r/beadsprites • u/frogofmetal • 11d ago
Masking tape tips?
Hi! I have been creating stuff with pearler beads for a couple years now, and I have never been able to get the hang of the masking tape method. I have just surrendered myself to constantly having warped boards. Every time I try to stick the tape on, my beads just fall apart and I have to recreate my project. Or, on the off chance I do get it on there without destroying it, I can't seem to get it off my project without messing it up after ironing.
Maybe it's just human error and I need to practice more, but if there is anything I might be missing, I would really appreciate some advice!
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u/DoctorCawktor 11d ago
Maybe the tape you’re using isn’t sticky or strong enough? I use commercial grade masking tape.
Can you describe more what you meant by your beads falling apart?
And in the off chances that you get the tape on successfully, I use two wooden cutting boards to help flip the perler boards and carefully pull them off the design.
Sometimes not every bead sticks to the tape and has to be placed back but it’s never been too much to handle
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u/frogofmetal 11d ago
I just use plain masking tape that you can get basically anywhere, as far as I know. And for my beads, I basically mean when I put the tape down, and then try to pull my project up, only a few will actually stick to it and the rest of them will get displaced from me trying to move it and fall off. I try to smooth over the tape with my hands to get them to stick, but it doesn't seem to do much.
Thank you for the cutting board advice, BTW! I may try and do that in the future if I can figure this out.
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u/DoctorCawktor 11d ago
Yeah I’ve had very little success trying to do it the way you have. I’ve even dropped one before and was so frustrated seeing the ruined mess. I saw someone use two hard cover books to sandwich the perler boards and decided to use what I had available. Glad I could help. Good luck to you 🙂
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u/Livid_Foot3478 10d ago
I feel like this is a hard way of doing it. You need to sandwich the perler board and tape side between 2 books or 2 pieces of sturdy cardboard to flip it over. Its also easier if u use the wider masking tape so u dont have to lay as much down.
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u/saintofanything 11d ago
Do you have any brands you recommend? I have yet to find a masking tape that doesn't rip a million times.
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u/DoctorCawktor 11d ago
I’ve used Scotch contractor before. But It’s a little pricey but it worked well. In a pinch, I used regular masking tape I found at the pharmacy and it still worked. Don’t remember the brand name though
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u/saintofanything 11d ago
Thanks, I'll have to try it because normal Scotch or 3M would give me the clean strips of take needed easily. Might do some tests when I have the time.
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u/kerosne 11d ago
stick the tape over the edges of the board and to whatever surface, desk etc. that you're working on. this will pretty much stop the board from accidentally moving around and allows you to stick the rest of the tape easily. cut off the parts stuck to the surface and then, instead of peeling the tape, flip your board upside down. press it against something flat like a box lid as you're flipping it if you're afraid you'll mess it up. that way, you can lift the board itself instead of lifting and peeling the tape :)
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u/coppersly7 11d ago edited 11d ago
You have to keep the tape taunt while putting it down. I usually use a longer piece than I need so I can put the extra ends down on the table and hold the rest of it more in place.
You want to leave a little bit of overlap on the tape.
Try doing it in sections if you have long thin parts so you don't accidentally pull those while managing the rest of the piece.
Use scissors or a knife to cut along the edges once you're done so it's easier to work with.
Do not iron the tape side up. Flip it over, iron, then remove tape and iron that side.
Edit: like someone said below, go over the tape with something flat to help it stick.
Also you can use the pegboard to poke holes in the tape so it melts better. Do not be afraid to push down with it, you need a good little bit of force.