3M™ Masking Tape 244

3M 244 masking tape is a paper tape designed for paint masking, particularly in automotive bodywork and on metal parts. It protects areas that must not be painted and creates a clean dividing line between two colours, or between the painted area and bare material.

Specifications

• Backing: paper.
• Widths: 18, 24, 30, 36 and 48 mm.
• Lengths: 50 m rolls, and 10 m on some widths.
• 1,250 mm log roll: for cutting to the required width.
• Removal: no adhesive residue on the masked surface.

What makes good masking

A masking tape is judged at two moments: application and removal. On application, it must follow the surface without lifting, otherwise paint wicks underneath and the line bleeds. On removal, it must come away in one piece, without pulling off fresh paint or leaving adhesive behind.

The 244 is designed for both requirements, on metal as on plastic. Its flexibility also lets it follow contours, which reduces cutting and joins.

Choosing the width

Narrow widths (18 and 24 mm) are used to draw lines and follow curves: the narrower a tape, the better it follows a curve without creasing. The 36 and 48 mm widths protect a wider strip in a single pass, or are used to hold masking film or paper.

Three application rules

Clean, dry surface. A trace of grease or dust stops the adhesive holding along the whole line.

Smooth the edge. Run a fingernail or spatula along the edge that borders the paint: that is what makes a sharp line.

Remove at the right time. Pull the tape back on itself at a sharp angle before the paint is completely hard: paint that is too dry cracks along the edge instead of breaking cleanly.

See also our paper masking tapes, our protective films and our 3M products.