High Temperature Masking 101: Choosing The Right Masking Tape To Withstand Your Masking Application
There are many different types of high temperature masking tapes that can used for different applications. Selecting the right masking tape for your application can be a difficult task because it is hard to know which tape can be used for a specific application. All high temperature masking tapes are composed of various polymer substrates that give them their performance properties. All high temp masking tapes are backed with silicone adhesive due to it high temperature and clean release non residue properties. Types of high temperature masking tapes include fiberglass cloth tape, silicone coated glass tape, Kapton® tape, polyester Tape, and aluminum foil tape.
Abrasive Sand Blasting or Flame Spray Masking Applications-
Fiberglass cloth tape is most used for high temperature abrasive coating applications like metalizing or plasma flame spray coatings. The woven fiberglass of the tape acts as cut through protection during the coating process. Fiberglass cloth tapes are coated with high temperature silicone adhesive which is rated to 500°F. Fiberglass tapes are available in standard and premium grade options. The premium grade fiberglass is composed of closely woven fiberglass fibers to increase strength and durability. For severe applications requiring more coating protection, silicone coated fiberglass tapes are recommended. Silicone coated glass tapes are constructed of fiberglass cloth and silicone rubber for an additional layer of protection. An added foil/glass component enhances heat deflection and improves the overall performance under the most demanding masking or coating applications. Silicone coated glass tapes are widely used in High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) thermal spray coating applications.
Aluminum Foil Tape Discs are ideal for covering smalls areas or fastener threaded holes during masking applications. They can also be used as a moisture or dust barrier during these processes. 3 mil. Aluminum foil backed with acrylic adhesive for peel and stick installation.
Excellent resistance to weathering, mold, UV and extreme environmental conditions.
Available in 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 2″, 3″ Diameter Discs.
Powder Coating, Anodizing, Electroplating Masking Applications-
Polyester tape is a universal high temperature masking tape. Polyester tape can be used in masking applications like powder coating, anodizing, e-coating or plating. Polyester, like other masking tapes, is backed with pressure sensitive silicone adhesive. Polyester tape can withstand 400°F / 205°C and removes cleanly from nearly all surfaces. Green Polyester tape is the most cost-effective masking tape. Green polyester has translucency that allows some visibility through the tape to aid with precise masking and marking during coating procedures. For difficult masking applications that require more conformability or a higher tensile strength, blue D-Wrap polyester tape is recommended. D-Wrap is composed of high tensile polyester film and a fully cured silicone adhesive, that is not transferable and prevents silicone contamination. D-wrap is a high-performance masking tape that can be used in various types of manufacturing including painting, metal, plastics, riveting, and chemical etching. D-Wrap works well for panel masking applications subject to caustic or acid bath etching. D-Wrap has also been recommended for use by aircraft companies on metal surfaces that have been phosphoric anodized due to its clean release properties.
Electronics Masking Applications-
Kapton® tapes are used in electronic applications to wrap or splice cables. Kapton® tapes are most used in circuit board and PCB applications as protective tape or mounting/jointing components during manufacturing. Kapton® itself is an excellent heat dissipater and electronic insulator as well as chemical resistant. Kapton® tape with silicone adhesive is a useful heat resistant masking tape for soldering applications. This tape can be used as a mask to protect circuit boards during soldering applications. Kapton® tape is available in custom slit to width rolls and die cut spools in squares, circles, or washers. Kapton® tape cut parts are utilized to mask holes, fastener heads, and small areas commonly found in soldering applications. Kapton® (Polyimide) Tape (-100F /500F) is used when temperatures are higher than the temperature range of Polyester tape.
CS Hyde Company is an ideal source for high temperature masking tapes. With onsite converting capabilities CS Hyde can produce custom high temperature masking tapes in custom slit to width rolls, die cut shapes, or sheets.