The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop custom graphic technique question

Well - was making custom mail boxes this weekend (i.e., practicing on cheap metal) and things worked well. However I notice that there are a couple of primary ways to tape off the job...and that's where my question resides.

First option - after surface is prepped, lay the fine line and then lay tape over the entire area (including flames) and run a razorblade on top of the fineline. Remove masking and shoot.

Second option - surface prep, lay fineline and then mask only sections that don't need paint. Shoot.

Is one better than the other? I've tried both and ran into little problems both ways - what procedure do yall use?

- Ryan

Well - I received responses to the same question from another location - figured I'd post them here for the file....

First response from: Sean Burnley

I like the blue 3M fine line. usually 1/8 inch for tighter curves and 1/2 for long, soft curves. There's also a beige fine line that is a little thinner than the blue thus leaving less edge buildup. However, this tape seems a little more ridged and harder to turn. Not familiar with orange fine line. As far as masking the rest of the project, there is another product that's like the backing used for vinyl sign material that you can apply and then cut that out over your fineline. Comes in various widths such as 12" to 24". Also there's a similar clear masking film you could use. I defenitely like this stuff better than taping strips and strips in order to mask something.
peace,

Second reply by: Ssnnooppyy

I have worked with many painters and graphics artists, and the green thinline stuff from 3m is all the rage. Also, the masking paper mentioned in the previous post is great stuff!! Any sign shop can get you a roll of it. The best brand is Perfectear Maintape, model #575. You also might consider finding a shop in your area that can take your rendering or design ideas, and make stencil mask out of vinyl. That way, everything is uniform, pre-cut, and takes alot of the prep time out of a good paint job. Plus, no string edges from masking tape glue. I do this on a regular basis, and hear nothing but positive things.

This answered my questions - and may address others. Thought I'd share.

- Ryan