Author Topic: Masking Tape (Read 2384 times)

Dan Bregar · « **on:** April 03, 2011, 08:06:41 PM »

What is a good type of masking tape that is flexible for taping radii, curves and bends on stunt jobs ?

And where in the heck can I get some ?

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2011, 08:51:48 PM »

I use Scotch brand blue fine line for curves. The 1/8" works well.

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2011, 01:18:17 AM »

Yep Scotch blue fine.

I get mine from a car paint supplier.

Allan Perret · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2011, 07:22:52 AM »

http://www.finessepinstriping.com/

Randy Powell · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2011, 10:29:42 AM »

I use both Finesse "The Edge" tape and also 3M blue vinyl tape for taping off paint lines. I also use other stuff depending on what I'm trying to do. Really sharp turns are sometime better with a cut out from either vinyl or perhaps Frisket rather than trying to go around the corner with a tape, no matter how thin. I use the Finesse stuff in 1/16", 3/32" and 1/8" and occasionally use some 1/4" stuff again depending on what I'm doing. I just depends on what you're doing. I use the low tack, blue 3M painter masking tape for masking.

The Finesse stuff is cool because it is very thin and doesn't leave much of a tape ridge. But it will only go around the most gentle turns. The 3M blue vinyl stuff will turn a reasonable corner, but it's pretty thick and will leave a ridge.

Allan Perret · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2011, 02:26:07 PM »

I just got a roll of the "Delicate Surface " Frog tape. Its yellow vs the regular green Frog tape. Seems to have even less tack than the blue painters tape and it is a lot thinner. I think it might do double duty as both a fine line (but only for straight lines) and a masking tape. Big box stores only have the green version, had to go to Sherwin Williams for the yellow..

Chris Edinger · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2011, 04:15:39 PM »

The 3M blue tape is available at all auto paint supply stores.. here in the midwest you can also get it at most auto parts stores. I sometimes get mine at O'Rileys or NAPA... havent seen the Finesse tape... will try to find some..

Randy Powell · « **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2011, 04:25:13 PM »

Anybody notice the rather extreme price increase in 3M Blue vinyl tape? I just bought a roll from the local auto paint guy and it was about $11.75 for a 36 yard roll of 1/8". I checked online and that seems to be the going rate. Sheesh! Maybe Finesse has something that will go around tight corners.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2011, 04:51:29 PM »

there is another brand, I need to look when I get home,, its orange, and I like it better than 3M,,,

Dan Bregar · « **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2011, 06:24:47 PM »

Guys

I called a couple of auto body supply stores today asking for the Scotch blue fine line tape, and both places told me it has been replaced with stuff that is kinda purple in color. Does this sound correct or is this a totally different type of tape. I'm trying to mask some curves and radii corners. I don't want to get the wrong stuff.

Looking at the Finesse Edge stuff and maybe this is what I want. (Thanks Allan for that link)

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #10 on:** April 04, 2011, 08:06:53 PM »

Wont leave a ridge if you colour sand with 2000 in between coats.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #11 on:** April 04, 2011, 10:39:59 PM »

PJ,

Not if you're using metallic or pearl paint. You can't sand it. At all. Trust me on this. Solid colors can be sanded. Lightly.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #12 on:** April 05, 2011, 09:38:29 AM »

Mark Scarborough had a good suggestion. Instead of 3M vinyl tape, FBS Proline tape is about the same stuff (mark says it sticks better) and is about half the price. I just ordered some.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #13 on:** April 05, 2011, 11:15:44 AM »

On an additional note about the FBS tape, I like it better than the 3M, it seems more stable when you pull corners to me.
I also like the orange color MUCH better than the blue. it seems to help with layout, ie greater contrast to visualize what you are laying down.

Dan Bregar · « **Reply #14 on:** April 05, 2011, 06:18:49 PM »

OK guys. I picked up some 3M vinyl tape 471+ today. It has number 06404 on the package and says "improved Adhesion" It's kind of a blueish purple color. Is this the correct stuff ?

Alan Resinger · « **Reply #15 on:** April 06, 2011, 08:18:57 AM »

That's the stuff you want. It is really better than the old 471. I've been using it for about a year and it adhears better on curves and still doesn't lift the preceeding coats.

Dan Bregar · « **Reply #16 on:** April 06, 2011, 06:02:27 PM »

Hey Alan

Thanks a bunch. That's what I was wanting to hear. Thanks for your reassuring response !

Neville Legg · « **Reply #17 on:** April 07, 2011, 10:34:36 AM »

Has anyone tried Frogtape? Google it if you haven't heard of it

It's green oddly enough

Cheers

Randy Powell · « **Reply #18 on:** April 07, 2011, 02:04:30 PM »

I used Frogtape when I taped off and painted my address on my trash cans. Used the spray gun and a cool metallic black for the numbers. It bled slightly, but I suspect had I shot some clear first, it would have been fine.

Bill Little · « **Reply #19 on:** April 07, 2011, 05:43:37 PM »

Hi Randy/Mark,

A source for the FBS tape? I have not seen it around here.

Thanks!
Bill

Neville Legg · « **Reply #20 on:** April 08, 2011, 04:20:27 AM »

Randy, apparently its water that seals the Frogtape! If you had run a damp a damp sponge over the tape first, it seals the edges!

Cheers

Alan Resinger · « **Reply #21 on:** April 08, 2011, 08:17:19 AM »

Randy,
When you pull the tape off does it croak? Using it doesn't give you warts does it? Are the rolls listed by size such as Tadpole (small), Toad (medium) and Bull (large)?

See you Saturday in Portland.
Alan

Randy Powell · « **Reply #22 on:** April 08, 2011, 09:43:18 AM »

On FBS tape. Here's where I found it: http://www.azautobodysupply.com/fbsfilitahit.html

Alan,

Well, it's green anyway.