
The natural rubber adhesive provides instant stick and reliable holding power that resists lifting
Aerospace-level strength and reliability
The natural rubber adhesive of this tape sticks instantly and allows fast application along with reliable holding power that resists lifting. 3M Paint Masking Tape 231/231A demonstrates excellent adhesive transfer resistance with clean removal that helps reduce labor and cleanup. Its smooth mini-crepe backing provides excellent surface contact and is also solvent and moisture resistant to minimize bleed-through. A special backside treatment provides a smooth unwind for easy handling and reduced waste. It is easy to tear, which aids in handling, yet strong enough to resist slivering, providing user-friendly one-piece removal.
3M Paint Masking Tape 231/231A is conformable for easy masking around corners, over irregular surfaces, and offers easy handling that reduces application time. As a professional grade masking tape, it has the benefit of paint flake resistance that reduces contamination and potential rework, resulting in a professional paint job. This tape can be certified to ASTM D-6123 (replaces obsolete PPP-T-42C, Type I, (CID-A-A-883B)).
The crepe paper backing tears easily, offers moderate conformability, and lifts off cleanly. The natural rubber adhesive bonds well to paper, metal, wood and painted surfaces with reliable holding power that resists lifting and curling. Under normal operating conditions, the tape features one-piece removal and is sliver resistant.
Recommended Applications
- Large scale paint operations in the aerospace industry
- High temperature paint bake operations
- Paint masking for aircraft painting
What is masking tape?
Masking tape was developed specifically to help protect surrounding surfaces from overspray, provide clean paint lines, and remove easily and cleanly when finished. Masking tapes from 3M adhere well, resist solvents or water from the paint, and are strong enough to hang plastic sheeting, yet remove cleanly without damaging the subsurface. The backing, typically crepe paper, can conform to curved and irregular surfaces. The tape hand tears for tool-free application.

Dynabrade 78741 3/16" x 1/2"-W154 DynaFire A/O Mounted Point, Vitrified, 5/pack
3M 71883, Flexible Diamond Hand File 6210J, No 2, White, 18, N20, 7000082161, 10 Per Case
3M 14725, Foam and Fabric Spray Adhesive 24, Orange, 16 fl oz Can (Net Wt 13.8 oz), 7100179450, 12/Case
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M 20365, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2216, Gray, Part A, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046361
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 29882, Sanding Screen, 220 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160813
Dynabrade 92118 1/4" W x 12" L 180 Grit A/O DynaCut Belt, 50/pack
3M 33439, Cubitron II File Belt, 33439, 60+, 10 mm x 330 mm (3/8 in x 13 in), 7100033194, 10 belts per carton, 5 cartons per case
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 74u
3M 30702, Cloth Belt 577F, 50 YF-weight, 2 in x 132 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010363104, 50 per case
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case 
