Buffing: tape or no tape?

[602rwtq]

I`ve had problems with compound/polish getting in jambs, hinges, cracks, and seals. But when I use masking tape to cover these problem areas, there is an obvious border left behind where the tape was.



Does anybody have a solution?

[imported_themightytimmah]

Usually I`m just very careful about taping out to the edges of the paint so that all the paint is similar, then when I get done, I QEW with a chenille mitt and go at the seams pretty aggressively. I am not that picky about the QEWing, just around the seams and on any wax spots that I might have missed on the wipedown.

[Tanat198]

I believe 3M has a masking tape that is good for masking without leaving any trace of glue on the surface. You may wanna look at hardware store. I`m sure it`s available anywhere.

[602rwtq]

What`s QEW`ing and what`s a chenille mit?

[imported_liam]

QEW - Quick and Easy Wash, hoseless washing method -

do a search.

Chenille mit - type of washing mit that can release trapped dirt, unlike a sponge/rag - do a search.

[salty]

602rwtq if you mean that there is a difference under the taped area compared to the compounded area, then remove the tape after compound and polish the area. I don`t know what products you are using but if you have excessive polish in seams, you might be using too much. Try less and see if it does the job.

[Casebrius]

3M`s blue tape is great, but I couldn`t find it for less than $5 a roll, enough for about 2-3 cars. Does regular masking tape work OK or does it leave residue?

[White95Max]

Regular masking tape would probably leave a residue on the paint.

If you`re going to be using masking tape on a vehicle, just get the tape made for that purpose.

[Casebrius]

Originally posted by White95Max

Regular masking tape would probably leave a residue on the paint.



PROBABLY or DOES? Do you have experience with it?

[SK2003TypeS]

Hmmm, I don`t tend to run into this issue. I just tape the trim and cover the glass with some T-shirts. As far as the crevices, I`d try to lay a strip of tape inside the crevice. Ex: Open the hood and tape on the "rain gutter" where the bolts/screws hold the quarter panel on. Is this the area you`re refering too ? :nixweiss

Otherwise, as mentioned above, there may be too much product being used.



I`ve been painting an entire new 2nd floor......it`s been killing me to actually use 3M`s painters tape for....painting !!! :faint:

[SamIam]

I have experience taping with regular masking tape, and it DOES leave a ridge and adhesive residue.

[Accumulator]

Yeah, regular (tan) tape will leave nasty stuff on the paint and so will cheap, generic blue masking tape (*DO NOT* use the generic blue stuff from Lowe`s).



Back when the regular stuff was all there was we frequently had to use solvents to remove the residue.

[stilez]

If I`m using Final Polish or Optimum Polish, I don`t tape because I VERY RARELY get any splatter or dusting. If I am compounding or using other products, I tape up the emblems and any high points with Duct Brand Painter`s Tape with clean-release.