Taping off stripes

Have you seen this thread in our tutorials section? vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/5166/paint-camper-200. Part of that thread shows one way to paint a Z stripe.

Cheers,

Rod

Use the real 3M Fine Line tape made for taping off graphics, NOT normal masking tape.  3M sells the Fine Line Tape, it's a dark blue plastic tape.  Make certain that you do not "over stretch" the tape when pulling your straight lines because you will delaminate the adhesive from the plastic tape, and it will not stick.  It is sold in many different widths depending on if you need to do tight radius corners.  You use the Fine Line only for the edges, them fill in with normal tape and paper.  Bad news is that it's about $20/roll.

I have painted graphics on several trailers with new Hemet Valley metal, both the white coated, and the polished.  I have consulted with "automotive painting professionals" and they all advised me to prime the newly sanded aluminum with a two-part epoxy primer.  This is the latest, most current way to assure that you will not have any peeling problems.  Sand the new metal within your graphics with 320/400 grit, prime, sand the primer with 320/400 grit, and then shoot your topcoat.

If the trailer will be stored outdoors, make sure you use a paint that is rated for exterior UV sun protection.  You do not want to go to all of the labor and have it chalking in a year.

Taping a diagonal line and making it "look straight" over peaks and valleys can be challenging.  I would start by pulling a straight guideline with normal masking tape.  DO NOT PRESS THIS GUIDE TAPE LINE DOWN, into the valley's, it's only stuck to the peaks.  Then use the Fineline tape next to the straight guide edge of the masking tape.  One word about masking tape for the work your about to be doing, buy fresh tape at your auto body supply.  3M 321 (231?), I think is the correct part number, it's a light green.  Never lay the new tape roll down on a dirty surface.  Keep the edges clean.

Take your time.

John Palmer

times when putting a length of tape on glass and cutting a new edge with a fresh single edge razor blade

can be helpful. also (assuming spraying paint) do not spray against the tape's edge, but rather over it

from the direction not being painted. that way you are not driving paint under the tape's edge.