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Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line #2781532
06/04/20 09:32 PM
06/04/20 09:32 PM
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floyd Online content OP
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I’m getting ready to spray some new paint on my 70 Challenger taillight bezels. I did a test run on an extra bezel and got a less than perfect masking line. Can I get some recommendations on a good masking tape for this kind of work and and tips/techniques to get a clean line when finished.

I used basic blue tape which was probably my first mistake. Is the a good choice for precision masking?

https://www.amazon.com/3M-06525-Yar...QI/ref=pd_sim_263_3/139-5041310-0536702?

Thanks!

7CF670B8-6616-4B97-9995-D6ACA5FBD326.jpeg
Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: floyd] #2781547
06/04/20 10:44 PM
06/04/20 10:44 PM
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It's a dry heat
gtx6970 Offline
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Use a vinyl tape.
Tamiya makes a very nice product and is used mainly in the model car world

Avail at most any hobby lobby

With any tape pull it off as soon as the paint starts to tack up for the cleanest edge line

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: gtx6970] #2781553
06/04/20 11:01 PM
06/04/20 11:01 PM
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Eagle, Idaho
Neil Offline
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I agree with using a vinyl tape. Heck you could even use black electrical tape if you already have some sitting around.

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: Neil] #2781559
06/04/20 11:15 PM
06/04/20 11:15 PM
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Salem
Grizzly Offline
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There is a product I used when I did School work experience at the local bodyshop. They called it "fine line" and it was on a thin roll and you could do all sorts of tricks with it. It barely left an edge when you pulled it off. Sorry, I don't know the product name, but I think this is it:

Fine Line

33.jpg

Mo' Farts

Moderated by "tbagger".
Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: Grizzly] #2781570
06/05/20 12:02 AM
06/05/20 12:02 AM
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USA
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hudsonhornet7x Offline
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I use the 3M precision masking tape that you linked in your first post. I prefer it over vinyl. It is very thin and leaves a crisp line. I also agree to pull the tape sooner than later before the paint bridges the tape and gives you poor results.

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: hudsonhornet7x] #2781583
06/05/20 01:22 AM
06/05/20 01:22 AM
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Jefferson State
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srt Offline
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Jefferson State
for small detail areas I like to use liquid masking tape and or frisket. Find at art supply stores.
If you use the liquid mask paint it on and when dry cut with a film cutter, or even a xacto blade with a light hand peel off from the area you want to paint, them use the area still masked to apply masking tape and paper to cover other areas.
In a bind use contact paper. As above it cood to pull the tape before paint is cured out, also cut the paint film with a sharp exacto/light hand to avoid lifting.

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: srt] #2781592
06/05/20 07:12 AM
06/05/20 07:12 AM
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new berlin wisconsin
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Mr T2U Offline
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3M has a new fine line masking tape.
our body shop used to use the blue vinyl tape. it worked great, much better than the light green tape, but doesn't like to stick long term in the curves. we now use a light purple tape. it has something built into it so it makes bends and stays there, i don't have a part #. when i order it from the paint store salesman i just ask for the 3M purple tape and he knows what i am talking about.


perception is 90% of reality
Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: Mr T2U] #2781598
06/05/20 07:59 AM
06/05/20 07:59 AM
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floyd Online content OP
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Thanks for all the suggestions! I’ll check back with results.

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: floyd] #2781617
06/05/20 09:21 AM
06/05/20 09:21 AM
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Mass
DAYCLONA Offline
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Fine Lines by 3M, many grades/sizes of tape, price wise and paint specific applications...

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: DAYCLONA] #2781923
06/05/20 09:58 PM
06/05/20 09:58 PM
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Utah and Alaska
astjp2 Offline
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Boeing used to use a Nitto tape, till the cost cutters came in and stopped it. Its a yellow tape that is just wierd but works for perfect paint edges.


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Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: floyd] #2782098
06/06/20 12:41 PM
06/06/20 12:41 PM
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71rm23 Offline
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It also helps how the tape is pulled off too (at an angle)

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: 71rm23] #2782116
06/06/20 01:18 PM
06/06/20 01:18 PM
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AAR#2 Offline
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Have not seen it mentioned yet but clean the surface being masked thoroughly before placing the fine line tape , then a quick wipe along the edge after tape is down and just prior to painting.
Be careful placing fine line tape, pull too hard during application and the thinner widths can stretch giving a wonky like affect

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: gtx6970] #2782471
06/07/20 05:40 PM
06/07/20 05:40 PM
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New State
kidmopar Offline
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Originally Posted by gtx6970
Use a vinyl tape.
Tamiya makes a very nice product and is used mainly in the model car world

Avail at most any hobby lobby

With any tape pull it off as soon as the paint starts to tack up for the cleanest edge line



Hello GTX ...... I've looked scope everywhere ! for TAMIYA "product" /. tape ??? Can you give me a name ? part number ??? shruggy

THANK YOU ! up bow thumbs wave

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: kidmopar] #2782511
06/07/20 07:38 PM
06/07/20 07:38 PM
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Kirkland, Washington
Pacnorthcuda Offline
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It’s this stuff. It is good. They sell it different sizes

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Tamiya-8...7o-Xvc4fmqeJn2SQJJ7hoTW8XTcaAhHtEALw_wcB

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: Pacnorthcuda] #2782574
06/07/20 10:30 PM
06/07/20 10:30 PM
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Harrisburg, Pa.
screamindriver Offline
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I used fine line tape and was in deep during my airboat build...All paint no vinyl striping...As other's have stated pull the tape before it flashes off too far and the paint rips instead of giving the line you're looking for..Also, pulling the tape properly is an art in itself..

hull.jpgoverview1.jpg
Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: kidmopar] #2782582
06/07/20 11:14 PM
06/07/20 11:14 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
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It's a dry heat
gtx6970 Offline
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Originally Posted by kidmopar
Originally Posted by gtx6970
Use a vinyl tape.
Tamiya makes a very nice product and is used mainly in the model car world

Avail at most any hobby lobby

With any tape pull it off as soon as the paint starts to tack up for the cleanest edge line



Hello GTX ...... I've looked scope everywhere ! for TAMIYA "product" /. tape ??? Can you give me a name ? part number ??? shruggy

THANK YOU ! up bow thumbs wave


I prefer the thin white vinyl stuff. It conforms to curves and corners better

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...RS0&_nkw=tamiya+tape&_sacat=1188

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: gtx6970] #2782593
06/07/20 11:41 PM
06/07/20 11:41 PM
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New State
kidmopar Offline
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COOL ! Thank You !!!! bow

Re: Best Masking Tape/Technique for Clean Paint Line [Re: screamindriver] #2782615
06/08/20 06:33 AM
06/08/20 06:33 AM
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Medina, Ohio
HEMICUDA Offline
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Originally Posted by screamindriver
I used fine line tape and was in deep during my airboat build...All paint no vinyl striping...As other's have stated pull the tape before it flashes off too far and the paint rips instead of giving the line you're looking for..Also, pulling the tape properly is an art in itself..


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