Newbie washi crafters are often worried that washi tape might damage their paper projects. After all, no-one wants to spend hours making something beautiful only to have it ruined by adhesive that leaves residue or rips your pages. Washi tape is pretty popular in the crafting world these days. It comes in all sorts of colors and patterns, and it’s perfect for adding a little decoration to your scrapbooking, journaling, and other paper crafts. .
So, let’s take a closer look at what makes this tape different from other types of adhesive and see if it’s really something to worry about.
TL:DR: Safest washi tape for use on paper:
The super-popular authentic Japanese MT Washi Tape is my favorite washi tape for use on paper.
- It never damages paper.
- Super-easy to remove and reposition with no harm to your projects.
- Great for color coding, journalling, planning, or scrapbooking.
What is washi tape?
Washi tape is a type of masking tape made from traditional Japanese paper called “washi.”
This paper is made from natural fibers like bamboo, hemp, rice, or wheat.
It’s known for its strength, durability, and unique texture.
It’s gained popularity among crafters and stationery enthusiasts around the world.
This tape comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and widths.
You can use it for a wide range of purposes, including decorating journals, planners, scrapbooks, and even walls.
Does washi tape damage paper?
No, washi tape is designed with a low tack adhesive that makes it easy to remove and reposition without damaging the paper.
That’s why washi tape is one of my favorite materials for scrapbooking and for decorating planners and bullet journals.
The low tack adhesive makes this tape different from traditional adhesive tapes.
You can use washi without ruining your pages, like tearing paper or leaving behind any sticky residue.
The range of colors, patterns, and designs available means I can always find a roll to suit my project’s style.
Plus, because it’s made from paper, I can easily tear it by hand and write on it with a pen or marker.
This makes it perfect for labeling and organizing my pages.
What washi tape brands work best on paper?
There are many washi tape brands available on the market.
However, the two best brands that are known for working well on paper are:
1. MT Tape
This brand is often considered the gold standard for washi tape.
It’s known for its high-quality paper and adhesive.
So it’s perfect for use in journaling and crafting.
2. Scotch Expressions
This brand offers a wide range of colors and patterns.
Its low tack adhesive makes it easy to remove and reposition too.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to test different brands and types of washi tape to find the one that works best for your specific project and paper type.
How to use washi tape on paper
What you will need:
1. Washi Tape
Of course, the main product you’ll need is washi tape!
You can find a variety of colors, patterns, and designs, so stock up on your favorites.
Make sure to choose authentic washi tape with a low tack adhesive to avoid damage to your paper.
2. Scissors
Even though washi tape is easy to tear by hand, you may still need a good pair of scissors for cutting it.
A pair of small, sharp scissors works best.
3. Ruler
A ruler can be helpful for creating straight lines or measuring out specific distances.
4. Pencil
A pencil may be handy to sketch out designs or lines before applying washi tape.
5. Eraser
You can use an eraser to remove any pencil marks that may be visible after applying washi tape.
6. Pen or Marker
If you plan on writing on your tape, get a pen or marker that won’t smudge or bleed.
7. Paper
Choose a high-quality paper that can withstand the adhesive properties of washi tape without getting torn.
High-quality washi will work great with pretty much any kind of paper with no damage though.
8. Storage
Once you’ve collected a bunch of washi tape rolls, you’ll need a way to store and organize them.
You can buy a tape dispenser or a storage box specifically designed for washi.
With these tools and supplies, you’ll be ready to create beautiful, personalized journal pages, planners, and scrapbook pages using washi tape.
How to use washi tape with no damage to paper
Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to use washi tape on paper and how to remove and reposition it safely:
1. To apply washi tape to paper:
- Choose the desired design and length.
- Peel off the tape from the roll and cut it to the desired length using scissors. You can also tear it by hand.
- Carefully place it onto the paper where desired.
- Smooth out the tape with your fingers or a scraper to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.
2. To remove and reposition washi tape:
- Gently lift the edge of the tape with your fingernail or a craft knife.
- Slowly and carefully pull the tape back at a 180-degree angle.
- If the tape doesn’t come off easily, use a hair dryer on low heat to warm up the adhesive, then try removing it again. However, this step is pretty much never needed with authentic good-quality low-tack washi tape.
- To reposition the tape, simply place it in the desired location and press down again.
- The low tack adhesive makes it easy to move and reposition it without damaging the paper.
Can washi tape leave residue on paper?
No, authentic high-quality washi tape is designed to be easily removable with no residue.
If you still find a small amount of adhesive residue on the paper, you can remove it with an eraser or rubbing alcohol.
Can washi tape tear or damage thin paper?
No, washi tape should not tear or damage even thin or delicate paper.
For added safety, you can test the tape on a small and discreet area of your paper before using it on a larger surface.
Can washi tape be used on textured paper?
Yes, washi tape can be used on textured paper.
But it may not adhere as well as it would have stuck to smooth paper.
Again, test the tape on a small area of your paper piece before using it on the final project.
Can washi tape be removed and reused multiple times?
Washi tape can be reused multiple times, thanks to its special adhesive.
However, the adhesive may weaken over time with repeated use.
Can washi tape be used on all types of paper?
Washi tape can be used on most types of paper, including card stock, scrapbook paper, and notebook paper.
I personally don’t know any types of paper that washi won’t work on.
How long does washi tape typically last?
Its lifespan depends on many factors, including the quality of the tape and the environment it is used in.
Generally, washi tape can last for several weeks to a few months.
But it may start to lose its adhesive properties over time.
One of the greatest advantages of using washi tape is its ability to stick without leaving residue on your paper, as it is equipped with a gentle adhesive that can be conveniently removed and repositioned.
That makes it perfect for all sorts of paper crafts like planning, scrapbooking, and journaling.
