Meguiar's professional masking tape vs. 3M green

I've been pretty disappointed with the 3M green tape because the edges tend to curl up and if the pad hits it at all, the glue from the tape gets transferred by the pad to the panel and makes sticky glue gobs....a real PITA!

Wondering about the Meg's tan tape. Has anyone used it and can vouch that it doesn't have the same icky goo issues like the green tape?

 

I have had the same problem. I started using the 3M yellow tape and it seems to be a little better, also cheaper too. Never tried the Megs tape.

 

By yellow you mean the tan tape?

 

I think he is probably referring to 3M 2460 although I wouldn't bet the farm on that.

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediaw...yEVtQEVs6EVs6EVs6E666666--&fn=70071102316.pdf

 

I have all 3 - the green 3m, the yellow 3m, and the Meguiars.

Are you using a Rotary or PC ?

I find the green tape does not stick very well compared to the Meguiars. I use a lot of the 1/4" green tape for thin rubber areas and since no one else makes this size, I am stuck with it. It seems to stick pretty well, maybe even better than its 3/4" size brother.

I find the yellow tape sticks better, appears to be a little thicker than the other 2 tapes

I find the Meguiars tape to stick the best to most anything, will curl up only on tight circular, etc., areas, say around some window rubber trim, etc., if you accidently hit it long enough with a Rotary.

Meguiars tape seems to be the least expensive tape, and works well, only comes in a couple of sizes, so consider the trade offs, and decide what you want to use.

The idea of tape is to use it to protect, but you still try not to hit it with a machine if possible.

Good luck with this !
Dan F

 

Considering 3M owns Meguiars, the tape should be very similar, however 3M probably gave the Meg's brand tape better properties... 3M knows their adhesives lol.

I did find some painters tape I thought worked very well. Can't remember the name (scotch?) but it's at home depot, blue with orange writing on it that was designed with an "edge locker" so the edges clung better. I ran out of it, but it was very good.

 

3m green tape is specialy made for automotive refinishing. It sticks well bit need to be easly removable (especially after the cars are baked). A too strong glue would risk peeling the paint underneath. So it is expensive for those specs wich are not exactly what a detailer might be looking for. Personally, i hate using anything else than green for when i paint cars, but for detail i use the cheaper 3 m lines (beige)

 

I too use all 3. Yellow is my favorite due to price and durability.

 

i prefer the meg but i know a guy that uses the new 3m that has the 3m logo on the actual tape ..i think they sell it in home depot but its like twice the price ofthe green automotive tape. anyway he loves it saysits the best

 

I have never seen 3m yellow or green tapes cheaper than the Meguiars Detailing tape. Where do you guys find the 3M tapes so cheap ?
Given that the 3m yellow and green are for specific conditions found when Painting vehicles, etc., wouldnt the Meguiars detailing tape be better for how we Detailers use it ?

Another good way to avoid having the tape come loose and spread glue temporarily over your work is to try to have one continuous strand from the front to the end of the car as much as possible. I find that if tape is going to lift when hit by my Rotary pad, its going to lift more where there is a break int he tape and an edge is exposed.

Having been a Painter in the auto industry I know how to tape long continuous runs precisely and quickly, and this not only helps prevent tape from lifting at a seam, but it sure makes it easy to remove, in one long piece.

The Meguiars tape is good for long runs like I refer to, and its strong enough to come off in the same long run without breaking, etc.. I wish they made it in 1/4 and 1/8" sizes; if they did, I could quit buying the 3M green, which is readily available at my local auto paint store..

Dan F

 

I purchase from a local body shop supplier. Buy in bulk and you will save. :worship2:

 

Out of all of them I've liked the Meg's the most.

 

I love the Megs, but it has the same issue of lifting and adhesive spreading around. 3M BLUE tape is way better in that regard, but its more expensive and it doesn't curve around edges as well. I use both depending on the car.

 

Shoot, that's what I was hoping to avoid.

3M blue is amazing, 3M blue knockoff = terrible, which is where I experienced the adhesive spreading around and looking like I had a piece of metal in my MF towel.

I did get some Meg's tape this past week, but I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for that when using the tape.

 

I normally use 3M blue or Scotch blue and I think the scotch brand might be a little better at not lifting. Right now I have 3M blue and green and I think the green lifts a little easier. Once I run out I'm going to try Megs

 

For the folks getting lift, are you wiping down all surfaces and trim with IPA before laying the tape? This process helps immensely, no matter what tape you are using!