Colored Masking Tape: A Guide to Color Coding, Widths and Bulk Packs

Colored masking tape can make parts, bundles and work-in-progress easier to identify. The key is to choose a tape that suits the surface, then use a consistent color system your team understands. This guide explains how to choose widths and bulk quantities for everyday identification work, using CPM-60 colored masking tape as a practical example.

Start with the job, not just the color

For part identification, inventory organization and temporary defect marking, colored paper tape provides a visible marker without requiring a separate printed label for every task. Before ordering, write down the surface, the length of time the tape will remain in place, the working temperature and how it will be removed.

CPM-60 uses a flexible crepe paper backing and rubber-based adhesive. Its listed applications include color coding, part identification, defect marking, bundling and polybag sealing. It is 5.4 mil thick, with 60 yards (180 feet) on each roll and a listed recommended temperature range of 50°F to 90°F. Test adhesion and removal on the actual surface before a larger rollout, especially on delicate finishes.

Create a simple color-coding system

CPM-60 is available in black, white, red, dark blue, dark green and yellow. Assign colors to an internal process, customer, batch or department, then display a short legend where the tape is used. Combine the color with a readable identifier so staff do not have to rely on color alone.

For example, a packing team could assign dark blue to customer A and dark green to customer B, while using white for the job number. This is an example of an internal organization system, not a standardized safety color scheme. Keep it separate from required hazard labels and established facility markings.

• Production: distinguish job batches or identify parts awaiting inspection.
• Packing: identify bundles associated with a particular order.
• Inventory: separate material groups using a documented color key.
• Quality checks: flag a location for follow-up without covering the area that needs inspection.

Choose a width that fits the information

Narrow tape can suit small identification marks; wider tape leaves more room for a label or makes a bundle easier to spot. Check that the width fits the part without covering openings, instructions or other important markings. For CPM-60, the number of rolls per pack changes with width:

These are selected examples, not the full size range. Check the CPM-60 size and color selectors for the exact combination and current pack price. Compare equal widths and roll lengths when comparing suppliers; a lower case price does not necessarily mean a lower cost per roll.

Estimate how much tape you need

Use this calculation for each color separately: number of pieces × length per piece ÷ length per roll. Keep all lengths in the same units and round up, then allow for your own cutting waste and rework.

For example, 1,000 identification strips at 12 inches each require 1,000 feet of tape. At 180 feet per roll, that is 5.56 rolls, or at least six rolls before waste. This is a usage estimate, not an available six-roll pack. Match the result to the actual pack quantities and your expected replenishment schedule.

When should you choose a different tape?

Color alone does not make a tape suitable for painting, long-term outdoor exposure or floor traffic. If clean paint lines or removal from a painted surface are the main requirement, compare the intended surfaces and removal guidance of the painter’s and masking tapes in our collection. For vinyl striping or facility marking, compare pinstriping and vinyl marking tapes. Do not assume colored paper tape can replace a tape specified for a specialized process.

Before placing a bulk order

• Confirm the surface and test application and removal.
• Choose a color key that does not conflict with existing workplace markings.
• Confirm the width, roll length and rolls per pack.
• Estimate consumption separately for each color.
• Check current pricing and the exact available combination before checkout.

GGR Supplies is a tape distributor based in Doral, Florida, shipping throughout the United States. Shop CPM-60 colored masking tape, browse our masking tape collection, or contact us about a bulk order with your required widths, colors and quantities.