Tape edges when using a PC?

[gregh]

Do you need to tape body panel edges while using a PC to polish or only when using a rotary? I thought it applied to both but I have seen several example videos of people using a PC right at the edge of body panels with no tape. Do you just tape off plastic pieces then? Thanks!

[jdhutchin]

It depends how comfortable you are with the machine, and what products you're using. I've seen pictures of a guy who does rotary work without taping, although I'm not that brave. I do PC work, and don't usually tape stuff off. I'll tape off stuff that looks like it's hard to get polish out of (badges, etc), and if there is trim running down the middle of the side, I'll tape that too. Otherwise, I've had enough practice and am using products that don't stain the trim, that I don't tape much stuff off.

Bottom line- start off taping stuff off, as you get more practice, you'll tape less and less.

[94BlkStang]

Originally Posted by gregh

Do you need to tape body panel edges while using a PC to polish or only when using a rotary? I thought it applied to both but I have seen several example videos of people using a PC right at the edge of body panels with no tape. Do you just tape off plastic pieces then? Thanks!

No need to tape edges as the PC doesn't produce enough heat to burn the paint like a rotary. It's posible to burn an edge but it would take some extreme effort to do so and you would have to leave the machine in one place for awhile. As long as you use proper procedure their is very little harm that can be done with a PC.

[klnyc]

Yeah for PC I would skip mask taping the molding and trim. If you were using rotary I would tape them up good. I burn few spots on the molding before.

[themightytimmah]

I only tape when compounding via rotary. I can run FPII via rotary fine without taping, no sling burning or problems. Once you step up to HT Extreme Cut or PowerGloss or most other compounds (except for OHC), sling and trim burning become serious problems, and I find that taping is easier than not taping and cleaning up afterwards.

[RTexasF]

Originally Posted by 94BlkStang

No need to tape edges as the PC doesn't produce enough heat to burn the paint like a rotary. It's posible to burn an edge but it would take some extreme effort to do so and you would have to leave the machine in one place for awhile. As long as you use proper procedure their is very little harm that can be done with a PC.

+1
I have yet to tape with a PC, no need, no harm done.

[evenflow]

Why is it so easy to burn edges with a machine?

[awahl63]

Because the paint is thinnest at the edges