What Does
Dry To Tape Mean?
Dry to tape refers to the duration of time which need to be elapsed to apply masking tape so that it does not leave any mark on the surface after application of paint.
In painting, appropriate dry to tape timing is very important otherwise it causes paint's bleeding, chipping and peeling. For the sake of better finish, tape should be removed as soon as practical. It it left on for an extended period, it caused leaving mark on the painted surface.
Because different tape has different levels of adhesion, selection of tapes and paints should be made with care.
Corrosionpedia Explains Dry To Tape
To cover unintended areas from paint during paining, masking tape should be used. To remove masking tape without damaging painting, enough time must elapse for the painted area to dry completely. The dry to tape time can depend on many factors including:
- Temperature of environment
- Humidity
- compositions of paint
- Paint color
Improper application of masking tape may cause bleed-through and peeling. Paint can seep under the tape barrier and get on the protected surface if paint is not applied correctly . Removing the tape in a precise manner is just as critical as the paint job. Tape that is left on a surface for too long can be difficult to remove and may leave behind a sticky residue. In contrast, tape that is removed too quickly may damage and peel the paint job.
Using fans and dehumidifiers are helpful to speed up the curing process of paint and reduce dry to tape time in hot humid environments.