Guide
Washi or crepe? The difference between gold tape, crepe masking tape and washi masking tape.
Washi masking tape has a thin, smooth backing made of Japanese washi paper; crepe masking tape has a crepe paper backing. Washi usually lies flatter and is mainly used for precise paint lines.
What is washi masking tape?
A masking tape with a thin, smooth backing made of Japanese washi paper, which consists of long fibres.
All three BRAUJE EDGE tapes have a backing made of original Japanese washi. According to the data sheets they are 80 to 110 µm thin (total thickness including adhesive) and use an acrylic adhesive.
| Tape | Total thickness | Adhesion to steel |
|---|---|---|
| EDGE GOLD | 90 µm | 1.5 N/cm |
| EDGE VIOLET | 80 µm (washi backing 65 µm) | 1.02 N/cm |
| EDGE RED | 110 µm, fibre-reinforced | 2.0 N/cm |
What is crepe masking tape?
Crepe masking tape is a painter’s tape with a crepe paper backing, the classic tape for masking off.
The crepe backing is finely creased; washi masking tape is smooth. The adhesion, thickness and UV resistance of a particular tape are stated in that manufacturer’s data sheet.
What is gold tape?
Gold tape is what painters call gold-coloured washi masking tape.
EDGE GOLD is such a gold masking tape: for smooth surfaces, indoors and outdoors, UV-resistant for up to 16 weeks according to the data sheet. More on the EDGE GOLD Precision page.
What sets washi and crepe apart?
Mainly the backing: thin and smooth for washi, creased for crepe. The thin, smooth backing usually lies flatter along the edge.
| Feature | Washi masking tape | Crepe masking tape |
|---|---|---|
| Backing | thin, smooth washi paper | crepe paper |
| Typical use | precise paint lines, smooth surfaces, lacquer | masking off, rough jobs |
| BRAUJE | EDGE GOLD, EDGE VIOLET, EDGE RED | – |
Values for crepe tape depend on the individual product. We only compare tape types here, not brands.
When is simple crepe tape enough?
For rough masking jobs where no sharp paint line remains visible at the end, simple crepe tape is often enough.
For visible edges on walls and ceilings, windows, door frames or facades, a washi masking tape that suits the surface is the right tool.
Is craft washi tape a masking tape?
Not automatically: craft washi tape is meant for paper and decoration, a masking tape for paint, surfaces and removal after painting.
Whether a tape holds on walls, lacquer or render and comes off cleanly is stated in its data sheet. For painting jobs use a masking tape with a data sheet.
Which BRAUJE tape is the right one?
EDGE GOLD for smooth surfaces, EDGE VIOLET for delicate surfaces indoors, EDGE RED for rough surfaces outdoors.
| Tape | Use | Widths |
|---|---|---|
| EDGE GOLD | smooth, indoors and outdoors | 19 · 25 · 30 · 38 · 50 mm |
| EDGE VIOLET | delicate, indoors only | 19 · 25 · 30 · 38 mm |
| EDGE RED | rough, outdoors (primarily) | 30 · 38 · 50 mm |
Frequently asked questions
Is washi masking tape the same as gold tape?
Gold tape is the common name for gold-coloured washi masking tape. Washi masking tape also comes in other colours; at BRAUJE in violet and red.
Is crepe masking tape the same as painter’s tape?
Painter’s tape is the general term. Crepe masking tape is a painter’s tape with a crepe paper backing; washi masking tape is one with a washi backing.
Why is washi masking tape thin?
Because the backing is made of thin, smooth washi paper. The BRAUJE EDGE tapes are 80 to 110 µm thin (total thickness including adhesive).
When should I use crepe instead of washi?
For rough masking jobs without a visible paint line, crepe is often enough. For clean, visible lines use a washi masking tape that suits the surface.
