Silicone-based adhesives provide the highest temperature resistance, with some tapes (such as some polyimide films and glass cloth tapes) allowing for intermittent use up to 500 °F (260 °C). Masking tape, also known as painter’s tape, is a type of pressure-sensitive tape made of a thin and easy-to-tear paper, and an easily released pressure-sensitive adhesive. It is available in a variety of widths. It is used mainly in painting, to mask off areas that should not be painted. The adhesive is the key element to its usefulness, as it allows the tape to be easily removed without leaving residue or damaging the surface to which it is applied. The tape is available in several strengths, rated on a 1–100 scale based on the strength of the adhesive. Most painting operations will require a tape in the 50 range. Household masking tape is made of an even weaker paper and lower-grade adhesive. Based on a polyester film coated with a silicone adhesive. The polyester/silicone combination is resistant to a wide variety of chemicals (e.g. etching, plating solutions) and is therefore ideally suited to masking applications. The silicone adhesive will bond readily to many surfaces and ensures no adhesive residue once the tape is removed. The tape will also resist processing at elevated temperatures, for example during baking or drying cycles. Supplied on a polyester based interliner for ease of die-cutting. Highly conformable for no-leak seals. Controlled unwind force enhances manual or machine application. The tough polyester film substrate allows for easy removal without danger of breakage or bath contamination.
