How to choose automotive masking: backing, adhesive and oven resistance

Good bodyshop masking is chosen by looking at three things: the backing (semi-crepe paper, washi, foam), the adhesive and how well it withstands the oven. For spray painting with oven curing you need products rated for that temperature, which in the collection range from 80 °C for 30 minutes up to 120 °C for 60 minutes. For areas that need covering more quickly or outside the oven, simpler products are enough. The whole collection is Panfilm, with the P1 line and the Cover Quick covers.

The types

• Semi-crepe paper tapes: the most common type for masking outlines. The data list ivory, ivory/brown, fluorescent yellow and blue paper. Examples: P1-750, P1-780 and P1-785.
• Japanese washi fibre tapes: thin, conformable paper, suited to sharp edges and curves, such as those of headlights and mouldings.
• Foam profiles and cords: polyurethane sponge or black polyethylene foam, laid under the edge of bonnets, doors and tailgates to avoid a paint step between one panel and the next.
• Covering sheets and films: cover entire sections of the bodywork, for example the Cover Quick-780 line and the models with a paper and polyethylene backing.
• Accessories: roll holder, trolley for electrostatic film, paper floor mats and seat covers to protect the passenger compartment.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Backing: from paper to foam, it defines where the product is used: outlines, edges, surfaces.
• Adhesion to steel: in the data it ranges from 140 to 320 g/cm (some data sheets give it in N/cm). The higher it is, the better the tape stays attached, but the greater the risk of tearing fresh or delicate paint.
• Adhesive: natural rubber, water-based acrylic or modified acrylic. It affects how the tape sticks and peels off; check the data sheet for compatibility with your paint.
• Thickness: in the collection from 90 to 190 μm for most products, up to 895 μm for the foams. A thin tape leaves a less pronounced edge.
• Elongation at break: values between 5 and 9 in the collection. A tape that stretches more follows curves better.
• Oven temperature resistance: 80 °C for 30 min, 100 °C for 30 min, 110 °C for 60 min, 120 °C for 60 min. Always choose a value above the cycle you will use.
• Use: the data sheet states whether the product is for interiors, for spray painting or whether it holds back the paint.

Common mistakes

• Applying the tape to a dirty or greasy surface: it does not adhere and the paint gets underneath. Always clean and degrease first.
• Using a general-purpose tape in the oven: it loses its hold or leaves residue. Check the stated temperature.
• Peeling off the tape while the paint is still wet: the paint tears. Remove it when the paint is dust-free, pulling the tape back on itself.
• Forgetting the panel edges: without a foam profile, a step of colour is left on the edge.
• Leaving the tape on the bodywork for days: sun and heat make it harder to remove without residue.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between semi-crepe paper and washi?

Semi-crepe paper is the most common choice for outlines; washi is thinner and adapts better to curves and to edges that must stay sharp.

How much heat does the tape withstand in the oven?

It depends on the model: in the collection it ranges from 80 °C for 30 minutes to 120 °C for 60 minutes. Always check the data sheet of the individual product.

Do I also need to protect the passenger compartment?

Yes, if you are working near windows and doors: seat covers and floor mats keep out dust and spatter.

What does adhesion to steel mean?

It is the force with which the tape sticks to a steel test panel. It is used to compare products with one another: it is not the force on your paint.

You will find the products in the Automotive - Professional Masking collection; for advice on the right product for your painting cycle, ask the AMES technicians for a quote.