How to Improve Tape Paint Job?

['59]

Hey there fellas,

I've been experimenting with tape paint jobs and have been having several issues. The top layer and bottom layer have different textures and there is a noticeable height difference along the edge of the two colors. Also the edges aren't perfect and leave a bit of a furry edge between the two colors.

Any tips?

 

[GuitarStv]

Is it possible to apply less paint? That would fix some of the height difference. I found that removing tape while the paint is still very wet will leave much sharper edges (but if you used too much paint you run a risk of drips).

 

[DonP]

Use automotive tape for the design. Then use frog tape to mask large areas (don't use this for the paint edge).

The upper layers of paint will be higher. Texture is from your painting technique or mixing incompatible paints. You really should post pictures so we can see.

Sand down so you don't have an edge, then build clear coat to even the layers out.

 

[ehdwuld]

tape
thin clear over tape to prevent bleed
several thin coats of color
remove tape
lightly sand
three light coats of clear

all level
done

 

[PFDarkside]

Is something like the EVH striped series a silk screen or an ink jet?

 

[Securb]

If you are trying to do an EVH thing then you are overthinking it. Eddie used everyday masking tape for the big stripes and automotive pinstriping for the thinner stripes. The auto tape is much thicker than masking tape. If this is not the case I would suggest going to a craft store like Michaels. That is where I went when I did the EVH job on my mailbox.

 

[ItsaBass]

The "real" trick is to first spray your tape with the same color that you're taping over. Then the "bleed" is at least the same color, and the subsequent colors can no longer seep past the tape.

Spraying lightly and dryly is the other big thing. You don't want wet coats.

Spray angle can be important too. You don't want to propel your paint mist under the tape. You want it to land on the surface from as close to a right angle as possible.

Finally, many passes of clear coat and level sanding.

This is assuming you are going for "hot rod" stripes, that actually look good. If you want the EVH thing...then looking like garbage is part of it.

 

[ehdwuld]

hmm
that sounds familiar
I read that somewhere before

just where..............?