Choosing the Tape: Masking Tape, Blue Tape or Green Tape?

If you are doing a paint job on your own you might find yourself standing in the paint isle asking if there is really a difference between all the tapes available.  There is Masking Tape, Blue Painters Tape and Green Tape and more.  The answer is yes, we've listed some pro's and con's for the most common ones.

Masking Tape
Pro's

• It is cheaper
  
• It leaves clean lines
  
• You can get it just about anywhere
  

Con's

• If you leave it on the surface too long you will have residue left over that is sticky and hard to clean
  
• Paint may stick to it so when you peel it off there is a chance you will pull paint off the surface as well
• Oil based paint can bleed through the tape to the surface

Blue Painters Tape
Pro's

• You can leave it on the surface for several days and it will come off clean with no residue left behind
  
• It leaves clean lines
  

Con's

• It cost more than masking tape (this is where you can calculate what your time is worth when you don't have a mess to clean up)
  

Painter's Mate Green Tape
Pro's

• Easy to put on and take off
  

Con's

• It is the more expensive than the Blue Painters Tape
  
• May not get a sharp line, does bleed some
  

Our preference is Blue Painters tape, it is reasonable in cost and easy to work with.  Whatever you do, don't use Gorilla Tape.