Looking for an easy and inexpensive way to liven up your home or office space? Try washi tape!
If you’re a crafter, you might have heard of washi tape, or seen a few of the thousands of washi tape projects on Pinterest. But those who are less familiar might be wondering what all the hype is about — and how they can incorporate washi tape into simple crafts to beautify their living spaces. Luckily, we’re here to answer your questions!
Washi tape is a pretty, decorative paper masking tape. It’s thin, durable, made of natural fibers like hemp and bamboo, inexpensive, and comes in hundreds of colors and patterns. The tape is easy to stick on many surfaces — including wood, plastic, and metal — and is easy to remove without causing damage.
Here are a few washi tape craft ideas to get your creativity flowing:
Wall Art
Create unique wall art using washi tape! This is a great project if you live in a rented apartment and can’t paint or drill holes in the wall to hang art. Create minimalistic geometric designs with washi tape in solid colors, or try different patterns to create a mural theme. Since washi tape isn’t permanent, you can try out several designs at a time, or change them out as your style changes.
Instant Poster Frames
Hanging posters just got a lot easier with washi tape. No need for actual frames — simply tape a picture or a poster to your wall, then use washi tape to create a visually appealing border around the picture. Cut solid color washi tape into fun shapes and patterns, or choose washi tape with eye-catching patterns like stripes and polka dots. Washi tape frames are easy to put up, and won’t leave marks on your walls when you take them down.
Picture Frames
If you own cheap picture frames, washi tape is a great way to personalize them. Use colorful washi tape to match your home or office furniture decor. You can even make fun, patterned frames to give as gifts!
Laptops & Notebooks
Personalize your laptop and notebooks with washi tape designs. For a color-coordinated look, decorate your keyboard or the pages of your notebooks with washi tape patterns.
Custom Patterned Bookmarks
Bookmarks embellished with washi tape are perfect for gift giving, school time, or even adding flair to your own personal library. All you have to do is choose your favorite washi tape colors and patterns and apply them to the surface of these large tags. For colors and patterns that perfectly coordinate, check out our Patterned Washi Tape Sets.
Nail Art
Use washi tape to give yourself a quick, easy, and striking manicure! Simply trace the shape of your nail onto a washi tape pattern, cut the shape out with scissors, and apply in place of liquid nail polish. Use the tape alone as a play manicure for children or, if you want more staying power on your own nails, apply a base coat and top coat to accompany the tape. Get creative with the pattern you select — for special occasions, we suggest using glittery tape.
Colorful Washi Tape Pencils
Washi tape can even be used to transform ordinary office supplies into items of inspiration! Simply choose your favorite patterned washi tape (We love chevron!) and apply it to your pencil. To truly customize your pencil, finish with colorful feathers!
Envelopes
Nothing’s nicer than receiving a handwritten note in the mail — and you’ll get bonus points for presentation from your loved ones with these immaculately decorated envelopes! Create a washi tape border — you can use a heart pattern for Valentine’s Day or make wedding invitation envelopes more elegant with colorful lace ribbon tape. Feel free to decorate your cards and letters with tape as well!
Bunting
DIY bunting adds an instant splash of festivity to any party decor or gift. Simply choose a color palette or pattern for your banner, and adhere the washi tape to colorful twine. For themed or festive bunting, consider Christmas-themed washi tape (perfect for a office holiday party. ) For baby showers, birthdays, or springtime accents, try a beautiful floral pattern tape.
Stickers
Finally, think outside the box and cut out different washi shapes to make your own stickers! Stick them on anything, from paper stationery to kitchen mugs.
We carry a wide selection of washi tape for any craft project you can dream up. Get started today!
Can this tape be used for furniture, like for instance to cover up the top of a dresser?
Hi Latoya,
Thank you for your comment! Yes, washi tape can be a creative and versatile option for adding decorative elements to furniture like a dresser. It’s a fantastic way to customize and update the look of a piece without the need for extensive or permanent changes.
When using washi tape on furniture, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Surface Preparation: Ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free from dust or debris. This will help the tape adhere better.
Smooth Application: Apply the tape with even pressure to prevent bubbles or wrinkles. Start at one end and slowly smooth it out along the surface.
Design and Patterns: Washi tape comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, allowing for endless creative possibilities. You can choose a design that complements the existing décor or creates a bold statement piece.
Durability: Keep in mind that while washi tape is versatile and easy to apply, it may not be as durable as other forms of covering. It’s best suited for decorative purposes rather than high-wear areas.
Removability: One of the benefits of using washi tape is that it’s usually removable without leaving residue or damaging the surface. However, it’s recommended to do a small test in an inconspicuous area first.
Remember to have fun and let your creativity flow. Washi tape offers an accessible and reversible way to transform furniture to suit your style.
Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions!
What an awesome venue for my artwork. Lightweight and versatile. Can hardly wait to get to the store and let my imagination run off the chart.
Can I use the tape around flower vase?
Hi Hilda! Yes, you can use washi tape on a flower vase. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
-Surface Cleanliness: Make sure the surface of the vase is clean and free from dust or moisture before applying the tape. This will ensure better adhesion.
-Avoid Water Contact: While washi tape is generally not as waterproof or resistant as other types of tape, it should be able to withstand minor water splashes. However, prolonged exposure to water or moisture might cause the tape to come loose or lose its adhesive properties.
-Removal: One of the advantages of washi tape is its easy removal without leaving a sticky residue. When you want to remove the tape, gently peel it off to avoid any damage to the vase’s surface.
-Design and Aesthetics: Washi tape comes in various colors, patterns, and widths. Choose a design that complements the overall aesthetics of the vase and the room where it will be placed.
-Heat Sensitivity: Some washi tapes may be more heat-sensitive than others, so be cautious if you plan to place the vase in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
Hope this helped! Feel free to reach out if you have further questions.
i need to do that to my grandmas walker
I’m looking for a new way to decorate my walker. Could I use washi tape. I’ve used duct tape in the past but hate the hassle when I want to change the design.
Hi Mileena! We love that idea! Washi tape comes in all sorts of patterns and colors that you could mix and match to personalize your walker to you! When using, remember that the tape will adhere best to a clean, dry surface (like paper, plastic, wood, or metal).
I’d assume so! Saying that you can use it on walls, pencils, etc. you could probably put some on your walker!
I also want to decorate my walker. I have some stickers and glittery wash tape
Try using acrylic paint I dec’d out my cane all blk with pink potatoes dots you can do blk base and gold wasi tape blk and gold is classic and striking cut tear drop shapes of the gold tape put it on in Rendon place all over it will look really nice!! Good luck
That sounds amazing! Great suggestion Sheila!
Could I use 3mm washi tape as a decorative trim on Barbie clothes instead of sewing something on. It’s hard to find trim that narrow in a fabric store. Will it adhere properly. Thanks.
Hi Lynne! We love the idea of using washi tape as decorative trim for craft projects. We’ve found that washi tape adheres best to surfaces like paper, plastic, wood, or metal.
Can you paint on it and varnish?
Hi Betty! Great question! Washi tape is thin yet durable. You can definitely paint on it for decorative purposes, but for anything heavy duty, we recommend a stronger, industrial tape.
Hi there, I’d really appreciate your advice on on whether I could use washi tape to creat a ‘frame’ around the edge of the bathroom mirror to cover where the mirror is deteriorating.
Hi Leigh! What an awesome DIY idea. Washi tape can easily stick on many surfaces like wood, plastic, and metal and can be easily removed without causing damage. Before applying, we recommend cleaning and drying the surface fully.
I work in a hospital and need something that I can place around wires to mark where they go. I also need something that can withstand being wiped down frequently with hospital grade wipes. Will this work?
Hi Cody! While washi tape can stick to many surfaces, it does have a thin body that is best suited for crafts or decorative purposes. For your applications, you may want to try a tape that is a little more durable and designed more for warning or boundary applications like Floor Marking Tape. I hope this helps out! For more personalized help, please feel free to give us a call at 800.745.8800, ext. 2.
Electrical tape would work well for this purpose and comes in many widths and colors. In culinary school we each chose our colors/patterns to mark the handles of our identical school-issued tools and they definitely withstand many years of repeated washing and sanitizing as I graduated in 2006 and many of my items still have their original taping in place.
Hi would washi tape be able to hold up fabric against a wall and would it damage pictures or wall if removed?
Hi Orla! Great questions! Washi tape can be used for all sorts of surfaces. Regarding using washi tape to hold heavier items like fabric or photos up against a wall, it’s overall performance may depend on the weight and finish of your items. For personalized help, feel free to give us a call at 800.745.8800, ext. 2.
Can washi tape be used on linoleum flooring and would it be removeable?
Thank you
Hi Barb! Thanks for asking! Washi tape can be used on clean, flat surfaces and should be easily removed without causing damage or residue.
Can I use Washi tape in place of insulation tape when my iPhone cable is starting to show copper?
Hi Iaian! Great question! The paper qualities of washi tape might not be the best in place of insulation or electric tape. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach us directly at (800) 745-8800.
I love Washi tape. It’s amazing. I think I’ve found my new obsession!!
Daughter got indoor string lights and wants to put them around the headboard on her bed. Will this Washi tape work with messing up the paint on the furniture?
Hi Rosie! Great question. Washi tape shouldn’t leave marks on the furniture when you take it down. Hope this helps! If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach us directly at (800)745-8800.
I made my toddlers ninja swords from craft foam. Will washi tape stick to it? I would like to let them do their own decoration on the swords
Hi Joyce! Great idea! While washi tape can stick to many surfaces, there are some foam types that have a tendency to be a little porous so the adhesive may have some trouble sticking to the surface. Hope this helps! If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach us directly at (800)745-8800.
Hi,
Thanks for sharing your ideas over her. I loved it. These DIYs are a great way to make your home beautiful and creative.
How durable is it, on plastic and aluminum in freezing temps?
Hi Dave, excellent question! Washi tape is great on all sorts of surfaces. Regarding extreme temperatures like heat or freezing, it may depend on the circumstance and material. For personalized help, feel free to give us a call at 800.745.8800, ext. 2.
This is great! I will definately try to do this someday. It would be great for my quick christmas decor I need!