Masking Tape So Expensive - Where to Buy and OzBargain Favourites

George Washington on 15/08/2022 - 14:13
Last edited 15/08/2022 - 14:14 by 1 other user

Hello.

I am in the market to purchase masking tape alot of it actually to tape up the windows to paint interior and exterior.
I have been looking around and I am a fan of the Blue masking tape (low paint bleed etc) but the prices of late is like 2-3 dollars more per roll.

I bought today the cheapest masking tape from Bunnings.. They do not stick to the window!!! Instant regret and to be refunded…

Are there any OZBargin favorites or places where I can purchase a bulk supply at a trade or discounted price?

So far I am willing to give it a purchase

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/bodyworx-bodyworx-evo-ma…

Home & Garden Masking Tape

Comments

  • Hybroid on 15/08/2022 - 14:14
    +2

    Tried a local dollar avenue shop?

  • Nugs on 15/08/2022 - 14:17
    +1

    always been happy with the Bear brand
    .

  • apsilon on 15/08/2022 - 14:27
    +4

    Frog, 3M or Norton. Cheap ones sometimes work OK but may also allow bleed through/under, not come off cleanly or just not stick as you've found.

    BUT, do you actually need tape? Are you spraying or brushing? If you're brushing just buy a quality cutting in brush and freehand it. Quality brush will hold a shape and allow you to produce a straight line unless you've got really shaky hands.

    • George Washington on 15/08/2022 - 14:29

      I am not confident in free handing it.. I guess the other option is if it bleeds or spill over a bit of accetone will sort it out

      • apsilon on 15/08/2022 - 14:34
        +3

        Have you tried it? It's easier than you think with a good brush. Other option is to just use a piece of card and hold it as you do the edge, do a section at a time moving the card along as you go though you'll need to replace occasionally. Alternatively buy on of the plastic ones from bunnings and just clean it as it needs it. ie https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-450mm-paint-edge-trim_p1…

        If it just water based paint you can just use water if you're doing it right away or metho if it's dried a bit. Dried completely I'd use a scraper as any chemical you may get on where you want the paint to stay as well.

        • AnneThrope on 15/08/2022 - 14:43

          I've also had success using shields cut from plastic milk cartons.
          The pieces aren't large but you can cut to provide handles and curves, they're free and excellent for getting up to or under tight edges such as painting verandah posts without messing up the decking. I also used them for painting a door with glass insert panels.

        • George Washington on 15/08/2022 - 15:45

          Thank you for the advice, I do own a good set of brushes about 20-25 dollars each brush. Yes they are x100 better in finish and drip and quality compared to the cheap brushes. Also owning the brush comb as well.

          After seeing everyone comment on here I will do freehand. May as well practice over 9 - 10 windows both sides.

  • skid on 15/08/2022 - 14:43
    +1

    The reject shop masking tape also does not stick and leaves residue too.

  • Euphemistic on 15/08/2022 - 14:44
    +1

    Freehand. It’ll cost you a little more time in cutting in, but not more than time saved by not having to install/remove tape.

    Maybe take a few YouTube lessons on cutting in to help your technique and get a rag to wipe off the occasional mistake. Take some time to get t right, you will appreciate the additional brush control once you get it.

    Alternatively some of those edging tools are OK. The pad things with the rollers. I’ve used them a fair bit and work well, but lately I’ve just freehand cut in so I don’t have to clean yet another item.

  • slow on 15/08/2022 - 14:50
    +2

    Bunnings have a generic brand one that is green and comes in packs of 6 or 8, that I have found to be quite good and the best of all the cheap ones. It has just the correct amount of stickiness to not bleed paint yet is easy to remove .

    I find for amateurs the time taken to mask is worth every second it takes! Same when doing silicon
    Badly cut in edges really annoy me!

  • KaTst3R on 15/08/2022 - 15:24
    +1

    When i started my home DIY painting journey, i used lots of paint tape. After a while I cant be bothered as it is too much hassle. Get a smaller high quality brush and go free hand near the corner and wipe when you make a mistake.

    And one issue i faced when using tape is if there are any areas which didnt stick well, paint can get under the tape and sometimes you dont pull out the tape till half a day later or more for the paint on the wall to dry. Then when you do so, there will be drops of paint that dried out under the tape which is annoying AF to remove. I rather wipe immediately now with a wet cloth if a mistake is made.

  • Muzeeb on 15/08/2022 - 15:29
    +2

    Freehand with a quality brush and clean up any bleeds with a razor blade after the paint dries.

    • JDMcarfan on 15/08/2022 - 15:36
      +3

      username checks out.

      but yeah +1 this. Been painting a whole house and taped up windows as best I can (using both 3M and cheap bunnings brands) and whilst the tape (especially 3M painters stuff) does do great there's still always spots where paints seeps through and I end up using a blade to clean up after.

  • uzz30 on 15/08/2022 - 16:02
    +1

    +1 on the pad with rollers, perfect straight edges and really fast compared to brush or brush and tape. Smooth finish with no brush marks that blends well with rollered walls

    There are some techniques to learn for optimal results, like not overloading the pad and keeping a consistent speed, pressure and angle on application, but they are easy to learn.

    How to use a $5 Shur Line edge painter to beat the Pro? (YouTube)

    Bunnings used to sell the Shur Line product, but now have a similar Monach branded product. Looking at the reviews and design, I'm not sure that the Monach is as good.

    The brush loading method in the video will give good results, but is a bit tedious and messy, I prefer using a small paint tray to lightly dip the pad into then disperse the paint into the pad by rubbing up and down on the tray's ramp. This prevents overloading of the pad but loads it up deeply and evenly giving great results.

    Monarch 100mm Paint Tray (Bunnings)

    Tip : A common blunder I've seen in a lot of painting videos is over filling the paint tray. Fill only the reservoir to a finger width or so maximum below the ramp on the tray so you can use all the ramp to evenly load your roller or pad.

    You can still use your tape for this one simple life hack for no mess pouring

    How to Pour Paint Without Making a Mess (YouTube)

    • George Washington on 15/08/2022 - 16:10
      +1

      Love the second link his voice had me in anticipation the whole time

  • outlander on 15/08/2022 - 23:10

    I share your frustration with the price of tapes, Washington. Too gosh darn expensive

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