Masking / General – Purpose Tapes

Reliable Taping Solutions for Everyday Protection, Sealing & Organization

Masking and general-purpose tapes are essential tools across packaging, maintenance, painting, offices, and light industrial environments. Designed for clean application, easy handling, and dependable performance, these tapes support everything from surface protection and temporary holding to labeling and carton sealing.

Choosing the right tape ensures clean removal, proper adhesion, and consistent results—without surface damage or rework.

Interested in our Double-Sided Tapes?

Request a Free Sample Today!

905-760-8273

orders@pillartapes.com

Line-up of masking/general use tapes: Masking Tape, General Purpose Tape, Cellulose Tape, and Gummed Tape

Tape Products from the Best Brands

We partner with industry-leading manufacturers to provide high-performance tapes you can trust. From everyday applications to specialized requirements, our product lineup features proven brands known for consistent quality, reliability, and innovation across industrial, commercial, and packaging environments.

3M Logo
IPG Logo
Tesa Logo
Shurtape Logo
Scapa Logo
Berry Logo
Mactac Logo
PPM Logo
Cactus Logo
Adhesive Applications Logo
Glue Dots Logo

Explore Our Selection of Masking / General - Purpose Tapes

MASKING TAPE

Masking Tapes Images
Masking Tapes Roll

Best For: Painting, surface protection, and short-term masking

Temporary

Masking tape is designed for temporary applications where clean removal and surface protection are critical. Commonly used in painting, finishing, and light industrial processes.

GENERAL PURPOSE TAPE

General purpose tape dispenser being used to close up a corrugate box.
General Purpose Tapes Rolll

Best For: General repairs, light-duty sealing, and daily use

Everyday

General-purpose tape offers a versatile solution for routine tasks where moderate adhesion and easy handling are required.

CELLULOSE TAPE

Cellulose Tape
Cellulose Tape Rolls

Best For: Transparent bonding and clean presentation

Clear Finish

Cellulose tape provides a transparent, smooth finish for clean presentation and lightweight bonding applications.

GUMMED TAPE

Gummed Tape
Gummed Tape Rolls

Best For: Carton sealing, tamper resistance, and shipping

Packaging

Gummed tape creates a strong, permanent bond with corrugated cartons by activating adhesive with water—making it ideal for secure packaging and shipping.

Learn More about our Water Activated Tape

Double-Sided Tape Selection

Selecting the wrong double-sided tape can lead to adhesion failure, surface damage, or costly rework. Our team can help you evaluate your surfaces, environment, and performance requirements to recommend the best solution.

Feature 🟡 Temporary
Masking Tape		 🔵 Everyday
General Purpose Tape		 ⚪ Clear Finish
Cellulose Tape		 📦 Packaging
Gummed Tape
Best For Painting, surface protection & short-term masking Light repairs, sealing & everyday use Clean presentation & transparent bonding Secure carton sealing & tamper evidence
Key Strength Clean removal without residue Versatile adhesion across common surfaces High clarity with smooth finish Activates into a permanent fiber bond
Adhesive / Hold Low-tack to medium-tack adhesive Medium-tack rubber or acrylic adhesive Light to medium permanent adhesive Water-activated adhesive
Surface Types Painted walls, trim, glass, metal Paper, plastic, light cartons, general surfaces Paper, film, lightweight packaging Corrugated cartons & recycled boxes
Removal Designed for clean removal (time-dependent) May leave residue depending on surface Typically permanent Permanent once activated
Typical Environments Painting, finishing, maintenance prep Offices, facilities, light industrial use Retail, offices, light packaging Shipping, warehousing, export packaging
Temporary Masking Tape
Best For: Painting, surface protection & short-term masking
Key Strength: Clean removal without residue
Adhesive: Low to medium tack
Surfaces: Painted walls, trim, glass, metal
Removal: Clean removal (time-dependent)
Environments: Painting, finishing, maintenance prep
Everyday General Purpose Tape
Best For: Light repairs, sealing & everyday use
Key Strength: Versatile adhesion across common surfaces
Adhesive: Medium-tack rubber or acrylic
Surfaces: Paper, plastic, light cartons
Removal: May leave residue (surface dependent)
Environments: Offices, facilities, light industrial use
Clear Finish Cellulose Tape
Best For: Transparent bonding & clean presentation
Key Strength: High clarity with smooth finish
Adhesive: Light to medium permanent
Surfaces: Paper, film, lightweight packaging
Removal: Typically permanent
Environments: Retail, offices, light packaging
Packaging Gummed Tape
Best For: Carton sealing & tamper resistance
Key Strength: Permanent fiber-to-fiber bond
Adhesive: Water-activated adhesive
Surfaces: Corrugated cartons & recycled boxes
Removal: Permanent once activated
Environments: Shipping, warehousing, export packaging

Need Further Help Choosing the Right Tape?

Selecting the right masking or general-purpose tape is essential for clean results, easy removal, and dependable everyday performance. Our tape specialists can help you choose the best option based on surface type, application duration, and environmental conditions.

Contact a Tape Specialist Today!
Pillar Tapes mascot Rolly, an animated roll of tape come to life

Blog

The Secret Life of Masking Tape: More Than Meets the Eye

Curious about what makes masking tape more than just a paint-day staple? Dive into our exploration of masking tape’s hidden versatility, from clean paint lines and surface protection to creative DIY uses and industrial applications.

Read our Guide on Masking Tape Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard masking tape is designed for indoor use. Some specialty or high-performance masking tapes offer limited UV or outdoor resistance, but prolonged exposure may cause adhesion failure or residue. Always select a tape grade suited for environmental exposure.

Masking tape should be used when protecting surfaces during painting, finishing, or light assembly where clean removal is critical. It is ideal for short-term applications that require controlled adhesion without damaging surfaces underneath.

Yes. While often associated with office or light-duty use, masking, general-purpose, cellulose, and gummed tapes are widely used in industrial, warehouse, and manufacturing environments for tasks such as surface protection, labeling, carton sealing, and process identification.

Yes. Gummed tape creates a fiber-tear bond with corrugated cartons, making it highly tamper-evident and more difficult to remove without visible damage. This makes it a preferred choice for shipping, export packaging, and applications requiring added security.

Yes. Pillar Tapes supplies masking and general-purpose tapes in bulk quantities and offers various widths, lengths, and grades to support operational, commercial, and industrial requirements.