What tape should I use for my painting or staining project??

 Believe it or not you can use the wrong or inferior type of tape when masking things off before a paint job. The different colors tape comes depends on the manufacturer however it can also be an indicator for its main purpose and use. You will primarily see about 5 different colors, Tan, blue, green, yellow and orange. Now these can be used interchangeably however they do have specific uses for best results.

For quick paint jobs the tan or also referred to as contractor tape is your best option. It sticks for about 2-3 days without leaving residue and is a great all-around tape. Paint will bleed through however if you rely too much on the tape for a straight line. Blue tape or painter's tape is great for interior and exterior projects. The residue on blue tape usually is not as strong as the contractor tape so it's not the best for rough surfaces. It will however have a less chance of bleeding through and can stay on as long as 14 days without leaving residue. 

Green Tape primarily known as frog tape is amazing for interior projects. It's a medium residue tape with paint blocking technology allowing for smooth and crips lines so you can get paint on the tape without any worries. Next you will find yellow tape. This tape is best used for delicate surfaces such as floors, furnishings, cabinets etc. Using the wrong tape can cause damage to these delicate surfaces when pulling it off or you'll find yourself cleaning off the residue left behind. Lastly, you'll notice there is orange tape as well. This is a tape best used on rough or uneven areas primarily on exterior surfaces. You will want to leave on for a maximum of 7 days depending on the manufacturer. These can also come with UV protection technology.

To sum things up there are a few options for each kind of job so it's up to you to determine what you want to spend and how much you want to rely on the tape over your painting skills. Don't get me wrong some tapes are a lot more expensive than others, but it can be worth it to avoid a headache later on.  In the end remember a delicate surface should have a low adhesion tape applied, most interior work can be done with a medium adhesion tape.  And for exterior work you will primarily want a combination of high and medium adhesion tape. Educate yourself on the different options and read the descriptions of recommended use so you can have your highest chance of success.