Washi Tape
Washi is a type of Japanese paper, very thin and flexible. It's used for making very high quality masking tape, and it's very effective because the flexibility means it can conform to the shape of the surface very tightly. That also means the adhesive can be very gentle, while still sticking well, making it easy to remove cleanly.
But the popularity of washi tape has gone well beyond its original applications, as the same properties make it super versatile, and great for decorating all sorts of things. Japanese and Japanese-inspired washi tape is now popular all over the world, printed with a huge variety of patterns and pictures.
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Washi Tape FAQs
How is washi tape different from masking tape?
When we think of masking tape, it's usually just cheap white paper tape, used for covering things you don't want to get paint on. While washi tape started out as a high quality Japanese masking tape, it's become very popular for decoration in its own right, available in hundreds and hundreds of colours and patterns.
Will washi tape harm the surface it's used on?
Usually not, though we can't say we've tested every brand on every surface. In our experience, washi tape removes easily, leaving no marks or adhesive behind.
What other advantages does washi tape have?
The low-tack adhesive means it removes cleanly, but it sticks surprisingly well. Because it's made of paper, it tears quite easily when you want it to, but it can be surprisingly strong in use.
What other uses does washi tape have?
All sorts of things! We've used it for decoration, as well as for basic masking, but also for sticking open packets closed for later, cable management, holding portable hard drives in place, and many other things.