Discover The Different Types of Washi Tapes – Part 1


How many different types of washi tapes are there? Before we move on, let’s see first…

Discover the different types of washi tapes part 1 | decorative masking tape | deco tape | cute tape | Japanese washi tape | Washimagic.com

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What are the different types of washi tapes?

“Washi tape” is a commonly used term.  The full name for mt, the leading brand in the industry, is actually derived from masking tape.  If you have a roll of mt tape, you’ll find Kamoi Paper “washi” adhesive tape on the front label, as seen below.  The packaging for mt can be different, though.

Discover different types of washi tapes part 1 | Washi tape articles series | mt slim washi tape | Washimagic.com


Thus, there can be several ways to call, and the main characteristic is that it is made of washi paper.  For instance:

  • Washi tape
  • Decorative masking tape
  • Decorative adhesive tape
  • Washi adhesive tape
  • Washi masking tape
  • Japanese paper tape

 

However, you can also find other names like…

  • Decorative tape
  • Deco tape
  • Craft tape
  • Sticky tape
  • Paper tape


They can be similar due to the designs on the tapes.  They can also be different in terms of the  materials because they might not use washi paper.

Apart from this, you can also find something like fabric tape. The materials are, of course, dissimilar, but they all have an adhesive backing.  I haven’t tried any of these tapes except silk tape.

  • Fabric tape
  • Silk tape
  • Tissue tape
  • Duct tape
  • Scotch tape


In order not to confuse you including me, as I mentioned in this article, if you see the adhesive tape or deco tape in this blog, they all mean the same thing here ~ washi tape.  If it’s totally different like fabric tape, it will be mentioned clearly.

From time to time, I will mention “mt” (famous washi tape brand) to show the difference when illustrating other different tapes.

Please understand that I don’t mean to compare or just favor one brand.  This is because it’s the most original.  Moreover, there are many brands out there I really adore.  Hope this helps.

Now, let’s move on to…

 

How many different types of washi tapes?

It might be tough to count each type.  Let me put it this way…

You can find masking tape in general by (in no particular order) –

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Theme

Such as travel, floral, food, animal, Christmas, music, encyclopedia, stationery, scenery, illustration, vintage, cartoon

Color

Such as basic or solid, single color or different color combinations, bright colors and/or cool (dark) colors, neon, soft/pastel color

Pattern

Such as stripes, lines, dots, chevron, borders, tartan-check, stars, hearts, abstract, mosaic, collage, flowers, flags

Design

Such as bold, light, sweet, abstract, vivid, whimsical, funny, romantic, simple, complicated, gold foil

Cultural

Such as Japanese style design, Chinese style design, Nordic style, French style, English style, Morocco style

Texture

Such as glitter, wax feel (usually smooth surface)

Material

Update: As mentioned here, we recently got new stuff called PET tape.  It’s like washi tape material but it has an adhesive backing at the back.  The adhesive backing is something like those you see on a sticker sheet.

It might not look much here in terms of the types of washi tapes, but what about having dots as an example?  The mt autumn & winter 2014 collection is a good example.  Same designs but different color combinations…

Blue dots on pink washi tape | mt deco dot spring masking tape | Japanese washi tape | Washimagic.com
Blue dots on pink background
mt washi tape dot kiwi | Green washi tape | mt deco dot kiwi green masking tape | Japanese washi tape | Washimagic.com
Green dots on brown background

Therefore, there are many more designs that I may not be able to cover all.  The new designs and patterns just keep emerging, not to mention the limited editions.

All in all, it’s easy to find LOTS that you love.

Don’t you think it’s hard to choose the designs you don’t like because it’d be better to have them all?  Perhaps the little rose washi tape can match your pink-themed wedding, or the bunting masking tape can match your birthday party theme.

Continue to…

Part 2: More Details About The Various Types of Washi Tapes

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