1. General Masking
Use this guideline for masking to protect surfaces and equipment that are not to be painted or to protect from overspray during the coating process:
Note: Depending on the surface to be protected, masking jobs are different yet similar in nature. Each client has their own expectation on items to be protected. Communication with the client is KEY to protecting the equipment.
◆ CAUTION – If masking is on for a duration prior to painting or blasting, double check all locations prior to painting.
Note: It’s a good practice to observe the weather forecast to assist in
selecting the appropriate material to withstand the conditions when working outdoors.
| Step | Action |
| 1.1 | Complete a JSA. |
| 1.2 | Perform a pre-job walk through with client or foreman and review the scope of work to identify which items will need protecting. |
| 1.3 | Identify the surfaces that need tape, plastic, etc. wrapped around them.
Note: Keep in mind that unmasking is as much or more work than masking. When possible, using plastic or coverings that allow minimal use of masking tape on the surfaces will drastically increase production during the unmasking process. |
| 1.4 | Verify that surfaces are clean for the tape, plastic, etc. to stick. Note: If surfaces are dirty, the tape will not stick. Reference guidelines for Pressure Washing, Hydro Blasting, Abrasive Blasting, Solvent Cleaning for further guidance.
Note: Tape does not stick well in colder temperatures. Note: Tape and plastic will bond to the equipment if temperatures are too hot. |
| 1.5 | Discuss with the client if there is any hardware that may be removed.
Note: It may be cheaper / easier to remove smaller items rather than masking them. Note: Pictures of the work area will allow for easy placement of the removed hardware. Note: Any removed hardware should be stored onsite in an organized way. |
| 1.6 | Items that are found to be broken will require pictures to be taken prior to masking and communicated with the Client. |
2. Masking
The following guideline should be used when masking for paint:
◆ CAUTION – Verify all masking is in place prior to painting.
Note: Verify wind direction and mask any items downwind of the paint area.
Note: Verify flooring, concrete, or surfaces below work are covered.
| Step | Action |
| 2.1 | Identify the best masking materials for the area.
• masking tape • thin film painter’s plastic • reinforced or unreinforced visquene • paper • drop cloths • pinch clamps • aluminium foil Note: Keep in mind that unmasking is as much or more work than masking. When possible, using plastic or coverings that allow minimal use of masking tape on the surfaces will drastically increase production during the unmasking process. Note: For cold environments, duct tape may be required to cover the equipment or devices. Duct tape should only be used as a last resort due to difficulty removing. Note: For hot equipment or devices, duct tape may bond to the equipment or devices. |
| 2.2 | Remove appropriate devices when possible:
• Locks • Valve Handles • Pipe Clamps • Chains • Signs ! WARNING – Personal monitors are required when on pipelines. When any flammable or toxic gas is noticed on the monitor, STOP work and contact supervision. ◆ CAUTION – Do NOT OPEN or CLOSE Valves |
| 2.3 | Cover small devices (gauges, identification tags/stickers, etc.) with masking tape, duct tape, or plastic.
Note: When covering items with tape, it is a good practice to run the tape past the edges and trim with a utility knife or scraper. |
| 2.4 | Use appropriate material to cover and protect all other surfaces not to be painted in the spray area.
Note: See Troubleshooting and Tips for further guidance. |
| 2.5 | For Electrical Motors and Fans, protect by placing a cover, such as plastic, over them.
Note: Do not cover any moving items or areas such as air intakes that could hinder the operation of the equipment. ◆ CAUTION-If these items required masking, make sure they are shut off and locked out. |
| 2.6 | Prior to spraying:
• Verify all areas are covered except what is being painted. • Verify any vehicles, equipment, etc. are not in the spray area or downwind of the spray operation. • Communicate with client prior to spraying. |
3. Masking Removal
The following guideline is for masking removal.
| Step | Action |
| 3.1 | For thicker coating or latex applied, remove the masking as soon as practical.
◆ CAUTION – If there is a concern that unmasking prematurely will affect the application, wait until the coating / latex is dry before removing. |
| 3.2 | Use a utility knife to make a cut around where the masking meets the coating / latex application.
! WARNING – Use cut-proof gloves when using utility knives. ! WARNING – Always cut away from the body when using a utility knife. Note: If a cut is not made between the coating / latex application, the potential to peel back the coating exists. |
| 3.3 | When bleed through is noticed, use a solvent to remove any paint from the device. |
| 3.4 | Dispose of all masking material in trash. |
4. Troubleshooting & Tips
The following guideline provides troubleshooting and tips for masking:
| TIP | |
| Bonded Tape
Or Tape Adhesive Residue |
WD-40 can assist with tape residue removal.
Note: Do not use WD-40 on bare metal. Note: Solvents can also be used to remove adhesive residue. |
| Masking
Techniques |
Note: Your foreman or a journeyman on the job will have a lot of efficient techniques for masking. Refer to them for guidance.
Note: For Electrical Equipment and Pnuematic Lines, the use of garden or other hoses can be beneficial. These hoses can be reused. Note: Any threaded connections should be masked as needed to maintain the functionality of the threads. Note: For nuts on equipment, flanges, etc., if paint application is not required, install the plastic nut cover protectors. |
| Hand Masker | Note: A full roll of masking paper will be the same length as a full roll of masking tape. When loading a masker, put a new roll of paper with a new roll of tape. |
| Types of tape
for the application |
Note: Blue or green tape has less adhesive strength but will allow for cleaner removal. This tape usually has a 7-14 day window that will allow for clean removal.
Note: Yellow tape has better adhesive properties but can be difficult to remove, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. When using yellow tape, it should be applied and removed in as short of a time frame as possible. Note: Masking tape is available in different widths. Use the appropriate width for the task. |
| Care for
Masking Tape |
Note: If the edges of the tape get dinged up from improper handling or storage, tape will not roll out well. Preventing damage to masking tape will reduce waste and increase efficiency.
Note: When masking tape freezes, the adhesive on tape will not work properly. |