Tapes / Specialist Tapes / Masking Tape

 

Order Code	Size W x L	Type	Pack Quantity
13M12	12mm x 50m	General purpose	144
13M19	19mm x 50m	General purpose	96
13M25	25mm x 50m	General purpose	72
13M38	38mm x 50m	General purpose	48
13M50	50mm x 50m	General purpose	24
13M75	75mm x 50m	General purpose	16

Available from stock in 25mm, 50mm, 75mm widths, and 12mm,19mm and 38mm on request.

* Self-adhesive Kraft paper tape also available here.

Maxtape™ is a quality branded product, carrying the bondmark and has these excellent properties;

• General purpose masking tape with solvent glue which sticks to most metal and plastic surfaces
• Excellent adhesion and good strong hold
• Tearable by hand allowing persons to work quickly
• Removes easily after use, leaving a clean surface without adhesive residue

Multi-purpose masking tape highly recommended for the;

• Automotive trade and spray painting
• DIY projects and home decorating
• Woodworkers and varnishing
• Sealing cartons and labelling products
• And is used for a variety of other applications including hand painting painting metal and sharp edges.

Masking Tape for Packaging, Painting & General Protection

Masking tape is a versatile, pressure-sensitive tape designed for temporary holding, surface protection, and clean paint masking. In packaging and warehouse environments it is commonly used for short-term bundling, light-duty sealing, labelling-by-writing, and protecting edges or surfaces during handling. In decorating and maintenance it is used to create crisp paint lines, shield trims, and reduce overspray or splatter on adjacent areas.

This collection focuses on general-purpose masking tape supplied in 50m rolls across a range of widths, making it easy to match the tape to the job—narrow widths for detail work and labelling, wider widths for faster coverage and broader masking.

Masking Tape — Helpful Guide

1) General-purpose masking tape (crepe paper masking)

General-purpose masking tape typically uses a crepe paper backing with a rubber-resin adhesive. The crepe backing helps the tape conform to gentle curves and textured surfaces, while the adhesive provides quick stick for everyday tasks. It is commonly chosen for indoor masking, temporary protection, and general workshop or warehouse use where clean removal is needed after short periods.

• 13M12 (12mm x 50m) — A narrow roll suited to fine masking lines, small parts, edge protection, and writing short notes or identifiers directly on the tape.
• 13M19 (19mm x 50m) — A practical width for general masking, light bundling, and quick temporary holds where you still want good control around corners.
• 13M25 (25mm x 50m) — A common all-round width for paint masking and surface protection, balancing coverage speed with neat placement.
• 13M38 (38mm x 50m) — Wider coverage for protecting trims, masking larger edges, or bundling items where a broader contact area improves hold.
• 13M50 (50mm x 50m) — A fast-coverage option for broad masking, temporary surface protection, and general workshop tasks where speed matters.
• 13M75 (75mm x 50m) — Extra-wide masking for large-area protection, quick shielding of panels, and covering wider gaps or edges.

Stock note: Common widths are typically held for immediate dispatch, with additional widths available on request depending on requirements and lead times.

Typical Uses & Where Masking Tape Works Best

• Paint masking: Creating straight paint edges on walls, trims, frames, and panels; protecting adjacent surfaces from roller or brush marks.
• Surface protection: Temporary shielding of edges, corners, and contact points during assembly, packing, or transport.
• Bundling & temporary holding: Light-duty grouping of components, cables, or small packs where easy removal is important.
• Labelling and identification: Writing on the tape for short-term notes, pick/pack instructions, or location marking.
• General workshop tasks: Quick fixes, positioning templates, and holding protective sheets in place during short operations.

Case Study: Reducing Rework During Packing & Finishing

A small manufacturer shipping mixed-finish components (painted, powder-coated, and bare metal) experienced frequent cosmetic marks during final packing. The team introduced a simple masking-tape routine: narrow tape for edge protection on delicate corners, and wider tape to secure protective paper around high-contact areas. Because the tape was easy to tear by hand and remove without leaving heavy residue when taken off promptly, packers could work quickly while reducing surface scuffs and the need for touch-ups.

The key learning was matching width to task: narrow rolls improved precision and reduced waste on small parts, while wider rolls sped up coverage on larger panels. A consistent “apply, protect, remove promptly” process helped maintain clean surfaces and predictable results.

How to Choose the Correct Masking Tape

Choose the right width

• 12mm–19mm: Detail masking, small parts, tight corners, and temporary labels.
• 25mm: General-purpose masking and everyday protection tasks.
• 38mm–50mm: Faster coverage for trims, edges, and broader protection.
• 75mm: Large-area shielding and quick coverage where precision is less critical.

Consider the surface and finish

Masking tape performance depends heavily on the surface. Smooth, clean, dry surfaces generally give the most reliable adhesion and cleanest removal. Rough, dusty, chalky, or freshly painted surfaces can reduce bond consistency or increase the chance of residue. When working on sensitive finishes, test a small area first and avoid leaving tape in place longer than necessary.

Think about time on surface

General-purpose masking tapes are designed for temporary use. For best results, apply only for the duration needed and remove as soon as practical. Longer dwell times, heat, and UV exposure can make removal harder and may increase residue risk.

Temperature and environment

Moderate temperature exposure is typical for general masking tasks, but extremes can affect adhesion and removal. Cold conditions can reduce initial tack, while heat can soften adhesive and increase transfer risk. If your process involves elevated temperatures (for example, drying cycles), confirm suitability before use.

Application technique (small steps that matter)

• Prep: Remove dust and moisture; ensure surfaces are dry.
• Apply with even pressure: Press along the edge to reduce paint bleed and improve hold.
• Avoid stretching: Over-stretching can cause lift-back or edge curl.
• Remove correctly: Peel back slowly at a low angle; for paint work, remove while paint is slightly wet or once it has set depending on the coating system.

Masking Tape vs Other Tapes (Quick Comparison)

• Masking tape: Best for temporary masking and protection; easy hand tear; designed for clean removal in short-term use.
• Packaging tape (PP/PVC): Better for carton sealing and long-term closure; typically higher tensile strength and different adhesive behaviour.
• Paper tapes: Often chosen for recyclability-focused packing or where a paper finish is preferred; some variants are water-activated or self-adhesive depending on application.

If you need a paper-based sealing option for cartons, a self-adhesive paper tape may be more appropriate for closure tasks than masking tape.

Storage & Handling Tips

• Store cool and dry: Keep rolls away from direct sunlight and heat sources to help maintain adhesive performance.
• Keep rolls clean: Dust and debris on the roll edge can reduce adhesion and create uneven lines.
• Rotate stock: Use older rolls first to reduce the chance of ageing-related removal issues.

Troubleshooting Common Masking Tape Issues

Residue after removal

Residue is more likely when tape is left on too long, exposed to heat/UV, or applied to porous or delicate surfaces. Reduce dwell time, avoid high temperatures, and test on sensitive finishes. If residue occurs, remove gently with an appropriate cleaner for the surface.

Paint bleed under the edge

Bleed can happen if the edge is not fully pressed down, the surface is dusty, or the paint is very thin. Apply firm pressure along the edge, ensure the surface is clean, and consider sealing the edge with the base colour before applying the top coat for sharper lines.

Tape lifting or curling

Lifting can be caused by surface contamination, low temperature, or stretching during application. Clean the surface, apply at a suitable temperature, and lay the tape down without tension. Using a wider tape can also improve contact area on some surfaces.