One item that should be in every tool kit or drawer at home is a roll of masking tape. Masking tape comes in many different widths and colors and can be used for a variety of purposes in and around your house. Here are 8 household uses for masking tape that you may have never thought of.
- Painting
Masking tape, particularly the blue masking tape, can mark off areas you don’t want to get pain on, such as trim around a door, a baseboard or the ceiling. This allows you to get a clean paint line and a professional look. Make sure you apply the tape in a perfectly straight line and seal the edge to prevent any bleeding paint.
- Labeling
Label your tools, wires, foods, containers and more with a piece of masking tape and a marker. Depending on what type of surface you are applying it to, the tape can be temporary or permanent.
- Cutting wood
To prevent splinters and frayed ends, apply a piece of masking tape around the wood at the line where you are about to cut it. Cut the wood as usual (cutting directly through the tape as well) and then remove the strip. The wood will have a clean cut without splinters or rough ends.
- Picking up lint and debris
To quickly pick up pet hair, lint, excess glitter, sawdust or other materials, wrap some masking tape around your hand and get to work. Most small particles will stick to the tape easily and quickly.
- Hanging decorations
Masking tape doesn’t leave a sticky residue like clear tape or other adhesives, so it’s good for hanging decorations like birthday streamers. Try a clear masking tape so it will be less noticeable.
- Holding two things together
Masking tape can temporarily hold two parts together while the glue or adhesive sets. It then can be removed once the glue is dry and the two parts are forged together.
- Entertain the kids
Give your kids a roll of masking tape and watch them create something special. Masking tape can be temporarily adhered to the floor (tiles, wood or carpet) to make a hopscotch board, a road for their toy cars, and much more. The possibilities are endless!
- Seal opened bags
Whether it’s a bag of potato chips or the flap on the cereal box, applying a piece of masking tape is an easy way to keep foods sealed so they will stay fresh. The tape easily removes when you want to open the food and then seals right back up for future use. You can also use a heavy duty masking tape to seal packages you will be sending in the mail.