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.

Standard Abrasives 32953, PSA A/O Disc, 711880, 2 in x NH, 60, 7010310798
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M™ 37018, Supplied Air Respirator Vortex Cooling Assembly V-100/37018(AAD), 70070799013, 1 EA/Case
3M 77512, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010307736, 200 per case
3M 13171, Scotch-Brite Multi-Finishing Wheel, MU-WL, 2S Medium, 6 in x 1 in x 1 in, 7000136469
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 36880, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 36 in x 300 ft, 7100169352
Standard Abrasives 708751, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 60, 7010370081
3M 06742, Overspray Protective Sheeting, 20 ft x 250 ft, 7000120043
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 9u
3M 87449 Silver Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, T27 Quick Change, 9 in x 1/4 in x 5/8-11 Center Hub Thread, 7010409732, 20 per case
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 50018, Venture Tape Metallized Cloth Duct Tape 1502, Silver, 48 mm x 55 m (1.88 in x 60.1 yd), 7010337385
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case 
