This is a rather lengthy article all about mt washi adhesive tape. It can be overwhelming when you first step into the mt world. There are just so many in the market, and sometimes not sure where to start, or which one to get. So this is written for you in the hope that you know more and make your buying decision and design choice easier.
The article is divided into three parts for easy reading.
Part one is about what mt tape is, how I came to know it, is it that good, and why it is widespread (you are here).
Part three is the focal point. Find more details about different product categories. There are links back to our store or other affiliate sites should you want to see more images and purchase.
Here is mt tape series Part 1…
From Normal To Branded Washi Tape
As you may have already read, the first few washi tapes I bought were not “branded”. At least I don’t see any brands printed on the packaging. Some of them are not exactly made of washi paper, just normal paper tape.
Shortly after, my cousin told me she’d already ordered many masking tapes (mostly mt and some Mark’s). I was kind of shocked because I didn’t expect her to buy any. Imagine I only used a tiny box to store before this, and suddenly a huge storage box is required.
The craziest part would be she flew to Hong Kong to attend the mt expo. There are, of course, more rolls of washi tapes in the boxes.
Hence, this is the beginning of our journey from normal to “branded” masking tape – mt.
So, what is mt exactly?
mt means masking tape.
The company behind this brand is Kamoi Kakoshi in Japan. You can see this on the packaging – Kamoi Paper “Washi” Adhesive Tape.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure.
They are specialists in Japanese Washi paper tape with over 90 years in history. Their expertise is in industrial masking tapes are for painting buildings, cars, and furniture.
Their specialty is the uniqueness of Japanese washi paper – strong yet thin. The adhesive is not only fantastic; you can also remove the tape easily without leaving residue.
Things began to change when three women in Tokyo asked Kamoi to make something new and different colors for masking tapes. They showed the company a mini-book that contained beautifully designed masking tapes. And such a request changed how the company perceived that the tape was only for industrial use.
Therefore, mt was coined to meet its customers’ requests.
Note: If you believe you have something great and unique to offer, perhaps you can use a similar approach to make your idea/prototype into a tangible product and sell it.
Have you ever thought of designing or upgrading the look for normal masking tape? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Who knows such a simple idea can lead to worldwide popularity? This is because someone took action and gave it a try. Thus, if you give excuses for not starting the projects, just do it anyway.
Why use mt masking tape? Is it that good?
The mt tape started with twenty different basic colors, just like a set of colored pencils. But now, the company has already expanded its product range to many different colors, sizes, patterns, designs, styles, and limited editions.
The attractive colors and designs of mt washi tape are the main factors I’m crazy about. Two more plus points are the adhesive and easy to cut (you know, no glue and scissors, please :).
I don’t like to use those normal masking tapes (not even glue). Just don’t like the stickiness. I think I’ve repeated this too often in other articles, right? However, mt masking tape is a different experience.
Firstly, it’s the picture/design.
Even though I’m not an art student, I do appreciate great design and people who can draw and illustrate. I always wish I had their creative talents.
Secondly, it’s quality.
When it comes to mass production, quality control should be the utmost important criterion. It’s vital to have a certain control or have some sort of system to check the quality of each product. It doesn’t matter if it is about food or not. And this leads to…
Thirdly, superb quality is not enough.
It should be consistent as well. Have you encountered things that seemed excellent at first but then not-so-good later?
As far as I know, I’m happy with mt masking tapes right from the packaging (meaning easy to open unlike some other brands), to printing quality, to the touch and feel of the washi tape, to the evenness of the adhesive. The sizes of the tape don’t matter because the consistency of quality is there!
Below is a list of 16 reasons why you should give it a try:
- Acid-free – great for keeping scrapbook pages and photographs
- Semi-transparent – layer different washi tapes to create new looks
- Easy to tear by hand
- Stick on most surfaces
- Repositionable and removable – easy to position and remove
- Strong glue but not sticky nor messy
- Write on the mt tape
- Odorless
- Use for home décor, office, party decorations, wedding decorations
- Heat resistant – some use it to dress up the switches, laptops, keyboard (it’s better to stick somewhere else like books, papers, desks etc)
- Basic waterproof function
- Produced at an ISO14001-certified plant
- Meet the requirements of the Food Sanitation Law of Japan
- Effortless to use for beginner crafters
- Easy to open the packaging
- Last but not least, mt has also received numerous awards in different countries.
Why is mt everywhere? Why is it popular?
Do you notice if you Google “washi tape”, be it text or images, you must have come across mt masking tape?
It looks like most people are talking about their adhesive tapes.
Other than the company’s own marketing efforts, such as having exhibitions in different places, the internet plays a huge role in my opinion. Nowadays, if you want to look for something, you just search online, and all the information will be there for you to compare, check prices, and see how it works until information overload.
And thanks to the internet, crafters, bloggers, stationery enthusiasts, and many others generously share their eye-catching washi tape projects such as this on Pinterest. You will figure out why it is popular!
It’s easy to use even if you are not into drawing or don’t know how to draw. You can use mt masking tape to jazz up anything, not just paper. What about the desk edge?
The other reason is that the designs are colorful, attractive, cute, and simply beautiful. For those who are always looking for pretty stuff, it’s hard not to look at these little gorgeous tapes!
Nevertheless, even though many people like this little craft item, it’s still less popular in some places. However, this should be another new article by itself.
Please proceed to read Part 2: What Type of mt Masking Tapes Can You Find?
NOTE: This article is written by me, solely based on my experience. The view on this site has nothing to do with the company. There’s no compensation for this brand review, but I researched their brand story and info from various sources. I am fond of mt tape and would like to share with you my thoughts.
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