Is it all right to use regular masking tape when painting with epoxy?

Question

I am painting my basement floor and i dont want to get any on the walls, furnace, hot water tank etc. Is it ok to tape off room as if i was using regular paint?

Answer 1

HECK is correct. the issue is where you apply ANY tape and How soon after painting you remove it.

Blue certainly is a widely sold/used, industry standard, and GREEN is a bit better in my opinion. I've used Gaffers tape too, and it worked. The issue relates to the adhesion, and if applied to a painted surface, the possibility of pulling off paint even long set. Certainly to manage your job in stages would be best and removal of any tape asap,,, best as well.

Epoxy,,, as with Latex; Oil; etc.; will bond in an over paint, not only to the surface you intend, but to the tape as well. "PULLING" that tape off might create another OOOPS, if you let it actually set up. Even while still WET I never Pull from one end to another to remove even paint mask tape, I pull gently UP or down from the NON stuck edge to the painted edge.

Because it's Epoxy, you'll likely have a wider time margin of WET than you would with latex, but still if you work the job properly, you'd be better off removing the masking as you go. That also relates to DRY/SET/CURE time for epoxy In that once on a floor, you won't be able to get to that far corner as rapidly as you might with other substances applied.

With no offense meant at all, CAUTION can be exercised in the application. It's not exactly like you're throwing a 5 gallon bucket of epoxy paint down to spread it after. Certainly any/all CUTS should be BRUSHED in first, then ROLL the epoxy to the Cuts. It is after all a basement Floor, not a piece of fine furniture.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

They're all right here in what they say, but I wouldn't use tape unless spraying paint, here's why:

Its an added expense.

Any one can cut in fine with practice and patience.

Masking can take more time than just cutting in.

Masking well (Straight and right on the line you need it) takes just as much skill as cutting in.

If the tape doesn't adhere well, (not pressed/dirty/oily surface) or cheap tape, the paint can seep underneath the edge anyway.

If paint goes onto the tape and dries the paint can peel off where you don't want it unless you go around with a razor and cut the paint at the tape line. (more time)

If you leave the tape on too long you will have a mess to clean up and could damage that surface you wanted to protect (it takes longer, but blue tape does this, too).

Did I mention the expense? They even have precut, hinge shaped pieces of tape for doors. Anything to squeeze a buck out of you.

Answer 3

Regular masking tape can be used instead of painters blue tape. Just peel it off as soon as you can. After about 24 hours, masking tape will start to leave more residual stickiness. Blue tape peels off no problem, even after it sits there for days.

I've done 2 garage floors in epoxy using masking tape instead of blue tape.

Answer 4

can't add to that