Tips on taping edges while buffing

H

HIG

I know not everyone tapes off their edges when buffing but those that do can you share some tips/experiences on doing it?

I will need to sand my clear and do I flow coat but is this how you would tape the edges?

20121110_110648.jpg


How far should the tape cover (1/8"-1/4")?

What's a good tape to use?

Basically should I do and edge?

Shine, you mentioned using 3/4" and 2" in another thread, when do you use 2"?

Thanks, Steve
 
use blue tape !!!! it has way less adhesive.
ok see the nice curved valley between the fender and roof ? that is one of the spots where the edge of the pad can destroy the job. on an area like that i spit it in half. while buffing the top edge of the fender i will protect the roof area with 2 in. then reverse it when you polish the roof.
burning does not mean just buffing through. the edge of that pad creates a lot of temp .
 
shine;25324 said:
use blue tape !!!! it has way less adhesive.
ok see the nice curved valley between the fender and roof ? that is one of the spots where the edge of the pad can destroy the job. on an area like that i spit it in half. while buffing the top edge of the fender i will protect the roof area with 2 in. then reverse it when you polish the roof.
burning does not mean just buffing through. the edge of that pad creates a lot of temp .
Click to expand...


Is this what you mean? I'd do this to buff the top egde of the quarter (below the tape).


20121110_140016.jpg


I'm glad you mentioned using the 2" tape, on the last car I painted and buffed I had problems on there rear bumper cover, the edge of the foam pad was leaving marks where the bumper cover made a 90 degree angle, I could have taped it. Fortunately I just sanded that area and touched it up by hand but taping it would have been easier.

The blue tape is just 3M home painters tape, correct?

Thanks for the advice, Steve
 
yes ... painters blue tape is your friend. much easier and cheaper than repainting something.
 
That's a really good tip Shine. I'm always worried about burning while buffing or cutting through on edges. Thanks! and thanks for the pics to demo HIG.
 
You might want to run that tape down the center of the dip to stop the possible edge cut...yomv
 
flynams;25334 said:
You might want to run that tape down the center of the dip to stop the possible edge cut...yomv
Click to expand...

Do you mean between the quarter and where the trunk dip is?

Here?

buff.jpg


So basically run the tape anywhere that while you are using the bottom of the pad to buff the edge could cut in/overheat the finish.
 
shine;25324 said:
use blue tape !!!! it has way less adhesive.
ok see the nice curved valley between the fender and roof ? that is one of the spots where the edge of the pad can destroy the job. on an area like that i spit it in half. while buffing the top edge of the fender i will protect the roof area with 2 in. then reverse it when you polish the roof.
burning does not mean just buffing through. the edge of that pad creates a lot of temp .
Click to expand...

I sand and buff a lot, and I am always learning new techniques from the more seasoned vets in this trade. Your info is always spot on. Can we set up a donation account to pay you for your time to do some instructional vids?
 
if you look at a part there is a shadow on every problem area . peaks valleys or edges get taped. when you are doing your final polish then you can concentrate on those areas.
one repair can pay for a case of blue tape.
 
HIG;25345 said:
I wonder how many problem areas I will find here? :nightmare:

36.jpg
Click to expand...

From one newb to another, I remember standing in a pool of my own sweat with buffer in hand looking at my hood....

http://www.spiuserforum.com/showthread.php?723-split-bumper-camaro

My amateur success came from using the perfect paint job recipe(flow coats with lots of clear), take your time sanding and don't skip grits. I didn't tape edges, just took my time and paid attention to buffer direction, I sanded thru to 3000 so my time on the buffer was minimized - lots of scary places in these cars!!

Lots of helpful, knowledgeable experts here, listen to them and hard to go wrong. Lookin good so far, have fun!
 
blazerman;25480 said:
From one newb to another, I remember standing in a pool of my own sweat with buffer in hand looking at my hood....

http://www.spiuserforum.com/showthread.php?723-split-bumper-camaro

My amateur success came from using the perfect paint job recipe(flow coats with lots of clear), take your time sanding and don't skip grits. I didn't tape edges, just took my time and paid attention to buffer direction, I sanded thru to 3000 so my time on the buffer was minimized - lots of scary places in these cars!!

Lots of helpful, knowledgeable experts here, listen to them and hard to go wrong. Lookin good so far, have fun!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the encouragement!! I am following the perect paint job and so far I'm very pleased.

BTW, my car will be the reverse of yours, black with silver stripes but mine is not a split bumper RS.

Thanks, Steve
 
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