getting a neat line between 2 paint colours?

[Dave]

I've been asked to do some spray painting where I need to get a neat line between 2 colours. Only ever painted single colours before or had chrome trim separating the 2 colours.
My question is: will masking tape give a neat enough edge? or should I be using something else? Its a racing bike tank. Also can you spray clear laquer over stickers succesfully? I'm using acrylic paint.
Any help or suggestions appreciated.
Regards
Dave

[mrs ratbox]

masking tape can work but usually not a perfect line, there is alot more of the more pro type masking tapes now the coloured ones green or blue usually, don't make the mistake i made and buy a cheap brand
what i usually use is fine line tape which i have had in 1/4" and 1/8" which give a good edge and is flexable for doing curves
never painted over stickers so i can't help there but i beleive it can be done

[king05]

check out this link, this is the stuff to use dont even waste your time using normal masking tape as for painting over stickers as long as it is in sound condition then it will be fine


http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2-rolls-of-6mm-F ... m153.l1262

[Malcolm]

Mate, as the others have said, use a product called fine line. The only way to go, and yes you can paint over sticker without any problem. I've painted lots of Harley tanks with stickers under the clear. If using acrylic you may have to get a good build up of clear prior to buffing. I've only ever used 2 pack to do this and have still had to use a lot of clear. After painting I've blocked it back and buffed it up leaving no sign of an edge or raised area over the sticker. Looks good.

Good luck

[Devilrod]

I'll echo every one elses sentiments Fine Line. The difference is it is a vinyl tape not masking. We used it on my roof as the edge of the panels.

[Dave]

thanks guys, I didnt think normal masking tape would be good enough.

[rosco]

Sorry - been missing for a few days.................
one thing I do with models for very sharp edges, is to find a sheet of glass - totally clean it with prepsol and a final clean with meths - make sure it is absolutely clean..............
lay your tape onto it and then lay a straight edge steel ruler over that.
Finally, with a very, very sharp blade or scalpel - cut it ONCE laying the blade over towards the cut (leaned toward the trimmed off waste).
Lay your tape down on the intended join and spray a thin narrow run of the underlyng colour - leave that for a few minutes to flash then spray the overcoating colour.
Removing the mask - pull the mask back over itself SLOWLY and follow it with the scalpel............. you should end up with a very sharp line.

Allow it to dry, flatten down with a 800 wet, clean with prepsol and overcoat with clear (if required)........... that's as good as I have learned to do this so far.....................

frats,
Rosco

[rosco]

Sorry - been missing for a few days.................
one thing I do with models for very sharp edges, is to find a sheet of glass - totally clean it with prepsol and a final clean with meths - make sure it is absolutely clean..............
lay your tape onto it and then lay a straight edge steel ruler over that.
Finally, with a very, very sharp blade or scalpel - cut it ONCE laying the blade over towards the cut (leaned toward the trimmed off waste).
Lay your tape down on the intended join and spray a thin narrow run of the underlyng colour - leave that for a few minutes to flash then spray the overcoating colour. Leave it to fully dry (read the instructions on you professional grade masking tape as to how long it can be left).

Removing the mask - pull the mask back over itself SLOWLY (I find just angling the pull slightly over the tape prevents tearing the new finish) and follow it with the scalpel - use it to keep the resulting edge straight - don't "cut" into the paint you want to remain or it will fray or chip later............. you should end up with a very sharp line.

If you want a flat join.............
Allow it to dry, flatten down with a 800 wet, clean with prepsol and overcoat with clear (if required)........... that's as good as I have learned to do this so far.....................

frats,
Rosco