Masking is 90% of a great paint job. Do it right to avoid hours of cleaning overspray.
Clean: Wash the car and use a Wax & Grease Remover. Tape won’t stick to dirt or wax.
Dry: Use compressed air to blow water out of mirrors and trim so tape doesn’t lift.
Fine Line Tape: Use thin plastic tape for curves and sharp color transitions.
The Tuck: Use a plastic spreader to tuck tape edges behind rubber seals for a seamless look.
Back-Masking: Fold tape over itself in door jambs to create a “soft edge” instead of a hard paint ridge.
Wheel Covers: Use large trash bags to cover tires quickly—don’t waste tape on rubber.
Timing: Remove fine line tape while the paint is still slightly tacky.
Angle: Pull the tape at a 45-degree angle away from the fresh paint to ensure a crisp, clean break.
Common Fail: Never bridge a gap (like a door-to-fender seam) with a single piece of tape. Mask each panel individually to ensure paint reaches the edges.