Masking Tape Vs. Washi Tape

The whole washi tape phenomenon was conceived around 2006, when a group of artists requested a Japanese masking tape manufacturer to produce colorful masking tapes for artists.

Now you may be wondering if washi tape is the same as masking tape, and if not, how do the two differ from each other?

Short answer is that even though the two types of tapes are considerably similar in design and functionality, there are a few noteworthy differences that set the two apart.

Washi tape stems from masking tape, yet there are myriad key differences between the two types including:

Material

The word washi is a combination of two words —wa meaning Japanese and shi meaning paper, so if you haven’t guessed yet, washi tape is made from traditional Japanese washi paper. This paper is processed by hand, and is made in a traditional way using local fiber. The fibers used in the production of washi paper come from several different trees or shrubs such as paper mulberry (kōzo) bush, mitsumata shrub (Edgeworthia chrysantha), inner bark of the gampi tree.

Washi tape material is also claimed to tougher than paper made from wood pulp, which is probably why it is a preferred choice for several traditional arts including Origami, Shodo, and Ukiyo-e. Often referred to as painter’s tape, masking tape is made from thin paper, making it easy to tear by hand. There are however a few high-quality masking tapes that are made from polymer film rather than paper, but this range of tapes is a bit more expensive.

Adhesive

Washi tape features a low tack adhesive, which is pressure sensitive adhesive that can be used to reposition or reuse the tape anywhere, and can easily be removed without causing damage to the surface. Masking tapes can use one of two different types of adhesives — acrylic and rubber.

Acrylic can be solvent or water based, and offer great UV resistance, durability, solvent resistance and temperature resistance. Rubber adhesives can be made from synthetic or natural rubber, and in most cases are medium to high tack.

Use on paper

Masking tape features a much stronger adhesive than washi tape, hence may tear the paper when removed. Washi tape feature a low tack adhesive, so will come off easily from most papers, but not tissue papers.

Residue

Washi tape is easily removable, and does not leave any residue or cause damage to the surface, which is why it is great choice for rental or other similar spaces. Masking tapes can leave a sticky residue, especially when left on for too long, and can chip off paint and other finishes.

Longevity

Washi tape can last a year or more when applied to a wall. Most masking tapes have a shelf life of one year, and designed to adhere to surfaces for longer up to 60 days depending on the surface.

Surface compatibility

Masking tape is a go-to choice for a wide choice for several DIY applications, and sticks well to a variety of different even and irregular surfaces. However, on the downside, the paper portion of the masking tape may come off with age when used on certain surfaces such as glass. Washi tape can be used on almost all surfaces, without leaving any residue, thanks to its natural fiber construction.

Biodegradable

The paper part of masking tape is 100 percent biodegradable, whereas the adhesive portion in most cases is not completely biodegradable. Washi tape is made out of highly renewable resources including the adhesive, making it 100 percent biodegradable.