A: I don't have an answer for you on your first question, but regarding the tape, I often use a strongly adhering masking tape or even aluminum duct tape. Of-course if you intend to perform the test exactly according to ASTM D-3359, Method B you need to purchase the ASTM tape. More often than not, I simply use the test to determine if adhesion is good or poor, in which case I like using tapes that have excellent tack.