Masking tape is a variety of adhesive tape that is recommended for the temporary concealment of surfaces not intended for a finishing process. Masking tapes temporarily protect areas from painting, soldering, blasting, spraying, coating, plating, and polishing while these procedures are administered to nearby surfaces. The composition of masking tape depends on the activity for which it is designed.
Masking tapes operate in the exact fashion as other adhesive tapes: a single-piece backing is wound around itself, which holds an adhesive on one side of the backing. Masking tape is applied to surfaces that the operator desires to keep in its existing condition while surface treatments occur in proximity.