Tape

[nighthawksh]

I am currently building a Chevy pickup and trying to create the two-tone paint scheme of the '80's. My problem is I get one color down, let it sit 24 hours, then tape it and lay the other color, but when I remove the tape, half the paint comes off also. I am using regular masking tape. Any help? 

[cobraman]

Did you prime ?  What paint ? Did you use the blue masking tape ? You are much better off using a model tape like Tamiya. Others will pop in with more and better suggestions.

[MrObsessive]

Pleeeeaaaase don't use regular masking tape! That can create more havoc than it's worth.

Ray suggested using Tamiya tape for masking and I wholeheartedly agree. I've done many a paint job and never had a problem with masking and paint peeling up. Here's a latest example where I just did a two-tone on this '55 Ford WIP.

You want to also make sure your paint is thoroughly dry, but not leave the tape on excessively long. I believe I had the tape on mine for maybe overnight, pulled it off the next day with no problem. When pulling off your tape, pull the tape straight back........not straight up.

Prior to color coat painting, I'd make sure you don't excessively handle your model when in primer. That's asking for trouble as you're bound to have oils from your skin (or other contaminants) get on the surface.

Hope this all helps.

Edited February 13, 2021 by MrObsessive

[Erik Smith]

Is the paint lifting off or paint and primer? Could be poor adhesion to the plastic. Some primers and dirty plastic will cause that. 
And, yeah, get Tamiya tape. If you have curves, get Tamiya’s magic tape specifically for curves. 
 

Edited February 13, 2021 by Erik Smith

[StevenGuthmiller]

I agree with the others.

You're opening yourself up for all sorts of problems using regular masking tape.

I use Tamiya tape for the edges and then mask the rest of the body with masking paper.

I've found from many years of experience that it's best to not let any garden variety tapes of any kind touch my painted surfaces.

You can get perfect edges with Tamiya, so why risk all of the bleed under and paint lift that you can get with masking tape.

Thin strips of Tamiya tape makes effects like this '61 Buick interior relatively easy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve

[TransAmMike]

Wow Steve, thats a lot of stripes on those seats. After reading this, I guess it's time to get the Tamiya.   

[StevenGuthmiller]

2 hours ago, TransAmMike said:

Wow Steve, thats a lot of stripes on those seats. After reading this, I guess it's time to get the Tamiya.   

That's part of the reason why I love American cars from this era.

Back when interiors had some character instead of just monotone gray.

 

 

 

 

Steve

[TransAmMike]

Just now, StevenGuthmiller said:

That's part of the reason why I love American cars from this era.

Back when interiors had some character instead of just monotone gray.

 

 

 

 

Steve

I especially loved the big Pontiac interiors.

[nighthawksh]

I certainly appreciate all the excellent advice I got here. I'll get the Tamiya tape for sure. Will let you all know how it works out. 

[youpey]

one thing to mention, if you mask off an area to paint, if you clear coat the the tape area before painting, any accidental bleed will be clearcoat and not a color coat. after the thin clear dries, then color coat over the clear. 

[TransAmMike]

I didn't realize Tamiya actually has 2 different tapes. Obviously the "Tape for Curves" is for, well, curves.  The other is yellow.  Is this tape as good as the white?

[935k3]

The regular tape comes in 1mm,2mm and 3mm now. the white is like the fineline automotive striping tape. Stick with with the yellow.

[peteski]

15 hours ago, TransAmMike said:

Wow Steve, thats a lot of stripes on those seats. After reading this, I guess it's time to get the Tamiya.   

There is a Japanese rice-paper tape called "Washi Tape" that is used for crafts.  It is pretty much identical to Tamiya yellow tape, but it comes on larger rolls (less expensive).  I found some in my local Ace Hardware store (in the adhesive tape section), but it is also available all over the Internet.  However,  you have to put up with the cutesy markings (which do not affect its properties).  Yes, Washi Tape is more expensive than standard masking tapes, but less expensive than Tamiya.

[Mike 1017]

I use the same method as youpey  It has never failed me. Also I pull the tape off within a couple minutes after painting. Because if the paint has fully dried  there is a chance of pulling the dried paint off right along with the tape.

Good luck

Mike