The Auto Painting Tips NewsletterWith Chris Curwen & Expert Auto Painter - Dave Gage (Car Cosmetics) January 30th, 2008 - Issue 38 Masking It doesn't matter how skilled you are in painting with a spray gun, make sure you mask off any areas that aren't being painted with masking tape and/or masking paper. You would soon realise that it takes much longer to clean up paint overspray than it does to mask off such areas. Standard Masking Tape You may not realise it, but there is a huge difference between the rolls of masking tape found at hardware stores and those made specifically for use with automotive paint jobs. The difference in the design of what you use could affect the end result of your paint job. Regular masking tape hasn't been treated to endure auto paint solvents and therefore paint can penetrate the weak tape and ruin the finish. In addition, the adhesives used in regular masking tape are not designed to be removed easily from auto body surfaces. You may end up with some residue remaining from the tape on your vehicle. Any left behind traces of tape and adhesive residue might require use of a mild solvent for complete removal, a chore that could threaten the finish or new paint applied next to it. You must only use masking tape designed specifically for auto painting, regardless of the size of the project you are working on. You are asking for trouble if you use anything else. Auto paint supply outlets sell masking tape in various widths. There are at least 7 different widths ranging from 1/8 inch up to 2 full inches. For a rookie, the 3/8, 3/4 and 2 inch widths will probably suffice for most tasks. Each masking job presents different needs, and by having more than one size of masking tape available will help you accomplish those chores more quickly and easily. The smaller sizes are typically used for detailed masking of specific items that cannot be removed, while the wider sizes are for surfaces that are not large enough to justify masking paper. For example, it is much simpler to place a few strips of 2 inch wide masking tape over a headlight, than having to position a small sheet of masking paper over it. In general, 3/4 and 1 inch sizes are used for almost everything else and also for taping the seams of masking paper. Plastic Masking Tape Plastic tape is different from masking tape, although its purpose is roughly the same. Plastic tape is thinner and has more flex to it. Although it is not available in as many different widths as standard masking tape, each size of plastic tape can go around a tighter radius curve without kinking or bunching up. For this reason it is used in two specific situations:
To ensure perfect masking tape edges along trim and moldings, many professional auto painters will initially lay down a thin 1/8 inch wide strip of Fine Line plastic tape made by 3M. Fine Line is very maneuverable and will adhere securely around curves without bending or folding. Use this as primary masking edge along trim and molding edges. Once you have the Fine Line in place, you can then add 3/4 inch or wider tape anywhere along it. Getting each piece of 3/4 masking tape right along the edge of the masked part will now no longer be necessary. Masking Paper Professional auto painters only use treated masking paper for masking with. Newspaper is inexpensive but it is too porous and will allow paint to seep through to the surface underneath. You can purchase rolls of quality automotive paint masking paper from an auto body paint and supply store. The widths range from 4 inches up to 3 feet, the most frequently used being 12 inches. The paper has been chemically treated to prevent any paint or solvent from penetrating through, this is critically important to the outcome of your paint job. 2 rolls of 12-inch masking paper should be enough for most jobs. A wider roll will be required to cover roofs, hoods and trunk lids. An extra roll of 4-6 inch masking paper could be handy for intricate masking. Masking Paper and Tape Racks A masking paper rack (used for holding tape too) makes the job of masking far easier. Choosing among various widths of paper dispensed with masking tape already along one edge beats trying to hold down a piece of masking paper with one hand, while attaching masking tape with the other. Consider buying a masking paper rack, even a second hand one will be a worthwhile investment to aid the ease at which you complete your paint job.
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Safety Disclaimer: Always follow the recommendations of your nearest auto paint supply store or by referring to the manufacturer's application guides and information sheets when dealing with any type of auto paint product or piece of equipment. Copyright © LearnAutoPainting.com 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved. |
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