Masking Tape was invented in 1925 by Richard Drew when he was working as a research assistant at 3M. He noticed that automotive painters were experiencing frustration when taping newspapers to cars to protect existing paint when performing detail work. The paint would peel off when they removed the tape and newspaper ruining the original bodywork. Drew decided to solve this problem by developing a tape using cabinetmaker’s glue and treated crepe paper that revolutionized the industry.
Drew created Scotch Cellophane tape too five years later, so we have much to be thankful for regarding his engineering prowess. Also, it was invented in my home state of Minnesota. 3M still has its global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. I think that’s pretty neato bandito.
Masking tape is used for more than just automotive painting now. According to Future Market Insights, masking tape is used for the following:
- Automotive
- Building & Construction
- Painting
- Planting
- Abrasive blasting
- High-Temperature Application
- Thermal Spraying
- General Use
- Aerospace
- General Industry
- Electronics & Electrical
- Medical
- Metal Working
- Shipping & Logistics
- Printing
Sources: ScotchBrand, National Inventor’s Hall of Fame, Future Market Insights.
