To tape or not to tape that is the question!

[flakybear]

While reading different post I've notice photos showing painters tape on edges of different panels. Is it taped when only using a rotary or does it get taped even when using a machine like the the G110v2 to protect the panel edges?
Thanks for the help

[LelandGray]

Re: To tape or not to tape that is the question!

From what I've read, its a must for rotary work but an option when using a DA. When using a DA it helps keep product off of areas you don't want it, so it speeds up clean up.

[Shawn T.]

Re: To tape or not to tape that is the question!

When I was using UC on my car the other day I taped off all the black trim on the section I was working in. I was working by hand and I still did this. It is a pain to get dried polish out of textured black pastic trim pieces.

[William_F]

Re: To tape or not to tape that is the question!

I mask when using my 110v2 because it keeps polish and wax from getting places I don't want it like the crack between the door and roof. Masking keeps wax from getting on the rubber in the door cracks.

On body panels with rubber trim, like the side of my wife's CRV, masking the trim on the doors allows me to run the machine right over the trim, which makes using the polisher easier because I'm not trying to avoid a part of the door panel.

[tcope1]

Re: To tape or not to tape that is the question!

As I've seen it explained, taping is done by detailer's so that they can work on a vehicle as quickly as possible. Time is money, after all. I tried it a few times and did not see that it helped me very much. I can almost always take a little longer and avoid the areas I need to avoid. However, there are a few times where I needed to tape. I knew I could not avoid certain areas and these has either soft rubber, were felt, or has rough edges (vehicle emblems can be a real problem area as they will tear up a foam pad). In those situations I've tape the area. But for every day plastic trim I almost never tape. I usually wipe down these areas quickly with a good protectant and then the detailing product I'm using wipes right off if I get some on that part. Of course, you also can't allow the pad to focus on these areas as it might tend to mar them.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: To tape or not to tape that is the question!

I prefer taping. It just makes it easier for me on the cleanup.

[TOGWT]

Re: To tape or not to tape that is the question!

I prefer taping. It just makes it easier for me on the cleanup.

+1

Painter’s Tape (Masking Tape)

When to use masking tape;
1. To avoid discolouring the trim with synthetic polishes
2. Avoid soiling the pad when going over black trim. The dirt from the rubber gets pulled into the pad.
3. Avoid polish residue built up along the seams of the trim.
4. Tape edges of paint as to not polish too far since paint is usually thinner on the edges.
5. Also, tape paint seams to avoid residue in the jams.
6. Use masking tape to protect from ‘burning’ trim (rubber, vinyl or metal); around windows, badges, light surrounds etc, can also be used to mask panel edges to avoid thinning the paint surface

Use one hand to hold the roll taut and to guide the piece as your press it into place with your other hand. Scotch® 3M Painter's Tapes are the most versatile in the Scotch® masking tape line. The low adhesion levels make them suitable for use on both coated and non-coated surfaces and are specially designed for safe use on delicate or smooth surfaces such as glass and painted metal, even on freshly painted surfaces.

These tapes are also UV and sunlight resistant, making them ideal for use on glass surfaces, without leaving any sticky residue. Tape sizes available 0.75 to 2-inch

3M Scotch® Performance Masking Tape Green- highly conformable, provides the best adhesive transfer resistance, hugs curves, contours and provides outstanding paint lines. Goes on quickly and easily, sticks at a touch and stays put. This tape has excellent conformability, Transfer resistance, and is resistant to bleed through, also has better UV resistance than traditional masking tapes.

3M's Scotch® Safe-Release TM Blue Painters' Masking Tape, this tape removes cleanly from a paint film or glass surface without adhesive transfer or surface damage for up to 14 days - even when exposed to direct sunlight. It is a medium adhesion tape with a flexible crepe backing allows for exceptional conformability to semi-smooth surfaces.

Tape residue removal – use a safe solvent that does not contain any harmful components (heptanes or xylene or hydrocarbon aliphatic solvents) 3M™ Adhesive and Wax Remover, that simply emulsifies and dissolves the residue. It is important not to leave a solvent based chemical on the paint finish longer than is necessary.

Simply apply to the affected area, allow sufficient dwell time, and carefully wipe off, you may have to apply it three or four times allowing plenty of "dwell time" between applications.

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That's where your commitment comes in - you need to make a commitment to yourself right now that you will take action on what you learn.

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[Michael Stoops]

Re: To tape or not to tape that is the question!

A D/A polisher usually won't damage trim, so taping when using this tool is basically done just to keep paint cleaners, polishes and waxes from getting in the cracks, discoloring trim, etc. It can make clean up faster and easier.

A rotary buffer can quickly do actual damage to these surfaces, however, so taping when using this tool is more of a safety factor. Of course it also avoids the issues as noted above.