Best Masking Tapes for Powder Coating
- By Lee Lechner
- Apr 19, 2016
Powder Coating Masking Tapes
Having trouble knowing which masking tapes to use during your powder coating process? Sometimes, the hardest part of this process is understanding which masking tape works best for you and meets your component's specific requirements.
We have compiled a list of recommended tapes to use during your powder coating process – each including their own strengths:
Green Poly Tape
(Most Common) Green polyester tape is the industry standard (and favorite) for general-purpose powder coating applications
Temperature Rating : 400 F / 204 C
Thickness : 3.5 mils
Glass Cloth Tape
Glass cloth tape is made of woven fiberglass backing coated with silicone adhesive, making it flame retardant and great for thicker coat and high heat applications.
Temperature Rating : 500 F/ 260 C
Thickness : 7.2 mils
Blue Poly Tape
Blue polyester tape is best for use on uneven and curved surfaces; widely used powder coating tape; ideal for masking of materials subjected to high temperatures
Temperature Rating : 400 F/ 204 C
Thickness : 2.5 mils
Red Poly Tape
Red Polyester tape is a high-heat resistant tape that has double the adhesive, reducing undercutting and leaks. If you run into issues with blue poly or green poly not making it through your curing oven, we suggest trying out red poly tape or rusty red poly tape.
Temperature Rating : 446 F/ 230 C
Thickness : 4 mils
Rusty Red Poly Tape
Rusty red polyester tape is made with a good adhesive alternative where the high heat properties of polyimide or glass cloth are unnecessary; economical choice for temperature resistance requirement greater than green polyester tape
Temperature Rating : 425 F/ 218 C
Thickness : 3.8 mils
Polyimide Tape
Polyimide tape can be used for extended high temperature paint cures, baking between plating cycles, masking on PC; removes cleanly, does not leave residue
Temperature Rating : 500 F/ 260 C
Thickness : 2.5 mils, 3 mils
Conclusion
We realize that each powder coating process may be different and can be very difficult without the proper tools in place. We want to guide you in creating a dependable and efficient process that you can scale and replicate – starting with using the most efficient masking tape for your component.
If you're still unsure which tape is best for you, don't worry – we have a team of technical experts ready to partner with you in finding the best solution to your specific needs. Head over to our Contact Us page now to let us know!