What Is Washi Tape: Functional and Decorative Washi Tape Uses

So what is washi tape? Many people have heard the term but are unsure of the many potential decorative washi tape uses, and how it can best be employed once it has been purchased. In fact it has dozens of uses, and many use it as gift wrap or as an everyday item in their home. We shall explain here what this type of craft tape can be used for, including its sealing tape and decorative properties. Fundamentally, 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 pulped fibers of a number of 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 fundamentally those of a regular paper masking tape. It is easily torn, can printed and possesses adhesive properties light enough to be peeled off the substrate but strong enough to be of use for packaging.

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

Washi Tape Uses

There are many washi tape uses. It can be printed with single solid colors, or with any beautiful design for use as a decorative tape for craft or functional applications. Because of its unusual strength for a form of paper, 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 fix notes to their freezer or wallboards, and it is also useful for sealing small gifts. However, because washi tape can be peeled off, there is a compromise between its sealing power and removability. It is not recommended for sealing bulky or heavy packages, but is a lovely way to seal light packets intended for special people.

When using it to seal light packaging always make sure the substrate is dry and non-greasy, and that your hands are clean when you apply it. It is not a good security tape, but its decorative properties are excellent!

Washi tape is a popular decorating medium for items such as flower pots, vases, lampshades and tablet and laptop covers. It is also useful for decorating cups, saucers, tumblers, glasses and other forms of tableware because it offers a degree of water resistance. However, there are many different types of this tape, and not all will resist being washed with water unless done very gently.

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 to which this decorative sealing and craft tape can be put are limited only by your imagination.

Craft Tape or Cosmetic Tape?

Washi tape has a number of cosmetic uses. You can brighten up your personal appearance by using adhesive washi tape on your toenails and fingernails. Brighten up your bicycle 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 glow.

It is because it is available in a wide variety of beautiful designs and vibrant colors that it has become so popular worldwide. Yes, it can be used a packaging tape for small parcels (though check its strength on these first), and it has several more functional uses that you can likely think of, but it is for their beauty that such tapes are popular.

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

Washi Tape Summary

So, what is washi tape? It is a Japanese craft tape that can be used a sealing tape or for decorative purposes. It can easily be 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 of this beautiful tape are limited only by your imagination… and it seals packages!