I’ve been reading about a resource for Tamiya type masking tape…so I decided to investigate for myself to see if it is true. Well, yes it does appear to be so. While out on a few errands today I ventured into a local Sherman-Williams Paint Supply store to investigate.
There I found their Shurtape in three different widths…all of them are comparable in size to regular rolls of household masking tape…used for as a mask for painting walls of all things. Prices vary based on the width you select, I took the middle road and spent $11.99 for this roll.
Known specifically as Shurtape Razor Edge Gold Premium Painters Tape. The roll I purchased is 48mm x 55m or 1.89″ x 60.1yards. The clerk gave me a quick run down on its composite and I was surprised 
to find that the backing is rice paper. The tape claims to have a 60 day release cycle…that is it will still release cleanly for up to 60 days from application.
I’m a firm believer in Tamiya Tape, but given a 10mm refill roll cost me $2.50, I think I will find myself shopping and possibly stocking the Shurtape for resale. It is a good thing that I also received a new Adjustable Dual Flex Cutter Set from Excel to review. More on it later. But it will be very handy cutting strips of tape in the widths I need, especially those for canopy masking.
What type of adhension does this tape have? Heavy? Light? Thanks for the review, very informative.
It has the same adhesion as the Tamiya tape…it is probably made by the same supplier Tamiya sources for theirs.
I found out about this tape from a friend. He had a roll of it and it looks just like the Tamiya stuff.
Thanks very much Gerald. I’ll sure be checking it out. Now looking forward to your Excel Adjustable Dual Flex Cutter Set review.
We manufacture the type of paper used for this application, however we are not Shurtape’s supplier for this grade. Rice Paper is a term applied to thin strong paper, which has it’s origins in the Orient. Today this paper is typically made from a combination of wood pulp and synthetic fibers to provide strength and stability. The combination of these fibers, typically adds to the enhanced performance of the end product, as well as the higher cost. However, if I were doing an important painting job requiring crisp edges, the extra cost of using this tape is well worth the investment.
Bob, Here in Wisconsin we also manufacture papers used for tape backing. We also at one time made the papers some of the worlds currencies were printed on. Our valley owes its existence to the paper industry. However, there is paper made from rice, just as papers are made from wood pulp and cotton fiber. The plant stocks from the rice plant do not get wasted…several products are made from them, very little of the plant is discarded. The papers made from it range from tape backing to fine stationary paper. Remember paper was invented in the orient. There is such a thing as rice paper, though the term has gained new meaning over the centuries. Remember the television series Kung Fu? In the intro Grasshopper walks along a long path of rice paper without leaving a trace…he has learned well. That paper will show every blemish…I watched some Korean monks do exactly the same thing….when others walked on it it showed each and every foot print.
So where can I buy that Adjustable Dual Flex Cutter Set from Excel?
Most anywhere Excel tools are carried…Hobby Lobby carries most if not all of their line. Check your local hobby shop. Also, another possible source…office supply stores…look amongst the drafting supplies.
Made a stop at Sherwin-Williams to see about the Shurtape, and I found out that 3M also makes a rice paper tape just like the Shurtape Gold Razor Edge. Now you have your choice of blue or yellow.