Oracal 651 or a compariable vinyl will last quite a while and the app tape is more of a personal prefrence. If you are doing a single color paper tape works well and may be a bit cheaper. If you are going to be layering colors the clear tape helps with that.

If you are doing vinyl you should be doing speedpress http://www.speedpress.com/products/2/45
I think they sell just the film these days, if you are handy you can build your owne frames if not invest in there frame kit. Watch there video you won't be sorry once you start laying vinyl with there system. They used to sel only a kit and you could not buy the film unless you started with a kit but it looks like they changed that policy. Also the film is cleanable so it lasts and lasts....