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Glite Dictionary
masking paper

masking paper

3.7
A paper with a sticky edge that you put on parts of a surface to protect them from paint
  • noun
  • /ˈmæskɪŋ ˈpeɪpər/
translation icon : papel de enmascarar
  • Before spraying the walls, she carefully put masking paper on the skirting boards.

Examples

  • Always remove the masking paper slowly to avoid peeling off fresh paint.

  • The painter applied masking paper along the window edges to keep them clean.

  • I need some masking paper for my painting project.

  • The artist uses masking paper to create sharp lines.

  • The painter used masking paper to protect the trim while applying a fresh coat of paint on the walls.

  • Before starting the project, she carefully placed masking paper around the edges to prevent splatters.

  • To achieve clean lines, it's essential to apply masking paper along the areas you don't want to paint.

Synonyms

masking tape
vsmasking paper
5 2.8

A thin sticky tape for covering parts before painting or holding things temporarily

covers large surface areas with a sheet often having an adhesive edge

How Protective

tarpaulin
4 5.4
drop cloth
  • US
2 3.0
masking paper
3.7
newspaper
  • Archaic
207 1.0

Surface Forms

masking paper singular
masking papers plural

Morphology

masking + paper

The meaning 'a paper used to cover parts to protect them from paint' is directly derivable from combining 'masking' (covering/blocking) with 'paper' (sheet material). This simple noun-compound describes the item's function in a literal, compositional way that a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer.

Etymology

Masking paper gets its name from the words masking (to cover like a face mask) and paper (a thin sheet). Painters put this paper over parts of a wall or window to keep paint off them, so the name shows it 'masks' or 'protects' those areas.