How to choose masking materials
Masking is often an essential part of the production and finishing process for manufacturers and fabricators all over the world. Silicone tapered plugs, masking tape for painting, plastic end caps – with our extended product offering, you’re not short for choice.
However, mastering the masking process can be a challenge, particularly in ensuring that your masking solution behaves as required during wet painting, powder coating, e-coating, anodizing, plating, blasting and drying.
Each process involves a number of variables, which is why we strongly recommend that you request free samples of the caps and plugs you’re interested in. This will allow you to test them to ensure they’re exactly what you need.
The key to success revolves around selecting an appropriate material suited to your operating temperature and application process. The below application guide helps you choose the right solution depending on your intended processes.
Which material for your masking application?
| Process | Feature | Powder coating | E-coating | Anodizing | Plating | Wet Painting | Blasting | Max Temp |
| Silicone | Premium; reusable |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+250°C +482°F |
| Polyimide Tape | Premium; excellent solvent |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+260°C +500°F |
|
| Silicone Tape | Self bonding; perfect for irregular shapes |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+204°C +399°F |
|
| Glass Cloth Tape | Durable; for blasting or thick coatings |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+180°C +356°F |
||
| EPDM | Costs around 30% less than silicone |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+150°C +302°F |
| High-Temp Vinyl | Low cost; not reusable |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+170°C +338°F |
|
| TPR | Lightweight |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+95°C +203°F |
| Paper | Low cost; recyclable |
✔ |
✔ |
+120°C +248°F |
||||
| Polyester | No shrinkage |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+150°C +302°F |
|
| High-Temp Crepe | Special high-temp formula |
✔ |
+204°C +399°F |
We do not assume any liability for the materials, specifications or information provided. For complete temperature and other physical properties of our products’ material, please refer to the actual product material technical data sheet, available upon request.
Product Application Examples
Equipment Manufacturing: Data cabinet, rack mount cabinet and outdoor utility cabinet – when masking a hole where a cylindrical lock may fit, a High Temperature Masking Plug can be used to withstand demanding processes and keep the hole clean.
- Plugs threaded or unthreaded holes
- Economical solution for large diameter holes
- Hollow core aids compression for improved sealing; also uses less material, so it’s cost effective
Available in:
- Silicone: premium masking material; reusable
- EPDM: economical material with reduced heat resistance; reusable
- Tapered cone design plugs multiple inner diameters or caps multiple outside diameters
Available in:
- Silicone: premium masking material; reusable
- EPDM: economical material with reduced heat resistance; reusable
- For mask threaded or non-threaded through holes
- Used by pulling the thin end through the hole, stretching the larger end through the hole then releasing to let it compress and make a tight seal
Available in:
- Silicone: premium masking material; reusable
- EPDM: economical material with reduced heat resistance; reusable
Metal Fabrication: Sheet Metal – to economically mask a variety of areas when powder coating or e-coating sheet metal, try an easy-to-apply and remove Masking Tape, usable up to 260°C (500°F). Coloured masking tape is also available.
Recommended
Why
- Ideal for awkward spaces
- Quick adhesion
- Clean removal; leaves no residue
Material
Woven Fibreglass with silicone adhesive
Recommended
Why
- Self-bonding – no adhesive (sticks only to itself)
- Form fitting; excellent solution for odd shapes
- Waterproof seal after 24-hour self-bonding cure
- Excellent electrical properties: dielectric strength of 300 VPM min at 204°C (399°F)
Material
Silicone
Recommended
Why
- Excellent heat and solvent resistance
- No shrinkage
- Cleanly removes in one piece after use, without leaving residue
- Available in discs
Material
Polyester
Recommended
Why
- Thick pressure sensitive masking tape
- Easy to apply and remove with clean lines
- Best removed when warm or hot, but can also be removed when cold
Material
Crepe
Recommended
Why
- Excellent heat and solvent resistance, dielectric strength (6500 volts) and highly conformable
- Cleanly removes in one piece after use
- Available in discs
Material
Polyimide
Recommended
Why
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Flexible for stretching over onto larger dimensions
- Economical solution for one-time uses
Material
PVC
Recommended
Flexible End Cap - Acid Resistance
Why
- Similar to rubber end caps, flexible TPR material can stretch onto larger diameters for snug fit
- Good resistance to acids
- Can be used with masking wire hooks, such as round wire hooks
Material
TPE
Recommended
Why
- Wide flange design provides a positive seal and easy removal
Material
- Silicone: premium masking material (higher-temperature masking properties); reusable
- EPDM: economical material with reduced heat resistance; reusable
Automotive: Fuel pumps and engine blocks – protect threads and prevent contamination during blasting, powder coating and transit by using a High Temperature Cap/Plug.
Recommended
Why
- Flexibility for excellent sealing
- Masking for studs and tube ends
- Dual design; use as caps or plugs
Material
- Silicone for high-temperature rubber caps and plugs; premium masking material; reusable
- EPDM: economical material with reduced heat resistance; reusable
Recommended
Why
- Ergonomic finger pull tab for easy removal
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Economical solution for one-time uses
Material
High-temperature soft vinyl
Recommended
Why
- Protects threaded or unthreaded holes without masking the surrounding areas
- Easy pull plug has ergonomically friendly pull tab for easy installation and removal
Material
- Silicone: premium masking material; reusable
- EPDM: economical material with reduced heat resistance; reusable
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download for free. You can also request free samples to ensure the solutions you’ve chosen are exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which product will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
For more advice about our extensive range of masking solutions please call us on 0345 528 0474 or email sales@essentracomponents.co.uk