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Meguiar's *NEW* Professional Masking Tape!!!
When it comes to detailing, it is the weakest link that determines your success in obtaining that flawless paint finish. As such, you may have all of the knowledge but without the correct equipment, the finish will still not be at its highest potential. Of course the converse to that is also true, but my point is, when it comes to detailing, using a specialized item may make a minute difference. But it is those minute differences that elevate one’s paint finish from 95% to 98%. To some, that 3% may not mean that much; but to others, it may mean the difference between winning the Best in Show trophy and coming home empty handed!
When it comes to detailing, I never leave anything to chance. The way I look at it is if I have the best equipment and products, then the limiting factor is me. I am not saying that a person has to have the best in order to obtain the best finishes, but it does help with all other factors being equal!
One of the items that many people use and yet does not get the attention it deserves is the role that quality masking tape plays in the success of detailing a vehicle. We have all seen the photos, heard horror stories and seen threads in the various detailing forums where someone detailed a vehicle and the results were disastrous! I have seen countless photos where someone posts a photo of the end result of a detailing session, only see compound and polish stuck in the crevices or on the moldings etc. Nothing looks worse or ruins a good detail that seeing left over buffing splatter on the cowl, molding or door seams! This is where using a high quality masking tape comes in.
But at this point let’s make one thing very clear: There is no such thing as a “typical” masking tape as tape falls under many different types, each with specific uses in mind.
What makes a quality masking tape? To me, it is its ability to stick to the paint without taking the paint with it when it is being removed! It is the ability to flex enough and yet rigid enough to cover certain tough-to-get-at spots. It is has to come in various widths and it has to be strong enough that when one buffs over it with a rotary that it does not lift instantly creating a sticky mess. Other factors like not leaving a difficult to remove sticky residue, etc etc. It is all of these factors that one must consider. It is easy to go down to the local hardware store and get some generic masking tape. But here is where one must be concerned and diligent.
*Using the wrong tape for the application can result in the tape sticking too well, thereby removing paint and/or other coatings on the object being taped!! You need to be concerned with how long a tape can stick to the paint and still have a safe release. As well, does the tape allow product to bleed underneath it? And finally, how does it perform at different temperatures.
Over many years of detailing, I have mostly used the 3M Blue Safe Release Painter’s Tape or the 3M 233+ series of high performance tape in several different sizes. But now there is another player in the masking tape game!
I have tested many products for Meguiar’s over the years, but it is inclusion of professional products such as the *New Mirror Glaze Professional Masking Tape that demonstrates that Meguiar’s listens to what people want and went ahead and developed a quality product that they can feel proud to place the Meguiar’s name on! As I mentioned above, I have and use several different types and brands of masking tape with the 3M 233+ series performance tape being my top choice. However, I have found that the New Meguiar’s Masking Tape performs extremely well! So well in fact that I have not used my 233+ that much as of late! The new Meguiar’s Masking Tape has the right amount of adhesion, comes off the paint cleanly, holds it edge extremely well and it does not sliver which many tapes annoyingly do! Well done Meguiar’s!!!
The New Meguiar’s Professional Masking Tape is a high quality masking tape which/has:
• Has a strong backing – easy to mask very tight curves
• Resists abrasion and slivering when wet sanding
• Crisp/clean edges
• Holds in place in extreme climates
• Allows tape to remain on the car for extended periods of time and still remove cleanly
• Optimal temperature is between 50ºF and 90ºF
Below 50ºF expect reduced adhesion
Above 90ºF adhesive softens and could cause transfer to the surface
A quick note on the above working temperature ranges. With very cold temperatures, masking tape can become brittle and sliver when being removed though it’s adhesive will be firm and will come off cleanly. With too hot of conditions, the tape’s adhesive will soften, which could cause transference in the finish. As a person who does tend to detail at extreme temperatures, I wanted to clarify the optimal temperature working ranges.
The New Meguiar’s Professional Masking Tape has an approximate 48 hour safe release working time. This of course is contingent on many environmental factors. But under normal working conditions, it is 48 hours. The tape is designed for “general detailing” and is not for fresh paint or for using on wet edge applications.
Meguiar’s New Professional Masking Tape comes in 3 sizes on 60 yard spools. The model numbers and specifications are as follows:
Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices:
• T18MM 3/4" $2.35 each
• T36MM 1-1/2" $4.49 each
• T50MM 2" $5.99 each
Case Quantity…
• T18 48 rolls/ case
• T36 24 rolls/case
• T50 24 rolls/case
With the above sizes and quantities, there should a Meguiar’s Masking Tape that fits your needs. Here are a few photos of the new tape!! I only have 2 sizes for now… I have included a few photos of some of the other popular tapes!
Meguiar's New Professional Masking Tape:
Yes...I am a little fanatical even over the masking tape I use!
Note the different sizes. I always keep many rolls on hand. 
Cheers!
Tim
When it comes to detailing, I never leave anything to chance. The way I look at it is if I have the best equipment and products, then the limiting factor is me. I am not saying that a person has to have the best in order to obtain the best finishes, but it does help with all other factors being equal!
One of the items that many people use and yet does not get the attention it deserves is the role that quality masking tape plays in the success of detailing a vehicle. We have all seen the photos, heard horror stories and seen threads in the various detailing forums where someone detailed a vehicle and the results were disastrous! I have seen countless photos where someone posts a photo of the end result of a detailing session, only see compound and polish stuck in the crevices or on the moldings etc. Nothing looks worse or ruins a good detail that seeing left over buffing splatter on the cowl, molding or door seams! This is where using a high quality masking tape comes in.
But at this point let’s make one thing very clear: There is no such thing as a “typical” masking tape as tape falls under many different types, each with specific uses in mind.
What makes a quality masking tape? To me, it is its ability to stick to the paint without taking the paint with it when it is being removed! It is the ability to flex enough and yet rigid enough to cover certain tough-to-get-at spots. It is has to come in various widths and it has to be strong enough that when one buffs over it with a rotary that it does not lift instantly creating a sticky mess. Other factors like not leaving a difficult to remove sticky residue, etc etc. It is all of these factors that one must consider. It is easy to go down to the local hardware store and get some generic masking tape. But here is where one must be concerned and diligent.
*Using the wrong tape for the application can result in the tape sticking too well, thereby removing paint and/or other coatings on the object being taped!! You need to be concerned with how long a tape can stick to the paint and still have a safe release. As well, does the tape allow product to bleed underneath it? And finally, how does it perform at different temperatures.
Over many years of detailing, I have mostly used the 3M Blue Safe Release Painter’s Tape or the 3M 233+ series of high performance tape in several different sizes. But now there is another player in the masking tape game!
I have tested many products for Meguiar’s over the years, but it is inclusion of professional products such as the *New Mirror Glaze Professional Masking Tape that demonstrates that Meguiar’s listens to what people want and went ahead and developed a quality product that they can feel proud to place the Meguiar’s name on! As I mentioned above, I have and use several different types and brands of masking tape with the 3M 233+ series performance tape being my top choice. However, I have found that the New Meguiar’s Masking Tape performs extremely well! So well in fact that I have not used my 233+ that much as of late! The new Meguiar’s Masking Tape has the right amount of adhesion, comes off the paint cleanly, holds it edge extremely well and it does not sliver which many tapes annoyingly do! Well done Meguiar’s!!!
The New Meguiar’s Professional Masking Tape is a high quality masking tape which/has:
• Has a strong backing – easy to mask very tight curves
• Resists abrasion and slivering when wet sanding
• Crisp/clean edges
• Holds in place in extreme climates
• Allows tape to remain on the car for extended periods of time and still remove cleanly
• Optimal temperature is between 50ºF and 90ºF
Below 50ºF expect reduced adhesion
Above 90ºF adhesive softens and could cause transfer to the surface
A quick note on the above working temperature ranges. With very cold temperatures, masking tape can become brittle and sliver when being removed though it’s adhesive will be firm and will come off cleanly. With too hot of conditions, the tape’s adhesive will soften, which could cause transference in the finish. As a person who does tend to detail at extreme temperatures, I wanted to clarify the optimal temperature working ranges.
The New Meguiar’s Professional Masking Tape has an approximate 48 hour safe release working time. This of course is contingent on many environmental factors. But under normal working conditions, it is 48 hours. The tape is designed for “general detailing” and is not for fresh paint or for using on wet edge applications.
Meguiar’s New Professional Masking Tape comes in 3 sizes on 60 yard spools. The model numbers and specifications are as follows:
Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices:
• T18MM 3/4" $2.35 each
• T36MM 1-1/2" $4.49 each
• T50MM 2" $5.99 each
Case Quantity…
• T18 48 rolls/ case
• T36 24 rolls/case
• T50 24 rolls/case
With the above sizes and quantities, there should a Meguiar’s Masking Tape that fits your needs. Here are a few photos of the new tape!! I only have 2 sizes for now… I have included a few photos of some of the other popular tapes!
Meguiar's New Professional Masking Tape:
Yes...I am a little fanatical even over the masking tape I use!
Note the different sizes. I always keep many rolls on hand. Cheers!
Tim
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