Painters tape (also called masking tape) is widely available in Singapore at hardware stores, art supply shops, and major online platforms. Common brands stocked locally include 3M, Nichiban, and Sellotape, with rolls typically priced between S$3 and S$15 depending on width and tape length.
Where to Buy Painters Tape in Singapore
Most hardware shops carry painters tape as a standard item. Selffix DIY, with outlets across Singapore including Ang Mo Kio, Jurong, and Tampines, stocks several widths of blue and cream masking tape from brands like 3M ScotchBlue. Horme Hardware, which has locations in Toa Payoh and Kallang, carries a broader selection including Japanese Washi tape suitable for fine-line painting work.
Popular platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and Qoo10 list painters tape from local and overseas sellers, often at lower per-roll prices when bought in multipacks. For specialty or low-tack versions suited to delicate surfaces, art supply shops such as Art Friend (Bras Basah Complex) stock Japanese masking tapes including Kamoi Kakoshi (mt tape) that leave minimal residue.
Types Available and What to Choose
Standard painters tape is cream or light blue and suitable for most interior wall painting jobs. The key differences between types come down to adhesion strength and surface compatibility:
- Standard masking tape: Cream coloured, moderate adhesion, works on most wall surfaces. Suitable for short-duration use (under 24 hours).
- ScotchBlue (3M): Blue, designed for cleaner removal with sharper paint lines. Rated for 14-day clean removal on most surfaces.
- Washi/Japanese tape: Low tack, good for delicate surfaces like wallpaper or freshly painted walls where adhesive residue is a concern.
- High-temperature masking tape: Used for automotive or industrial painting. Available at Horme Hardware and specialist auto shops.
In Singapore’s humid climate, tape left on surfaces for more than a day or two can be harder to remove cleanly. Choosing a tape rated for extended use or removing it promptly after painting reduces residue issues.
Pricing Guide
A single 24mm x 18m roll of standard cream masking tape typically costs S$2 to S$4 at hardware shops. 3M ScotchBlue 24mm rolls retail around S$6 to S$9 at Selffix or Horme. Buying multipacks online brings the per-roll cost down meaningfully, with 10-roll packs available from S$15 to S$25 for mid-range brands on Shopee. Japanese Washi tape runs S$4 to S$12 per roll depending on width.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is painters tape and masking tape the same thing in Singapore?
They are used interchangeably in most local hardware shops. The distinction is mainly in quality: painters tape (like ScotchBlue) is designed for cleaner removal and sharper paint edges, while basic masking tape is a general-purpose product. Both are sold under either label at stores like Selffix and Horme.
How long can painters tape be left on walls in Singapore?
Standard masking tape should be removed within 24 hours to avoid adhesive residue, especially in humid conditions. Quality painters tapes rated for 14-day removal, such as 3M ScotchBlue, perform better over longer periods, though removing any tape sooner rather than later always produces cleaner results.
Can I buy painters tape in bulk in Singapore?
Yes. Lazada, Shopee, and Qoo10 all list bulk packs from sellers based in Singapore and overseas. Horme Hardware also caters to trade buyers and can order larger quantities on request.
