What Is Washi Tape: Functional And Decorative Uses Of Washi Tape

So what is washi tape? Many people have heard the term, but are unsure of the many potential uses for decorative washi tape and how best to use it once purchased. In fact, it has dozens of uses, and many use it as gift wrap or as an everyday item in their home. We will explain here what this type of craft tape can be used for, including its sealing tape and decorative properties. Basically, it is a type of Japanese paper. In fact, the name itself indicates that: Wa + shi = Japanese + paper.

How is WASHI tape made?

Washi tape is produced from the shredded fibers of various plant species. Among these are fibers from the rice plant, hemp, bamboo, the mitsamuta shrub, and gampi bark. The source is largely irrelevant to its main properties, which are essentially those of a normal paper adhesive tape. It tears easily, is printable, and has adhesive properties that are light enough to peel from the substrate, but strong enough to be used as packaging.

Unlike regular paper made from wood pulp, washi tape has a semi-translucent quality, so you can see light shining through it. Two of the main reasons it’s so special is that it can be printed in an unlimited range of colors and patterns, and offers a beautiful option for those looking for a strong craft tape that can also be used for packaging. The tape can even come off the tissue paper if done carefully.

washi tape uses

There are many uses for washi tape. It can be printed with individual solid colors or any beautiful design to use as decorative tape for craft or functional applications. Due to its unusual strength for a paper form, this unique tape is used to decorate and secure a number of household items where a strong bond is not essential.

Some use it to pin notes on the freezer or walls, and it’s also useful for sealing small gifts. However, because washi tape can be peeled off, there is a trade off between its sealing power and its removal ability. It’s not recommended for sealing bulky or heavy packages, but it’s a lovely way to seal lightweight packages meant for special people.

When using it to seal light containers, always make sure the substrate is dry and not greasy, and that your hands are clean when applying it. Not a good security tape, but its decorative properties are excellent!

Washi tape is a popular decorating medium for items like flower pots, vases, lampshades, and tablet and laptop sleeves. It is also useful for decorating cups, saucers, glasses, glasses, and other forms of tableware because it offers some degree of water resistance. However, there are many different types of this tape, and not all of them will hold up to being washed off with water unless done very delicately.

Many Japanese use washi tape to decorate their chopsticks. You can use the tape to identify your own cutlery and crockery in a student flat, or to turn an ordinary table or desk into a beautiful work of art. The uses that can be put to this decorative and craft masking tape are limited only by your imagination.

Craft tape or cosmetic tape?

Washi tape has various cosmetic uses. You can brighten up your personal appearance by using washi tape on your toenails and fingernails. Brighten up your bike frame and decorate your car or van with this extremely versatile tape. You can use it on any smooth surface, even glass. If used on your windows, its semi-translucent properties will literally make the design shine.

Because it is available in a wide variety of beautiful designs and vibrant colors, it has become so popular all over the world. Yes, it can be used as packing tape for small packages (although check its strength on these first), and it has several more functional uses that you probably can think of, but it’s for its beauty that such tapes are popular.

You can’t go wrong using washi tape for any decorative or craft purpose. It has not been so popular all over the world for no reason – washi tape speaks for itself and you will be amazed by its beauty when you use it for the first time.

abstract washi tape

So what is washi tape? It is a Japanese craft tape that can be used as a sealing tape or for decorative purposes. It can be easily removed and reused for another purpose. It can be cleaned with a damp cloth, but only if you treat it gently and do not rub it hard. Its translucent properties offer a number of opportunities for its use to decorate lampshades and even fluorescent light tubes. Quite frankly, the potential uses for this beautiful tape are limited only by your imagination…and it seals packages!