Painter's tape and blue tape mean the one and same thing. First introduced in the market by 3M Scotch, this less sticky, blue-colored masking tape was developed for use in painting works. Blue tape of different sizes is now applied for protecting any kind of surface, except for faux, lacquer and other delicate finishes. In fact, home projects like painting, varnishing and staining involve the application of this tape for clean results. The best part is that blue tape comes off smoothly without leaving adhesive in the surfaces.
Tips on How to Remove Blue Tape
The blue tape is made up of medium adhesion, and is perfect for protection of recently painted walls, metals, trims, glass wood surfaces etc. Unlike other masking tape brands sold in the market, blue tape has a milder adhesion and its performance is less affected by exposure to sunlight. Even if you keep it on the walls for more than 2 weeks, then also you can successfully remove the blue tape without damaging the wall, and without leaving any residue behind. Thus, it is a wonderful product for painters.
While using blue tape for painting or other home improvement projects, follow the manufacturer's directions for tape application. Painter's tape is ideal for masking dry, smooth and hard surfaces. Any irregular depression or bump should be leveled properly prior to applying it. A simple step is to try this tape in an inconspicuous spot, and check for adhesion. Also, work in small lengths and do not stretch the tape during application. The following are a few simple steps to take this tape off the wall surface like a pro.
Step 1: Ideal Temperature
Get yourself busy with removing the masking tape during day time. When pulled off early in the morning, low temperature may increase the brittleness of the tape, thus causing frequent breakage. With very hot temperature, you are risking stretching of tape and transferring adhesive.
Step 2: Check Paint
Before you remove masking tape from wall, allow the paint to dry out completely. If you try to pull it when the paint is still moist or wet, there are chances that you may smudge the clean line.
Step 3: Allow Paint to Dry
Refer to the paint container for checking its actual drying time. Most brands of waterproof paint require 1-2 hours. You can touch the paint lightly with your fingers to check for dryness. If it is sticky, wait for another half an hour and check again.
Step 4: Lift Tape Edge
Once it has dried, you can start with the actual removal of the blue painter's tape. Try to locate the edge of the tape and lift it with one hand. Pull a little of the tape and fold it back over itself, preferably at a 45 angle.
Step 5: Remove the Blue Tape
Continue pulling with one hand and use the remaining hand to guide the tape direction for smooth removal. If you notice any adhesion residue that's left behind on the wall, then pull the tape perpendicular (90) to the painted wall surface.
Step 6: Ideal Speed
Maintaining a steady pace also matters in successful blue tape removal. Pulling the tape too slowly may leave behind the adhesive, while peeling it off with a jolt may cause tearing.
Step 7: Clean Used Tape
Last but not the least, collect the used blue tape in a polythene bag and dispose properly. Otherwise, it may get stuck to other surfaces and transfer unwanted adhesives.
So, weren't the instructions for how to remove painter's blue tape easy for you? For getting satisfactory results, blue tape is best remotioned within 14 days of application. Of course, you can peel it off afterwards. But, traces of adhesive may be left behind in the surfaces, which gives a dirty look to your interior painting. Most probably, you may need another treatment to get rid of the adhesive. Hence, to avoid additional work, consider removing the tape as soon as the paint has dried. The sooner you act, the better the results will be.
