What is the Difference Between Duct Tape and Masking Tape

The main difference between duct tape and masking tape is that duct tape is more adhesive and stronger than masking tape.

Most people confuse duct tape and masking tape since they are similar in look and feel. However, these are two distinct products with two different functions.  Duct tape is used for quick repairs, sealing, patching holes, and packing boxes, but masking tape is mainly for painting, for covering areas on which paint is not wanted.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Duct Tape 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Masking Tape
     – Definition, Features, Elements
3. Difference Between Duct Tape and Masking Tape
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Duct Tape, Duck Tape, Masking Tape, Painter’s TapeDifference Between Duct Tape and Masking Tape - Comparison Summary

What is a Duct Tape

A duct tape is a strong cloth or scrim-backed waterproof adhesive tape. It’s a very popular and versatile tape. In fact, it has become an essential tool for many projects. Duct tapes have many useful properties: they are strong, easy to tear, flexible, and water-resistant. Duct tape is ideal for quick repairs, sealing, patching holes, and packing boxes.

Furthermore, duct tape is available in various colours, widths, and lengths. The most common colours are black, silver and clear. They also come in various grade. This will help you to decide the applications it should be used for. The grade actually refers to how the tape is made – in other words, the strength of the cloth backing and the type of adhesive used.

Main Difference - Duct Tape vs Masking Tape

Duct tape was originally called duck tape. This name can be traced back to the introduction of duct tape. Duct tape was manufactured during World War II as the military needed a waterproof tape to keep moisture out of ammunition cases. Since the water-resistance of tape emulated water off a duck’s back, people called it ‘duck’ tape.

What is a Masking Tape

A masking tape is a type of adhesive tape used during painting to cover areas on which paint is not wanted. We also call it the painter’s tape. The main use of masking tape is during painting- to cover areas that should not be painted. It’s easy to apply. Once we have finished painting, we can also easily remove the tape as it does not leave residues or damage the surface.

Difference Between Duct Tape and Masking Tape

Masking tape is available in various lengths and widths. The tape actually has two layers: a thin saturated crepe paper backing (we can easily tear this by hand) and an adhesive that is solvent-free, hot melt or acrylic-based (this depends on the level of adhesion you need).

Difference Between Duct Tape and Masking Tape

Definition

A duct tape is a strong cloth or scrim-backed waterproof adhesive tape, while masking tape is a type of adhesive tape used during painting to cover areas on which paint is not wanted.

Removal

Moreover, duct tape tends to leave residue behind, while masking tape does not leave residues or damage the surface (but up to a certain amount of time).

Strength

Duct tape is more adhesive and stronger than masking tape. This is because it is intended for a more permeant use.

Use

Duct tape is used for quick repairs, sealing, patching holes, and packing boxes, but masking tape is mainly for painting, for covering areas on which paint is not wanted.

Conclusion

The main difference between duct tape and masking tape is that duct tape is more adhesive and stronger than masking tape. Duct tape tends to leave residue behind, while masking tape does not leave residues or damage the surface (but up to a certain amount of time).

Reference:

1. “Everything You Need To Know About Duct Tape.” RS Components, Available here.
2. “What Is Masking Tape? ” PPM Industries, 15 Oct. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “2202209” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Masking-tape” By Japanwelt – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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