racer's tape vs painter's tape

[Jesse H]

Are they the same and if so is one more cost effective? I'm not ready to track my bike yet, but I'm getting tired of cleaning the bug guts off the Miata after every track session. Thanks!

[Squeaky]

I know painter's tape - but have never heard of racer's tape. Let me know what it's used for and what properties the tape should have and I'll let you know if it will work.

Basically - painter's tape has lower adhesion levels than duct tape and - with the better brands - little, if any, residue left behind after the tape is pulled off. The down side - it is paper, not vinyl, so it tears easily. It is not meant to hold anything together, just cover areas that you don't want to get paint on. I have a few rolls of the blue stuff with a little left on each if you want to give it a try before buying whole rolls or packs. It can run $3-$5 a roll depending on thickness.

[Dirtrideroader]

Unlike Duct tape, painters tape is paper based. Like masking tape. Actually that is what it is. Removes easier than regular masking tape though.

I would not use duct tape on the bike, except for an emergency repair. The glue is hard to remove. Especially if any heat is applied. I use lots of it on the sail boats.

I don't know what racers tape is.

[Chirpy]

What you want is gaffer's tape. Duct tape without the mess. Used (yes, by gaffers) to tape down cables and such at concerts, but doesn't get the cables all icky and yucky.

Little more expensive, little hard to find (http://www.tapemonster.com/ but well worth it. No residue on the bike at all.

[leeroy]

See how helpful he can be when he is banded with a superior life form.