Washi Tape

Washi tape is a great eco-conscious alternative for micropore tape and grip tape used during tattooing. 

What exactly is washi?

Washi (wa meaning ‘Japanese’ and shi meaning ‘paper’) is a traditional Japanese adhesive paper tape that is compostable, sustainable and recyclable.

Where does washi come from?

Although washi paper has been used in Japan for over 1,000 years, washi tape has only been around since about 2006.

Paper itself was invented in China in the first century and was introduced to Japan 600 years later, where it was used by Buddhist monks to write religious scripts. Japan then proceeded to perfect the paper-making art- centuries before the west even had paper. (They had parchment, or stretched out sheep skin). 

What is washi made from?

Unlike western paper which is made from tree pulp, washi comes from highly renewable Japanese shrub resources such as ganpi, kozo, mistumata or sometimes hemp, but it can be fashioned from almost any plant. 

What is washi like to use?

Washi tape is not to be confused with traditional masking tape, it is far superior and very different in terms of material, stickiness and functionality.

Washi tape is durable, flexible and strong. It will stick on almost all surfaces and can easily be peeled off without damage to be repositioned or used again. As such, washi is often used in crafting and scrapbooking.

Washi is also super versatile and easy to tear by hand without the use of scissors, and because of the way the plant pieces separate randomly you can basically tear it in any direction and it will do what you want it to.

Unlike many other tapes, washi also comes in numerous widths and countless colours and designs.