Millions of Consumable Products for the Aerospace Industry

What Makes Aircraft Masking Paper Different

Aircraft masking paper is designed specifically for the harsh environment of an aerospace paint shop. It resists the strong solvents in both aerospace primers and topcoats. When you apply your paint, it remains on the paper rather than soaking through to the underlying component. This masking paper is designed to hold up well over long application distances (such as across the entire length of a fuselage or wing) without ripping. Because it produces very little lint during use, no loose fibers will fall into newly applied paint and negatively affect the final appearance of your painted surface.

How Masking Paper Is Used Through the Paint Process

Masking paper is utilized throughout each phase of an aircraft's paint process, including:

Selecting the Proper Masking Paper

Masking papers come in a variety of weights and coatings.

Most paint shops stock a variety of these papers so they can apply the correct paper for every area of a project.

Masking Tape and Paper Working Together

The effectiveness of your masking paper depends on how well your tape seals it. The masking tape needs to be strong enough to stop paint from getting under the edge of the masking paper. When you remove the masking tape, it shouldn't leave any residue on the surface, and it shouldn't lift new paint. Painters use fine-line tape to create sharp lines for liveries and trim lines. Large, wide tapes can cover large areas with paper. To get a straight line when you remove the tape, wait until the coating has cured enough. Review your coating manufacturer's recommendations for leaving masking on between coats.

Masking for Heat and Force Curing

Most paint shops use either heated booths or force-cure systems to speed up drying. With either system, make sure your masking materials can handle high temperatures without the paper curling or the tape's adhesive melting and transferring onto the painted surface. Using papers that stay flat and tapes that release easily after heating can greatly reduce cleanup and touch-up time.

Protecting Interiors and Components During Painting

Exterior painting can also affect the inside of an airplane: overspray and solvents from the painting process can enter the cabin, cockpit, and equipment bays through door seals and vent openings. To prevent this, painters will use masking paper and tape to close off all possible entry points into the cabin area. They will also apply protective coverings to any internal surfaces that may be exposed during the painting operation.

Components (fairings, panels, small parts) removed before painting are typically protected by wrapping them in paper or another barrier material so they remain free of contamination until reinstalled.

Masking Paper and Film Available in a Variety of Sizes

We offer masking paper in multiple roll sizes so painters can cover large areas quickly and switch to smaller rolls for more precise work. Our masking paper works well with our masking tape and transparent masking film, letting painters see the lines below as they work.

Order Aircraft Masking Paper from Jaco Aerospace

Jaco Aerospace supplies aircraft masking paper, masking film, and paint shop materials to MROs, airlines, government agencies, and private aircraft owners. Browse our paper inventory below or request a quote, and most orders ship the same day.

Packaging Method

Transparent Film

Roll Material

Typically Stocked Mil-Spec Material

Other Mil-Spec Papers Offered

The above is also available in sheets and slit rolls — available immediately from stock.