Whether you’re planning on hanging party decorations or doing some construction work, tape can come in handy. But a common issue is that it peels the paint from the wall when you try to remove it. This has led many homeowners to try to find a type of type that won’t damage the walls.
The right type of tape will often depend on the task you need it for. Generally, though, you should be able to use painter’s tape and poster tape. These two options have been designed to be removed easily, without damaging the wall.
However, finding the right type of tape is only half the battle. You’ll need to know the right way to use and apply it, further reducing the chances that your wall will be damaged. Let’s look at some of the things that you need to know when applying tape to the wall.
Why Does Tape Damage The Wall?
Let’s start by looking at why tape is damaging the wall to begin with. There are a few possible reasons why this might be occurring.
Wrong Type Of Tape
In most cases, it’s because you’re using the wrong type of tape. For example, you should avoid using masking tape.
Though it is very strong and can support a lot of weight, it bonds strongly with the surface. Unlike the other types of tape available, it isn’t designed to be removed smoothly. This means that you have no choice except to rip it from the wall, damaging the paintwork in the process.
The Wall Wasn’t Painted Properly
Sometimes, though, the problem isn’t with the tape. The issue could be with the wall and the way that it’s been painted.
If you are trying an adhesive like painter’s tape, and the wall still gets damaged, it’s likely because it wasn’t painted properly.
When you are applying paint to the walls, you need to make sure that it’s been primed properly. This will ensure that the paint sticks firmly to the surface. If you do this, the paint will become brittle with age, causing it to fall off.
Generally, this will be most apparent in walls that are exposed to direct sunlight. This tends to accelerate the aging process.
This problem can also occur with wallpaper. As it grows older, it becomes more brittle, and the paper is more susceptible to being torn from the wall, even if you’re using the right tape.
If you suspect that the issue might be with the wall, rather than with the tape, you will have the re-paint the wall or apply new wallpaper. Once you do this, you should notice that tape will be less likely to damage the wall.
Best Type of Tape to Use to Protect Your Walls From Damage
Now that we understand why the tape might be damaging the wall, let’s look at how you will be able to prevent this issue from occurring. As mentioned, this often occurs because you’re using the wrong type of tape.
To stop the tape from sticking and causing damage to the wall, you will need to use a type of tape that is designed to be removed. In this case, you generally have two options.
- Painter’s Tape
- Poster Tape
Let’s take a closer look at each of these options, so you can find the right type of tape for you.
Painter’s Tape
As the name suggests, this type of tape is designed to be used when painting a room. Typically, people will place this over the areas, like window frames or light fixtures, that you don’t want to paint over.
Because of this, you will be able to apply liquids, like paint, to the tape. Once you remove it, it shouldn’t leave any marks or remove any paint. This type of tape is also designed to be resistant to the sun’s rays.
Also, when using a high-quality product, it should be able to stay on the wall for a long time, around 14 days. This makes it perfect for larger projects, which can take a while to complete.
Though originally designed for painters, you don’t have to use it in this way. For example, many people use it during construction, outlining where different elements should go.
The best type of painter’s type is ScotchBlue, with many professionals using them on their projects.
Poster Tape
The other option that you might want to explore is poster tape. Unlike the painter’s tape, this is designed to hold light objects in place. This makes it the perfect option when preparing for an event. For example, you can use this type of tape to put up party decorations like banners and balloons.
One of the biggest benefits of using this product is how strong it is. Once applied to the wall, the objects will be securely attached. In some cases, it can be akin to placing it on a hook.
This occurs because the tape is double-sided. One side will attach the object firmly to the wall and the other will be attached to the thing you wish to hang. When you are finished, the tape removes from the wall.
To try it for yourself, you can pick up some Scotch Removable Poster Tape.
If you want to hang heavier items, you will need to use a stronger double-sided tape, like Scotch Indoor Mounting Tape. This can hold up to 4.5 kilograms (9.9 pounds). This will be perfect for heavier decorations.
Applying The Tape To Prevent Damage
Once you’ve found the best type of tape, you’ll need to learn how to apply it properly. This will reduce the complications that you will face when you try to remove it. Let’s look at steps required to make sure that the tape is applied properly.
- Make sure that the area is cleaned thoroughly. The best way to do this is by using soapy water and a soft sponge.
- Leave the area to dry.
- Once it’s completely dried, return and feel the surface. If it’s still too coarse, you might want to use fine-grain sandpaper.
- If you spot any holes, fill them in using putty. The smoother the surface, the easier it will be to remove the tape when you are finished.
- Test the adhesive on an inconspicuous section of the wall. If it still damages the wall, the adhesive levels might be too high. In this case, you might want to consider a different product. In the clear majority of cases, the products listed in this article will be fine.
- Apply the tape.
In Conclusion
Many people are familiar with the damage caused by tape removing paint from the wall. This can cause a lot of damage, especially if it’s in an obvious area. In some cases, you will need to go through the inconvenience of re-painting the area to hide the damage.
Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be the case. By making sure that you use the right type of tape, and preparing the area properly, it should be easy for you to remove it. So, now you can apply tape to your walls without risking any damage.
