Tape finder
Which masking tape for which surface? Table for glass, lacquer, wallpaper, render and facades.
For smooth surfaces use EDGE GOLD, for wallpaper and delicate surfaces indoors EDGE VIOLET, for render, concrete and facades outdoors EDGE RED.
Which tape for which surface?
The table shows the right tape for each surface, whether indoors or outdoors, and what to watch out for.
| Surface | Tape | Indoors / outdoors | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass, smooth glass profiles | EDGE GOLD | indoors and outdoors | 25 mm for windows and glazing beads |
| Smooth metal (aluminium, stainless steel) | EDGE GOLD | indoors and outdoors | not on anodised metal, copper, galvanised metal |
| Plastic (PVC, door frames), lacquer | EDGE GOLD | indoors and outdoors | not on aged PVC (older than 4 years) |
| Treated wood | EDGE GOLD; delicate: EDGE VIOLET | GOLD indoors and outdoors, VIOLET indoors only | test strip in an inconspicuous spot |
| Smooth and non-woven wallpaper | EDGE GOLD or EDGE VIOLET | indoors | delicate paper and patterned wallpaper: VIOLET |
| Paper, non-woven and patterned wallpaper, plasterboard | EDGE VIOLET | indoors only | apply without pressure |
| Freshly painted wall | EDGE VIOLET | indoors only | let the paint dry for at least 24 hours |
| Ceilings, cornices, smooth interior walls | EDGE VIOLET | indoors only | smooth the edge with a fingertip only |
| Fine and roller-textured plaster | EDGE GOLD | indoors and outdoors | suitable according to the data sheet; exterior and textured render: RED |
| Woodchip wallpaper | EDGE GOLD | indoors | seal the edge with the base colour, adhesion test first |
| Exterior render, textured render, concrete, masonry | EDGE RED | outdoors | work it into the texture with pressure, seal the edge |
| Timber facade, cladding, balcony, terrace | EDGE RED | outdoors | windows and doors outdoors: RED, smooth frames also GOLD |
| Slightly damp surface (morning dew) | EDGE RED | outdoors | wipe briefly, apply the tape straight away |
| Coating at high temperatures | EDGE RED | – | up to approx. 150 °C for 60 minutes |
| Natural and artificial stone, galvanised metal, copper, anodised metal, lead, carbon/zinc, aged or weathered PVC, wet or greasy surfaces | none | – | not recommended according to the data sheets |
Which masking tape for outdoors?
Outdoors use EDGE GOLD on smooth and EDGE RED on rough surfaces. EDGE VIOLET is for indoor use only.
| Tape | Use | UV resistance |
|---|---|---|
| EDGE GOLD | indoors and outdoors | up to 16 weeks* |
| EDGE VIOLET | indoors only | none (0 months) |
| EDGE RED | outdoors (primarily) | up to 16 weeks* |
*“Up to” according to the data sheet (test method ATST007, average value), not a guaranteed period. Actual adhesion time depends on surface, weather, paint and temperature. Remove the tape while the last coat is still wet, at about 45°.
What are none of the three tapes meant for?
According to the data sheets: natural and artificial stone, galvanised metal, copper and anodised metal, lead and lead paint, aged or weathered PVC, and wet or greasy surfaces.
All three data sheets also list “carbon / zinc” without explaining it. For natural stone masonry outdoors the situation is not clear-cut: do an adhesion test with EDGE RED in an inconspicuous spot first.
Which width for which job?
Narrow for details and windows, 30 mm for the line between wall and ceiling, wide for plinths, door frames and facades.
Swipe the table sideways
| Width | EDGE GOLD | EDGE VIOLET | EDGE RED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 mm | detail work, mouldings | sockets, light switches, picture frames | – |
| 25 mm | windows, glazing beads | window and door frames indoors, furniture edges | – |
| 30 mm | wall-to-ceiling lines | ceiling lines, colour blocks on wallpaper | colour lines on facades and exterior render |
| 38 mm | skirting boards, door frames | wide skirting boards, cornices, radiator niches | plinths, facade profiles, balcony edges |
| 50 mm | large areas | – | facade areas, industrial coating, roofs and dormers |
Frequently asked questions
Which tape should I use for masking when painting?
One that suits the surface: EDGE GOLD for smooth surfaces, EDGE VIOLET for wallpaper and delicate surfaces indoors, EDGE RED for render, concrete and facades outdoors.
Which masking tape for wallpaper?
EDGE VIOLET with its deliberately low adhesion (1.02 N/cm). Smooth and non-woven wallpaper also work with EDGE GOLD according to the data sheet.
Which masking tape for woodchip wallpaper?
EDGE GOLD: first paint a thin coat of the base colour along the tape edge and do an adhesion test in an inconspicuous spot.
Which tape for masking windows?
EDGE GOLD, ideally 25 mm, for glass and plastic (PVC up to 4 years old) or treated wooden frames. Better not to mask anodised aluminium.
Which tape for facades and exterior render?
EDGE RED: fibre-reinforced, 2.0 N/cm adhesion to steel, UV-resistant for up to 16 weeks according to the data sheet.
Which masking tape for wood and furniture?
For treated wood EDGE GOLD, for delicate furniture surfaces indoors EDGE VIOLET. Try a test strip first.
Can I use EDGE VIOLET outdoors?
No. EDGE VIOLET is for indoor use only and, according to the data sheet, not UV-resistant.
