There are few things more utilitarian than your average roll of masking tape. They’re bang-ordinary and yet are so useful that there should probably be at least one in every household and garage.
Masking tape has been around since 1925, when it was developed by Richard Drew, an engineer who worked for 3M – an adhesives manufacturer. Drew noticed that auto parts painters accidentally painted different parts of cars with the wrong colour because the paint would run from where they were supposed to be painting.
To remedy this, Drew invented a tape that was brightly coloured to be easily differentiated from the paint itself and left behind minimal residue when taped to any surface. It also caught the paint that the auto body painters would have otherwise accidentally painted, making it incredibly popular throughout the auto industry almost immediately.
The result is one of the most common types of tape today – masking tape. Richard Drew also invented transparent tape – like that which you use to wrap Christmas presents or parcels in.
What Are Some Uses For Masking Tape?
Masking tape is well-known for its versatility. Its stickiness and lack of residue make it a perfect tape for many different things! Here are some of the primary uses of masking tape.
- Woodworking: Masking tape is commonly used by woodworking professionals, similar to painters. One of the most common applications of masking tape is to protect the wood from wood glue that could run from its original-intended seam.
- Moving: Another great use for masking tape is when you’re on the move. Use masking tape as a quick labelling device (rather than having to write on cardboard boxes if you’re going to reuse them), or use masking tape to protect the ends of furniture or tape a rolled-up rug together.
- Bundle Electrical Cords: This is perhaps a quick-and-dirty use for masking tape, but you can use it to bundle many electrical cords together quickly and effectively. Get rid of that mess of cords behind the TV in a flash!
- DIY Paint Jobs: At-home paint jobs are one of the most common uses for masking tape. Touching up the kitchen cabinets? Painting a bedroom wall? Painting your kids’ bedframe a cool colour? Masking tape offers an easy-to-remove option that returns it to its halcyon days in the auto industry.
Something Different
There are also more unique ways you can use masking tape around the home, including:
- Labels: Make your labels to save money on labels and equipment with masking tape. Use masking tape to label your food storage containers, sandwich bags, and freezer bags or for things like lunchboxes, books, and school supplies.
- Paint cans: Masking tape on the edge of the paint can keep paint from getting into the spout. This way, the paint cans will be clean and easier to carry around.
- Lint roller: If you don’t have a lint roller, don’t worry. There is a great alternative with masking tape! Simply put a small amount of tape over the affected area and peel it off.
- Keyboard cleaner: Dirt and dust is hard to remove from your computer, but with masking tape, you can easily clean between the keys on the board. Simply fold it to fit the spaces.
There are many other ways to use masking tape in a business or home – all you have to do is think creatively. View more information at RS.