Lotus Elan

Masking Paintwork

PostPost by: gav » Wed Sep 25, 2024 1:54 pm

Hi all

Im tidying up the paintwork in the engine bay of my sprint and need to re mask the joint between the engine bay and external paint system.

I need the join to be really precise and don't think that masking tape is up to the required level of accuracy.

My question is - what is a good alternative to masking tape that is going to provide a sharp edge and isn't going to rip off the external top coat when I remove it?

All thoughts gratefully appreciated.

Thanks
Gavin
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PostPost by: alanr » Wed Sep 25, 2024 2:13 pm

What you want is 'Sharp edge' blue masking tape.
So much better than ordinary masking tape.

Alan
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PostPost by: mark030358 » Wed Sep 25, 2024 2:15 pm

Hi,
As the post above, also known as "fine line tape".....

cheers
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PostPost by: alanr » Wed Sep 25, 2024 2:17 pm

Alan
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PostPost by: MACCA.GLM » Wed Sep 25, 2024 3:21 pm

Hi

I use frog tape straight lines and no running

Excellent stuff

Regards

G
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PostPost by: Andy8421 » Wed Sep 25, 2024 7:02 pm

You need to use a tape compatible with the paint system you are using. Cellulose thinners (for example) will soften the adhesive of some tapes, and will leach though to the underlying paint on others making it more likely to lift the underlying paint when you remove the tape.

Its a good idea to remove the tape while the paint is still wet to avoid the new paint skin tearing at the point it joins the tape.

Worth trying a concealed area to see what works best.
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PostPost by: tonyabacus » Wed Sep 25, 2024 7:27 pm

Hello Gavin
Talk to your local paint repair guys, they are using a paint sheet with tape along one edge to stop overspray to other parts of the body. The good paint shops or custom paint shops are doing exactly what you are doing, every day of the week.
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PostPost by: tonyabacus » Wed Sep 25, 2024 7:59 pm

Hello Gavin
Talk to your local paint repair guys, they are using a paint sheet with tape along one edge to stop overspray to other parts of the body. The good paint shops or custom paint shops are doing exactly what you are doing, every day of the week.
Tony
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