Masking off windows, chrome etc, Techniques?

[73fj55]

Just wanted to get some ideas on methods and products used to mask off glass, chrome, latch's, etc. I have some basic masking tape, should I find something else? Using newspaper for the glass and if easy enough I am going to remove the latch's, if not then I will just put a whole bunch of tape around them and the chrome and exacto knife the borders.

Thoughts, ideas?

 

[Texx]

Don't use newspaper, it degrades under solvent and will put a fine lint all over your paint job. Biggest secret to masking is to buy the best quality tape you can find, and practice until you get it right. 3M makes a "fine line" tape that's very high quality you can use for close masking. It's pretty expensive. Take plenty of time masking, remove everything possible, and use real masking paper, it's available at home depot and other places.

 

[Project60]

Agreed on not using newspaper. Lowes and Home Depot have big rolls of paper for like $10.

 

[Greg1190]

2X on fine line tape. It's almost like pin stripe tape but made for masking. You can bend it around curves and corners without it folding up and causing a seem that will allow paint to enter. Once you masked around with the fine line tape then you can use blue painters masking tape. Then attach your making paper to the blue tape. Sounds like a lot of work but it will be worth the effort. I painted with only blue tape and got away with it most of the time but there are some spots where I didn't and it shows up like a sore thumb. Now I go the extra mile and use fine line tape.

 

[bajaphile]

I use the blue or green masking tape. It works great.

You can also use plastic bags, or other types of light plastic to cover stuff up.

 

[Degnol]

A tip on masking the rubber weatherstrip..... Lift it and place a piece of heavy cotton cord under it then mask the rubber with tape. This allows the paint to get slightly under the rubber resulting in a very nice finished product. Buy yourself a 3M masking machine and a roll of 12" and a roll of 4". Makes masking a snap and does not cost very much...it is all plastic. I wanna say 10-15 bucks.

GL

Ed

 

[Spike Strip]

A tip on masking the rubber weatherstrip..... Lift it and place a piece of heavy cotton cord under it then mask the rubber with tape. This allows the paint to get slightly under the rubber resulting in a very nice finished product. Buy yourself a 3M masking machine and a roll of 12" and a roll of 4". Makes masking a snap and does not cost very much...it is all plastic. I wanna say 10-15 bucks.

GL

Ed

Great technique idea! -- But which 3M Masking Machine are you recommending? I googled and come up with models $66 - 20 bux. ??

I'm watching this thread closely for my paint job too! (FJ60)

Thanks!

 

[Degnol]

Spike, here is the one I have. Quite honestly, I've had it so long that I don't remember exactly what it cost. I just remember being kinda shocked at how expensive it wasn't. The papers come in several widths but I routinely use 12".
The model number is conveniently un-readable But I think it is "M1300"

GL

Ed

 

[Spike Strip]

Thanks Degnol,

At least now I know what to look for. Searching and trying to buy right now!

Found it! $22 Ace Hardware. 3M M1000 Hand Masker



S.

 

[5280Hawk]

The green masking tape is much thicker than the blue, it also has better adhesive. It worked great on the weatherstripping around the windows. X2 in the X-acto knife. You can get a really clean line by cutting the tape around the curves of the glass.

You might as well take off the door handles though. they're not really too hard to put back on.

 

[webelk6]

2X on fine line tape. It's almost like pin stripe tape but made for masking. You can bend it around curves and corners without it folding up and causing a seem that will allow paint to enter. Once you masked around with the fine line tape then you can use blue painters masking tape. Then attach your making paper to the blue tape. Sounds like a lot of work but it will be worth the effort. I painted with only blue tape and got away with it most of the time but there are some spots where I didn't and it shows up like a sore thumb. Now I go the extra mile and use fine line tape.

Blue tape is designed for newly painted surfaces. When removed, it will not remove the "new" paint.

I use the blue or green masking tape. It works great. 3m green is the best.

You can also use plastic bags, or other types of light plastic to cover stuff up.

careful about that .

A tip on masking the rubber weatherstrip..... Lift it and place a piece of heavy cotton cord under it then mask the rubber with tape. This allows the paint to get slightly under the rubber resulting in a very nice finished product. Buy yourself a 3M masking machine and a roll of 12" and a roll of 4". Makes masking a snap and does not cost very much...it is all plastic. I wanna say 10-15 bucks.

GL

Ed

Body shops also have rolls of thin foam they use to put in " air" areas like door jambs, to prevent overspray from hitting those pockets.

The green masking tape is much thicker than the blue, it also has better adhesive. It worked great on the weatherstripping around the windows. X2 in the X-acto knife. You can get a really clean line by cutting the tape around the curves of the glass.

You might as well take off the door handles though. they're not really too hard to put back on.

Again the 3m green is the ultimate. Pricey but if you go this far, spend the money on the tape. Also, you can pick up a 3m masker from any reputable paint supplier.