How to Save Time and Money with Masking Films

Find out how you could save time and money on painting jobs with our how to guide for using masking films instead of traditional paper and tape.

What is Masking Film?

Masking film is perfect for jobs where masking tape and paper will not work, and you need something which can cover a larger area.  Protective films are ideal if you are spraying a large surface and you want to avoid overspray.  Masking film is form-fitting and comes in long rolls of varying widths and lengths.

Advantages of masking films over traditional masking methods

Whether you are respraying or customising a car, or updating UPVC window frames with paint, you might find that a modern masking film has numerous advantages over traditional masking tape and paper.

These advantages include:

• Being able to cover large areas quickly and easily to save time and money when preparing a job.
• The ability to use plastic masking films indoors and outdoors – especially useful for respraying window frames.
• The ability to mask around tight turns and odd shapes thanks to the masking film being so thin and flexible.
• The use of electrostatic charging on the film allowing it to stick to a surface without adhesive, making the clean-up process quicker.
• The use of pre-folded masking films helps to avoid issues with snagging.

When to use masking film

Masking films are usually supplied on a roll.  This can be single size or pre-folded which allows the film to be easily applied to the surface with a hand masker or manually.  You will normally use masking films on larger areas to protect them from overspray.

Masking films are used in many different situations including:

• Respraying cars
• Aeroplane livery spraying
• Spray painting uPVC window frames
• Interior surface protection for painters and decorators
• Protecting fine detailing from overspray

The electrostatic charge on some films will attract dust particles which means that less clean up time is required.  As a result, many professionals use masking film to keep their work environments clean.

Helpful Tips

When you use masking films as an alternative to tape and paper, there are ways to make the process easier and help you save time.

Preparation

Preparation is vital, but it can be one of the most time-consuming parts of any painting job.  Use the masking film to cover any areas you do not want to paint, and use a good quality masking tape to secure the film.

Avoid waste by choosing the right size

Masking film is available in a range of sizes.  You can reduce a lot of waste while maintaining good coverage by using the right size.  Costs can be further reduced by keeping any offcuts for patching if needed.

Use an applicator or hand masker

Many films are supplied on a roll that can be attached to a hand masker.  This means that only the film needed is used and saves time by applying masking tape at the same time.

Check for damage regularly

As you work through a job, it’s possible that film can tear.  Check for damage regularly and use your offcuts of film to patch the hole and avoid overspray.

Masking from JTAPE

JTAPE we supply a complete range of masking films for many different requirements including:

Premium Clear Masking Film

Perfect for quickly covering all areas of a vehicle/room, the corona treated plastic allows it to hold mist and overspray during the spraying process.  It comes in its own dispensing box and the rolls are available in 4m, 5m and 6m widths.

Breathable Masking Film

Designed for the automotive industry, this film is moisture absorbent and is ideal for masking damp cars to reduce ghost markings after the bake cycle.  The film is used in spray booths.

Seal Wrap

Seal wrap protects broken windows from the elements and can have interior/exterior applications.  Used extensively by accident repair specialists it is highly flexible, leaves no adhesive residue and comes in 300mm, 600mm and 900mm widths.

Non-Slip Surface Protection Film

Manufactured to prevent any surface from paint contamination including floors, spray booth floors, tables, stainless steel table tops it is easy to clean and use.  A perfect solution for spray painters, painters, decorators, and anyone who needs to protect a surface from paint.

Pre-folded Masking Film

Brand new to the JTAPE collection, this film can be used with an applicator and is available in sizes of 0.5m x 50m and 1m x 50m.

If you would like to find out more about the JTAPE range of masking films or any other of our specialist masking and tape products, please complete the contact form or call +441625 618185 to talk to a member of the team.