Attaching Patterns Using Blue Painters Tape

Before attaching a pattern, many times I like to apply Blue Painters tape to my project before I apply the spray adhesive. This allows for a heavier coat of adhesive, while making pattern removal easier.

A heavier coating of adhesive will usually stop the edges of your pattern from coming lose while cutting, then you won't have to guess where to start or stop your cut, nor use some kind of tool to hold the pattern down with your other hand while you complete the cut.

Two things to remember when using the painters tape: There are 2 kinds of blue painters tape to choose from, the #2080 & #2090. The #2080/Delicate is probably your best choice for fretwork or small delicate patterns, it has the lowest adhesion level for very delicate surfaces and can be left on for up to 60 days and still be removed easily. This is very helpful for me as sometimes I can't get back to a project for 2 weeks or so.


The second tape is the #2090/Multi surface tape it has a medium adhesion level, just a bit stickier and can be left on for up to 14 days. although they look similar they have different properties, so look before you bring home the one you didn't want.





Another good choice is the Henkel Duck brand Purple Painters tape, it has basically the same qualities and can be left on for up to 1 month/30 days.


When you mask your project you don't have to overlap the tape, just a careful edge butting will do, this also makes removal easier as you take the tape off in strips vs. one large sheet or mass, if you do have some glue reside in small areas you can remove it with a little mineral spirits. Good quality painters tape costs much more than it's cheaper cousins, so less is more here.

Now you can use your favorite spray adhesive without worrying about clean-up.

One last thought about masking tape, even the best painters tapes will petrify with time and become rock hard, so remove it as soon as possible to avoid problems and ruin your hard work!