Masking tape is a type of pressure sensitive tape

Pressure sensitive tape

Pressure-sensitive tape, known also in various countries as PSA tape, adhesive tape, self-stick tape, sticky tape, or just tape, is an adhesive tape that will stick with application pressure, without the need for solvent, heat, or water for activation...

 made of a thin and easy-to-tear paper, and an easily released pressure sensitive adhesive

Pressure sensitive adhesive

Pressure sensitive adhesive is adhesive which forms a bond when pressure is applied to marry the adhesive with the adherend...

. It is available in a variety of widths. It is used mainly in painting

Painting

Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface . The application of the medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush but other objects can be used. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. However, painting is...

, to mask off

Masking

In art, craft, and engineering, masking is the use of materials to protect areas from change, or to focus change on other areas.Masking can describe either the techniques and materials used to control the development of a work of art by protecting a desired area from change; or a phenomenon that ...

 areas that should not be painted. The adhesive is the key element to its usefulness, as it allows the tape to be easily removed without leaving residue or damaging the surface to which it is applied. The tape is available in several strengths, rated on a 1–100 scale based on the strength of the adhesive.