Abstract: Masking tape is disclosed for covering the gaps between adjacent panels of an automobile body and for isolating a section of a panel to be refinished. The tape includes an elongated flexible core having a cross-sectional shape of substantial thickness. At least a portion of the core's outer surface is adhesive. The core is narrow enough at one end to be inserted into a gap and wide enough in another portion to cover the gap, but not the panel edges. The outer surface of the core is angled or curved in such a way as to form an outwardly opening pocket which creates a vortex during spray painting which, in turn, causes paint to gradually diminish in thickness or feather out in the direction of the pocket's bottom.