Question:
Does that Blue Tape work as well as they advertise?
Answer:
Since 3M introduced “Scotch” tape, which is now a generic name for any transparent sticky product, the variety of tapes is outstanding!
Blue tape is wonderful and lives up to the manufacturer’s hype. All-be-it a little pricey as tapes go, it does a great job when painting. Blue tape can be used in many ways including basic applications.
Tape the door and window trim and the baseboard. The cutting-in procedure is much simpler and quicker. You should do this even if the trim is of the same color but a different type of paint, such as enamel; or a different sheen such as semi-gloss.
It is helpful, on long walls, to have a helper hold the end while you roll out the tape. Keep a little tension on the tape so the line is straight.
It is best to remove door hardware, light fixtures, switches and outlets - but if you can’t, then apply tape.
Next the tape should be used when painting patterns on the wall – stripes, wainscot line, accent color changes – and any other reason for changing colors or faux effects.
And the best part of all – the tape peels off with no remaining glue residue and the lines are neat, clean and straight.
There are other tapes worthy of mention. The double sided (both sides are sticky) tape can be useful around a house. Do you have small throw rugs that slip and slide easily? Apply a few pieces of two sided tape and the problem is less dangerous! Pictures hung on one hanger point can get askew. Two sided tape to the rescue. A small piece on the bottom edge of the frame and the picture doesn’t move.
I must tell you though, most tapes, when removed, leave a residue of glue at best and sometimes the tape itself is difficult to remove. I have tried many methods and they all seem to work. Some better than others - but all take elbow grease and patience.