The reasons for using masking paper are well known. Identifying the masking paper that is right for you is often less well known. Balancing benefits against cost, here are our suggestions for selecting the right product for the right job.

When cost is a factor, standard Green masking paper often fits the bill. The machine finish version provides protection against overspray and good bleed resistance. We recommend using a paper with a basis weight of at least 40# for the best protection. Lighter weight papers can often be less effective on bleed resistance.

Green machine glazed paper is a step up from standard green paper. While still economical, it is manufactured under high-pressure rollers that press the paper fibers together more tightly. This results in an economical paper that provides additional solvent holdout capability.

Moving up from machine glazed paper, urethane grade papers begin to offer improved benefits. White urethane paper offers excellent bleed-thru resistance against today’s urethane paints and solvents, and is the most economical of the urethane grade papers. And, the white color provides excellent contrast for color matching.

Blue urethane paper offers similar benefits, is highly flexible and conformable, and is an excellent choice for wet sanding. Blue urethane paper has a polyethylene coating that resists penetration by paint, solvents and water.

At the top of the line, Gold urethane grade paper provides the ultimate protection. It is a specially coated paper that is effective against all solvents used in today’s paint systems. It has no dust contamination that might be present in other making papers. It also conforms well, and is water resistant.

The masking paper decision should always be made based on the benefits that the paper needs to deliver. Different papers work differently against dust, bleed-thru, water exposure and specific solvents. Some papers conform better than others, while others tear more easily. It is only by knowing what you need that you can select the right paper.

Whatever your preference, Finish Pro offers the variety of products that fit the needs and budgets of today’s body shop professionals.