Soft, strong and residue free

Holbein Soft Tape is a premium artist’s tape designed for clean, precise edges without damaging paper surfaces. Its flexible crepe texture conforms beautifully to curves and edges, while releasing easily and leaving no sticky residue.

What sets it apart

• Low tack adhesion: Holds in place while allowing easy removal
• Clean release: Removes without leaving a residue
• Semi transparent: Makes positioning and alignment easier 
• Moisture resistant: Suitable for use with water based mediums

Who it's for

• Watercolour artists, professional illustrators and urban sketchers
• Watercolour and gouache: create defined borders, protect selected areas
• Precise masking: keep selected areas clear while adding layers
• Paper positioning: temporarily secure paper on boards or easels

Not for

• Extremely delicate paper or fragile paper that is poorly sized or already damaged
• Deep textured papers as it will be more difficult to completely seal the edges
• Artists working mainly on canvas
• Artists looking for a heavy duty securing tape for permanent adhesion
• General DIY users

Practical tips

• For first use, test on a scrap of the same paper to remove any worry about destroying your finished work. Always apply to a clean, dry surface. Remove slowly and evenly.

FAQs

Will it tear my watercolour paper? We find this soft tape is one of the most reliable in removing without paper damage. Remove evenly and smoothly. No need to use heat to release the tape.

What paper types can I use it on? It's safe to use on 100% cotton papers, and in fact is recommended for mixed media and wood pulp papers which are more prone to tearing.

Is it prone to causing bleed? No, lines are usually crisp with no bleed. This is a common feedback from users.

Does it work with wet-on-wet techniques? Yes. Apply the tape to the surface before wetting the paper, pressing the edges down evenly. Avoid excessive polling of water near the tape border. Allow paint to dry before removing the tape.

Is it worth the price? It is a premium tape, but we think based on performance it is justified. Performance is superior to ordinary painter's tape, and adhesion superior to washi tape. Each roll contains 18 metres of tape.

Which size should I choose?

• 12mm for masking fine detail or for your travel kit
• 20mm is versatile for studio use
• 30mm for broader borders or larger masking areas

A reliable tape to bring precision to your work.