Masking

[Guest]

Ok, lets talk about masking. I've seen it mentioned in posts on other subjects, but never in much depth. I'm just getting ready to do some parts that I want to come out good. Up until now, I've just been goofing around. I'm going to do some parts from my motorcycle, and I'll need to mask. From what I'm seeing, most of you guys aren't using special hi temp masking tape. I've seen where mask parts, then partial cure, then remove the tape and finish curing. I'm a little fuzzy on it.

It would seem to me, that removing the part hot and getting the tape off could be a little tricky. I mean, you have this part that's hot, and the coating is just starting to flow, so you can't touch the part, or you ruin the finish. So how does one remove a part that's too hot to touch, then handle it without ruining the finish and remove the tape?

[ATL Powder]

Re: Masking

I use blue painters tape regularly. In a preheated 400* oven, I leave the part in for about 5 minutes Just when the powder starts to flow, take it out, let cool to touch and carefully remove the tape. Now back in for full cure.

[Guest]

Re: Masking

When the parts cools to the touch, does the powder firm up enough that any accidential touching of the finish won't leave marks?

[BeeBob]

Re: Masking

Just try your best NOT to touch the pc'd part, I know easier said than done! The powder will firm up and if you do touch it, try NOT to fix it it'll usually only get worse. The powder will still be in the flow out stage so small boo boo's "should" flow back out. Remember how you layed the tape down and take it off in reverse order. That way you won't have to fight the tape as much when taking it off.

[Guest]

Re: Masking

When the parts cools to the touch, does the powder firm up enough that any accidential touching of the finish won't leave marks?

Just becareful because it's not all the way cured yet. I use the high temp tape all the time. I have read about the guys using the 3m blue tape but have yet to use it.

[Rustytruck]

Re: Masking

I remove the masking as soon as possible after taking out of the oven. I use a hobby knife to lift the edge of the masking. Why I do it hot is there is less chance of chipping, as the powder is still soft. And depending on the shape of the item, I'll hold it with what ever works.

[Guest]

Re: Masking

I hate masking, But i use the Blue tape also just on some parts and i use the fiberglass on others. The blue tape is a pain you will want to do as the rest said get it off carefully during flow out. the Fiberglass will be fine all the way through curing,problem is its thick and leaves a line. The green tape IMO Sucks it doesnt stick to anything and when heated it gets brittle and breaks up when removing. I dont do a lot of masking for looks just to cover up parts that dont need coating and the blue tape is the cheapest option for that, I also let it cure all the way out sometimes and sometimes it's a mess add other times it isnt.