TESA 4174 150°C Heat Resistance, No Residue, 200% Elongation
In automotive exterior manufacturing, “line aesthetics” are a crucial element in determining design appeal. Whether it’s color separation for two-tone body painting or partial masking of plastic components like bumpers, trim, and wheel arches, the precision of tape application, edge clarity, and subsequent removal directly impact coating quality.
TESA 4174 is a high-performance Fineline masking tape specifically designed for the automotive painting industry. It adapts to complex curves, delivers sharp and clean paint edges, and excels in high-temperature resistance with no residue or edge lifting. This makes it an indispensable “invisible assistant” for both vehicle manufacturing and custom painting scenarios.
1. Core Product Positioning
TESA 4174 is a flexible masking tape based on PVC backing and a natural rubber adhesive system, designed for:
✔ Multi-color zone masking during automotive painting (e.g., two-tone bodies)
✔ Protection of non-paint areas such as plastic parts, window frames, and decorative trim
✔ Precision masking on curved parts like bumpers and wheel arches
✔ Paint processes requiring residue-free removal, no ghosting, and clean edge lines
2. Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Parameter Category | Technical Specifications | Industry Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Backing Material | PVC Film | High flexibility, conforms to complex curves without lifting |
| Adhesive Type | Natural Rubber | Strong initial tack, residue-free removal |
| Total Thickness | 110 µm | Easy application, tear-resistant, and paint-blocking |
| Elongation at Break | 200% | Effortless masking on 3D curves and uneven structures |
| Tensile Strength | 25 N/cm | Hand-tearable, ensuring stable application |
| Hand-Tearability | Excellent | No tools needed, improving efficiency |
| Temperature Resistance | 150°C (1 hour) | No edge lifting or residue during paint baking |
| Die-Cut Compatibility | Yes | Custom shapes for automated or batch masking |
| Adhesion (to Steel) | 3.7 N/cm | Secure adhesion, preventing slippage for sharp paint lines |
3. Four Key Advantages
1. Precision Masking with Sharp, Clean Edges
TESA 4174 delivers superior edge control, ensuring straight and crisp paint separation lines—ideal for two-tone bodies and decorative paint boundaries.
2. No Edge Lifting or Residue, Compatible with Baking Processes
The tape maintains strong adhesion at 150°C for 1 hour without lifting, adhesive oozing, or leaving residue, making it perfect for paint drying cycles.
3. Exceptional Flexibility for Complex Surfaces
With 200% elongation, it conforms seamlessly to curves, protrusions, and edges (e.g., bumper contours, headlight borders, door handles), ensuring full coverage and no paint bleed.
4. Die-Cut Ready for Batch Processing
Supports precision die-cutting and automated application, enabling custom shapes (e.g., curved strips, irregular patches) for standardized masking, improving efficiency and consistency.
4. Typical Applications
✅ Two-tone vehicle painting (e.g., roof/body separation, A-pillar masking)
✅ Bumper/wheel arch/plastic trim masking (precision protection for non-paint areas)
✅ Pre-masking for car wrap applications (zonal protection before repainting)
✅ B-pillar/window trim masking (protecting non-painted exterior parts from overspray)
✅ Custom-shaped masking patches (enhancing painting consistency and efficiency)
5. Technical Q&A
❓ Q: Does TESA 4174 leave adhesive marks or “ghosting” after high-temperature baking?
→ No. It withstands 150°C for 1 hour without residue, discoloration, or transfer, ensuring clean surfaces and sharp edges.
❓ Q: Can it adhere to unpainted or plastic surfaces without lifting?
→ Yes. Whether on metal or plastics (ABS, PP), TESA 4174 bonds securely without edge lifting or migration.
❓ Q: Is it suitable for custom die-cut shapes?
→ Absolutely. The tape can be die-cut into various forms for automated masking in OEM painting or manual applications in custom shops.