Stick with the Best: A Guide to Masking Tape!

Ever Peeled Off Masking Tape Only To Find Messy Paint Lines Underneath?

You’re not the only one, let us point you in the right direction for your selection!

Masking Tape Guide

Masking tape, also commonly referred to as painter’s tape, is a thin, easy-to-tear paper tape that is pressure-sensitive and designed for clean removal without leaving residue. While budget-friendly masking tapes are ideal for general household or light-duty use, there are also high-performance options engineered specifically for professional painters. These premium tapes offer superior adhesion control, sharp paint lines, and resistance to paint bleed—making them suitable for automotive, industrial, and commercial painting applications. Bunnings masking tape isn’t the only option—explore our broad range of high-quality masking tapes for all your project needs! Whether its coloured masking tape, automotive masking tape, thick masking tape or thin masking tape, we've got you covered!

Masking Tape Comparison Chart 

Tape Type Examples Temperature Range Best Uses
General Purpose Masking Tape Tempest General Purpose Masking Tape - 18mm, 24mm, 36mm & 48mm

3M 201+ General Purpose Masking Tape - 18mm, 24mm, 36mm & 48mm
0°C to 90°C
  • Perfect for General Indoor Use
  • Light - Medium Duty Bundling
  • Labelling & Identifying
  • Easy to Tear & Apply
Auto Grade Masking Tape 3M 388N Auto Grade Masking Tape - 18mm, 24mm, 36mm & 48mm

3M 301+ Performance Yellow Masking Tape - 18mm, 24mm, 36mm & 48mm

3M 2308 Auto Grade Masking Tape - 18mm, 24mm, 36mm & 48mm

tesa 4338 High Performance Masking Tape - 18mm, 25mm, 38mm & 50mm

Kwikmask 9999 Yellow Masking Tape - 18mm, 24mm, 36mm & 48mm
Up to 80–120°C
  • Great for Industrial Paint Marking Application
  • General Masking for Automotive Industry
  • Conforms Well to Irregular Surfaces
  • Paint Lines + Clean & Fast Removal
  • High Temperature Resistance
  • Ideal for Car Spray Painting, Bake Booth Masking & Granite, Marble & Stone Fabrication
High Performance Masking Tape 3M 401+ Superior Green Masking Tape - 18mm, 24mm, 36mm & 48mm

3M Scotch Performance 233+ Green Masking Tape - 3mm, 6mm, 12mm, 18mm, 24mm & 48mm
Up to 120°C
  • Green Masking Tape for Critical Paint Masking in Automotive,
  • Specialty Vehicle & Industrial Applications
  • High Holding Power with Excellent High-Temperature Resistance
  • Suitable for Metal, Rubber, Glass, Plastic & EPDM Rubber Surfaces
  • Removes Cleanly in One Piece without Residue
  • Conforms to Irregular Surfaces
  • High Resistance to Paint Bleed-Through for Sharp, Clean Lines
  • Great for Surfboard Manufacturing
Outdoor/UV Resistant Masking Tape M20F UV Blue Masking Tape - 24mm & 36mm

Kwikmask 120 Green Washi Tape - 24mm, 36mm & 48mm
Up to 90–120°C
  • UV-Resistant
  • Premium-Grade Masking Tape with Strong Paper & Adhesive for Excellent Tension Control & Resistance to Breakage
  • Produces Sharp, Clean Lines with Minimal Paint Ridge — Superior to Standard Crepe Masking Tape
  • Conforms Well & Removes Cleanly in One Piece, Even After Prolonged Exposure
  • Ideal for Automotive, Marine & Surfboard Industry, Resistor Belting, Splicing, Outdoor Painting & Flood Remediation Work
Fine Line Masking Tape 3M 215 Blue Fine Line Tape - 6.3mm & 12mm

3M 218 Green Fine Line Tape - 12.7mm
Up to 120°C
  • A Conformable Backing That Does Not Over-Stretch
  • Designed to Hold Its Shape
  • Sticks to a Wide Variety Of Substrates
  • Ideal for Automotive Paint Work
  • Excellent Clean Removal
  • Works Well on Complex Shapes, Irregular & Highly Contoured Surfaces
  • Ideal for Precision Masking, Two-Tone Paint Jobs & Curves & Contours - Surfboard Manufacturing
Green Polyester Heat Tape B980 General Purpose Green Polyester Tape - 10mm, 12mm, 19mm, 24mm, 36mm & 48mm

B983 Premium Green Polyester Tape - 12mm & 48mm
Up to 200°C
  • Designed to Withstand Extreme Temperatures
  • Provides Secure Adhesion to Various Surfaces
  • Leaves No Residue After Removal
  • Maintains Structural Integrity Under Heat Exposure
  • Ideal for Powder Coating, Soldering, Circuit Board Masking & Automotive Application

The Art of Masking

Master the fundamentals of masking in just four simple steps — you’ll be taping like a pro in no time.

Clean Surface Apply Tape Secure Tape Let Tape Set
Clean your Surface
Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust to ensure the tape sticks properly.
Apply the Masking Tape
Lay the tape along the desired surface, pressing down as you go. Avoid overstretching, as this can cause the tape to lift or break.
Secure the Mask Tape
Use a smooth edge, putty knife, or card to firmly press along the length of the tape to secure it in place.
Let the Masking Tape Set
Allow the tape to set for 30–60 minutes before painting.

Common Questions:

Q: Masking Tape VS Painters Tape?

A: Painters tape has a low-tack adhesive to allow for easy removal and prevents paint bleed while masking tape is more general purpose with stronger adhesive.

Q: When should you remove your painters tape?

A: It depends on the type of paint being used, however you should remove painters tape while the paint is still slightly wet, not completely dry to avoid tearing.

Struggling to pick the right masking tape?

Each project has its own demands — and the right tape makes all the difference.

Don’t worry — the team at ABL Distribution has you covered. Whether it’s for painting, packaging, or something in between, we’ll help you find the right tape for the job.

Call us: (07) 5618 5100
Email: sales@abldistribution.com.au 

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