Masking tape is made of a thin, medium crepe and easy-to-tear paper and easily released adhesive.

It is stuck around the edges of a surface being painted to keep the paint off the surface next to it. 

Besides masking, it can be used to seal packages, to label materials, to adhere posters to walls.

The adhesive is the key element to masking tape's usefulness, as it allows the tape to be easily removed without leaving residue or damaging the surface to which it is applied. 

The tape should be removed emmediately after painting, during 24 hours after sticking down.