Painters tape can be expensive so many do-it-yourself painters prefer to use masking tape instead. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, depending on what you're painting and what kind of paint you're painting with. Both tapes come in a variety of sizes. Price is the primary difference, but there are other considerations, like residue, ability to withstand application of paint and effect of oil versus water based paint.
Advantages of Masking Tape:
Price. Masking tape is definitely cheaper.
Leaves clean Lines.
Available in many stores.
Great option for painting window frames as it comes off of glass cleanly.
Good for painting on canvas.
Disadvantages of Masking Tape:
Leaves sticky, hard to clean residue.
Must be removed quickly-within hours of applying so it comes off cleanly.
Paint may stick to the surface, causing paint to peel up when tape is removed.
Water-based paint can cause tape to buckle or pucker letting paint seep onto surface below.
Oil-based paint will degrade masking tape more quickly, seeping through the surface.
Advantages of Painters Tape:
Designed for painting and doesn't pucker or buckle when paint is applied
Leaves clean lines.
Available in many stores.
May be left over several days and still come off cleanly.
Disadvantage of Painters Tape:
Price. Painters tape is more expensive than masking tape.
