive behind or pulling away the surface underneath.
Using the wrong tape can make decorating much harder than it needs to be. It can lift as you paint, allow paint to creep underneath or leave sticky residue behind once it's removed.
For this type of decorating, I'd usually reach for either DCO Multi-Purpose Tape, Q1 Multi Purpose Tape or Arroworthy Painters Tape. They're all brilliant all-round options for walls, ceilings, woodwork and trim, making them ideal for the majority of decorating projects.
Decorating freshly painted or delicate surfaces?
Fresh paint might feel dry, but underneath it can still be soft enough for a standard masking tape to lift it away when you remove it. The same goes for wallpaper, fresh plaster and other delicate finishes.
Look for a masking tape with a low-tack adhesive. It's designed to grip well enough while you're decorating but release much more gently afterwards, reducing the risk of damaging the surface.
For jobs like this, I'd usually recommend DCO Ultra Delicate Masking Tape, Q1 Delicate Surface Tape or Masq Low Tack Purple Tape. They're all designed to give you clean paint lines while being much kinder to delicate surfaces.
If you're working on particularly fragile surfaces, such as specialist wallpaper or very fresh plaster, Q1 Sensitive Tape and Masq Sensitive Tape are both excellent specialist options.
Want those lovely crisp paint lines?
Whether you're painting a feature wall, colour drenching a room or creating bold shapes with different colours, the finish is only ever going to be as good as the edge.
If you've ever peeled masking tape away only to find paint has bled underneath, you'll know exactly how frustrating it is.
For projects where crisp paint lines really matter, look for a tape that's been specifically designed for precision work. These tapes sit flatter against the surface, helping reduce the chance of paint creeping underneath.
Q1 Precision Line Tape and Masq Superior Gold Tape really come into their own here. They're both designed to help you achieve those lovely sharp paint lines that make a decorating project look professionally finished.
Painting outside?
Exterior decorating asks much more of your masking tape than decorating indoors.
Sunshine, rain and changing temperatures can all affect how well a tape performs. Some interior tapes can become difficult to remove if they're left outside for too long, while others simply aren't designed to cope with the weather.
For most exterior decorating, I'd recommend choosing a tape that's been designed specifically for outdoor use.
Q1 Blue Painter's Tape is a fantastic all-round choice for windows, doors, trim and other exterior projects.
If you're painting rougher surfaces, such as textured masonry or timber, Masq Ultimate Red Tape is often the better option thanks to its stronger adhesive, which helps it grip uneven surfaces more effectively.
And if your project is likely to stretch over several days, Arroworthy Painters Tape is another excellent choice thanks to its UV resistance and 60-day clean removal.
A quick recap
| If you're... |
I'd recommend... |
| Painting walls, woodwork or skirting boards |
DCO Multi-Purpose Tape, Q1 Multi Purpose Tape or Arroworthy Painters Tape |
| Decorating over fresh paint, wallpaper or other delicate surfaces | DCO Ultra Delicate Masking Tape, Q1 Delicate Surface Tape or Masq Low Tack Purple Tape |
| Working on delicate surfaces, such as fresh plaster or specialist wallpaper |
Q1 Sensitive Tape or Masq Sensitive Tape |
| Looking for crisp paint lines | Q1 Precision Line Tape or Masq Superior Gold Tape |
| Decorating outside | Q1 Blue Painter's Tape, Masq Ultimate Red Tape or Arroworthy Painters Tape |
Masking tape might seem like a small part of a decorating project, but choosing the right one can make a surprising difference to the finished result.
The good news is that you don't need a cupboard full of different tapes. For most decorating jobs, a good all-purpose masking tape or a low-tack tape for delicate surfaces will cover just about everything you'll come across. The more specialist tapes are there when your project calls for them.
If you're ever unsure which masking tape is best for your project, just reach out via our socials (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or messages us on WhatsApp, email, we'll always be happy to point you towards the product that's best for the job.
Helen x
