I keep the blue painter's tape in my sewing room and use it as others have said. I wouldn't be without it. It was left on one of my quilt projects for several months....I had no problems removing it and there was no residue. The cheaper masking tapes aren't as sticky but I wouldn't use them unless it was just for a short time. My husband has what I think is called drafter's masking tape that I've used that in a pinch...not sticky at all...probably expensive.