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 78509, Ceramic Pro Type 27 Flap Disc, 645103, 4-1/2 in x 5/8-11 40 Y-weight, 7010310618, 10 per case
3M 33034, Perfect-It 1-Step Foam Finishing Pad, 33034, 6 in, Quick Connect, 6 per case, 7100191413
3M 63738, Contractor Grade Multi-Use Duct Tape 2979, Silver, 1.88 in x 60 yd, 7010335692
3M 26130, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S35, 16 mm Female, 1.5 mm
Thread Stretched, 7100135926
3M™ 07012, Supplied Air Hose W-9435-100/07012(AAD), 100 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005375, 1 EA/Case
3M 97841, Value Duct Tape 1900, Silver, 1.88 in x 60 yd, 5.8 mil, 7010375734
Standard Abrasives 875711, MD Mini-Brush, 4-1/2 in x 2 in x 5/8-11 FB036 A XCS Medium Density, 7010292437
3M 27551, EMI Copper Foil Shielding Tape 1181, 1/2 in x 18 yd (12.70 mm x 16.5m), 7000132182
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
3M 53915, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N (Nuclear), Red, 72 mm x 54.8 m, 12.1 mil, 7010334653
3M 81356, Venture Tape White Aluminum Foil Tape 1558HT, 72 mm a 45.7 m, 5.4 mil, 7010335933
3M 35831, Hookit Dust Extraction Flexible Radius Sanding Block, 178 mm x 66 mm, 7100256512
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 27468, EMI Copper Foil Shielding Tape 1181, 1 in x 18 yd (25,40 mm x 16,5 m), 7000132169
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 16205, PPS Disposable Lids, Midi, 125 Micron Full Diameter Filters, 7000120049 