Blue Masking Tape

Not just any masking tape, blue tape is the pejorative for a low-stick masking tape developed by 3M. Brand name? Scotch-Blue.

It's designed to be used for masking away (or hiding) areas that will not receive paint when painting home interiors. For example, you might mask away white crown molding when painting your home's walls. Old-school beige masking tape had a nasty tendency of a.) tearing when removed, and b.) pulling off paint below or even drywall facing paper. Blue tape is stronger, thus it is more difficult to tear. Its low-stick adhesive ensures that the underlying surface will not come off, either.

Avoid any masking tape that does not advertise its "low-stickability" for masking interiors.

Blue tape isn't the only game in town anymore. Most low-stick masking tape is usually identifiable because it is colorful. Frog Tape is bright green. Bloc-It tape is a deeper green.

Blue tape and other low-stick tapes have time limits on how long they can remain on the surface before removal. Fourteen days is a common time limit. After the time limit, the manufacturer cannot guarantee that residue will not remain or that the surface will not pull away.

While most people use blue tape for painting, you can use it for any task where you want to preserve the surface.

As one example, you can use it for drilling pilot holes when attaching cabinet hardware. Applying tape prior to drilling will help mitigate splintering, and will protect the cabinet if the drill bit slips.

It's also used for affixing drop cloths to flooring or door frames.