What is washi tape? A complete guide to using, choosing and storing it

Washi tape is a decorative Japanese paper tape. It tears cleanly by hand, sticks without leaving residue, repositions without damaging most surfaces, and comes in an essentially unlimited range of colours and patterns. It is used for journaling, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, planning, and decorating — sometimes all at once, sometimes just one thing very well.

If you've seen it and wondered what the fuss is about, this is the complete answer.

Where does washi tape come from?

Washi tape is Japanese in origin. The word washi (和紙) refers to traditional Japanese paper made from plant fibres — typically kozo (mulberry), gampi, or mitsumata — which produces a paper that is lightweight, strong, and slightly textured. It has been made in Japan for over a thousand years.

The tape version came later. In 2006, a group of crafters visited the Kamoi Kakoshi factory in Kurashiki — a company that had been making masking tape for industrial use since 1923 — and asked if they could make something more decorative. The result was mt, the brand that effectively invented washi tape as we know it today. Kamoi Kakoshi went from industrial tape manufacturer to one of the most recognised names in stationery culture worldwide.

mt is still the benchmark. The paper is thin enough to layer, the adhesive is low-tack enough to reposition without tearing pages, and the print quality on their pattern tapes is exceptional. Most serious washi tape collectors have a box of mt at the bottom of everything.

What is washi tape used for?

The honest answer: more things than you'd expect from a roll of tape.

Journaling and junk journaling
Washi tape is the backbone of decorative journaling. It's used to attach ephemera to pages, create borders, add colour to spreads, divide sections, and cover mistakes. In junk journaling specifically — where the aesthetic is deliberately layered and collaged — washi tape does most of the structural and decorative work simultaneously.

Bullet journals and planners
For functional use, washi tape marks sections, creates headers, and adds visual structure to weekly and monthly spreads. A strip of tape across the top of a page does more for readability than any highlighter. The fact that it's repositionable means you can adjust layouts without the whole page collapsing.

Scrapbooking
Washi tape holds photographs and paper elements in place while adding decoration. Unlike glue, it doesn't wrinkle paper or dry out.

Gift wrapping
A plain brown paper parcel with a few strips of good washi tape looks considerably better than most commercial gift wrap. This is one of those uses that sounds minor until you try it.

Wall decoration
Low-tack washi tape removes cleanly from most painted walls without damage. People use it to frame photographs, create geometric patterns, and add temporary colour to rental spaces. (Test a small patch first — some textured surfaces or older paints may react differently.)

Card making and paper crafts
Borders, backgrounds, accents. Washi tape cuts cleanly with scissors and tears to irregular edges that look deliberate rather than accidental.

 

How do you use washi tape?

The basics: unroll a length, press it down, tear or cut to size. That's genuinely it.

The slightly more useful version:

Tearing vs cutting
earing at an angle produces a softer, more natural edge. Cutting with scissors gives a clean, straight line. Both are correct — it depends on the effect you want. For planners, cut. For junk journals, tear.

Layering
Because washi tape is semi-translucent, you can layer it over photographs, text, or other tape. The translucency varies by brand and design — solid colours are more opaque, light patterns more see-through. mt's thinner tapes layer beautifully.

Writing on washi tape
Most washi tape takes ink well — ballpoint, fine liner, and felt tip all work. Fountain pen ink may feather slightly depending on the tape surface. If you're using washi tape as a label, test your pen on a small piece first.

Repositioning
Fresh washi tape lifts easily from most surfaces. Tape that's been down for a long time may adhere more firmly — particularly on porous surfaces like uncoated paper. Don't leave it on walls for months and assume it will still lift cleanly.

Storage 
Rolls store best standing upright or on a dowel rod. If you have more than a few, a dedicated washi tape holder or tin keeps them accessible without tangling. The cardboard core will eventually compress if rolls are stored stacked sideways.

Washi tape vs masking tape

They look similar. They are not the same thing.

Masking tape is designed for painting — it's meant to protect surfaces, resist paint bleed, and peel off cleanly from hard surfaces. It is not designed for paper, is not decorative, and the adhesive is often stronger than washi tape.

Washi tape is designed for paper crafts, journals, and decorative use. The adhesive is low-tack by design — strong enough to hold, gentle enough to reposition. The paper is thinner and more flexible. The patterns and colours are the point.

Can you use washi tape as masking tape for painting? Sometimes, for small areas. Can you use masking tape in a journal? Not really — the adhesive is too aggressive for repositioning, and it yellows with age.

Washi tape vs decorative tape

"Decorative tape" is the broader category. Washi tape is a specific type of decorative tape made from washi paper. There are also decorative tapes made from PET film (plastic-based, shinier, more durable) and fabric.

For paper crafts and journaling, washi is the most versatile. PET tape is better for projects that need water resistance or very clean edges. Most of what you'll see labelled "washi tape" in stationery shops is genuine washi paper tape — if it tears cleanly by hand and has a slightly textured feel, it's the real thing.

How to choose washi tape

Width
Standard washi tape is 15mm wide — the most useful size for most applications. Narrower tapes (5mm, 7mm) are good for fine borders and detail work. Wider tapes (25mm, 30mm, 50mm) work well as page headers and decorative backgrounds. Start with 15mm and branch out once you know what you're using it for.

Pattern vs solid
Solid colours are more versatile — they work with everything and are easier to layer. Patterned tapes are more fun but narrower in application. A good starting collection has more solids than patterns.

Quality
mt is the benchmark. The paper is thin, the adhesive is consistent, the colours are accurate, and the patterns are printed with enough precision that repeat seams are nearly invisible. Cheaper alternatives vary significantly — some are fine, some are thick and sticky. If you're buying washi tape for the first time, start with mt.

Finish
Most washi tape has a matte finish. Some brands produce semi-gloss or metallic tapes. Matte takes ink better; gloss looks more dramatic. Both have uses.

Where to buy washi tape in the UK

mt washi tape is available from independent stationery shops in the UK — you're unlikely to find the full range in high street chains or general craft shops. Subject to Change stocks a curated selection of mt tape, chosen for pattern quality and usefulness rather than volume.

Browse the full washi tape collection, or explore our junk journal supplies and notebooks for things to use it with.

Frequently asked questions

What is washi tape made of? 
Washi tape is made from washi paper — a traditional Japanese paper produced from plant fibres including kozo (mulberry), gampi, and mitsumata. The adhesive is low-tack and repositionable.

Can washi tape be used on walls?
Yes, on most painted walls. The low-tack adhesive removes cleanly without damaging paint in most cases. Test a small area first, particularly on textured surfaces or older painted walls, and avoid leaving it in place for extended periods.

Is washi tape the same as masking tape?
No. They look similar but are designed for different purposes. Masking tape is an industrial/painting product with a stronger adhesive. Washi tape is a craft and stationery product with a low-tack adhesive designed for repositioning on paper and delicate surfaces.

Can you write on washi tape?
Yes. Most washi tape accepts ballpoint, fineliner, and felt tip ink well. Fountain pen ink may feather on some surfaces — test before use.

How do you remove washi tape without damaging paper?
Lift one corner slowly and peel at a low angle rather than pulling straight up. Fresh tape removes most easily. If the tape has been down a while, warming it gently with a hairdryer on a low setting can soften the adhesive.

What is washi tape used for in bullet journaling?
In bullet journals and planners, washi tape is used to create section dividers, headers, borders, and decorative accents. It adds visual structure to spreads and can mark important dates or sections. Its repositionability means mistakes are easily corrected.

What is the best washi tape brand?
mt (made by Kamoi Kakoshi in Japan) is the original and still the benchmark. The paper quality, adhesive consistency, and print precision are unmatched at their price point. Most serious washi tape collectors build around mt as their foundation.

How do you store washi tape?
Upright in a container, on a dowel rod, or in a dedicated washi tape holder. Avoid stacking rolls sideways for extended periods — the cardboard core compresses and the roll loses its shape. Keep away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours over time.