plastic masking

mike r

Promoted Users
how soon after the "perfect paint job" could you cover with 3m plastic masking if you needed to do a repair or spray other panels you didn't want overspray on?
 
Depending on how much clear you have on it anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. If it's UV and you have buffed it and can't see a thumbnail imprint in the clear (if you press your thumbnail down on the clear) then it's "safe" to mask it. Keep in mind you want to get the masking (tape, plastic, paper, it's all the same) on and off quickly. Ideally no more than 6 hours. Never leave it on overnight or any longer than absolutely necessary.
 
Good question Mike.
I'm needing to protect two areas of my project (firewall and rear valance area) that are freshly painted (SS) while I do other areas.
They will need to be covered for quite a while, what should I use?

Sorry for the hi jack of your post.
 
Plastic is the worst over fresh paint for leaving possible damage. Paper is safer as long as any poly coated side is not against the fresh paint. There are also certain 3M tapes that are specifically made not to imprint or leave residue as bad as regular masking tape, like 3M 06529. I have used 3M 06847 liquid mask on cured paint without issues, but as Chris said above, leaving any overspray protection on fresh paint for a long period is risky.
 
Back
Top