Anyonw know how to get a perfectly straight line when spraying paints on? I'm trying to paint a rim round the nosecone in spray paint on to gelcoat. I mask it off but anytime I pull the tape off it takes paint with it or leaves the line all wonky. not sure whether to leave it on longer or take it off quicker?! It takes 5-6 coats to get a decent colour so can't take it off between each one and re-apply! Cheers for any advice....Oli.

The standard (beige) masking tape is no good for really precise lines - Believe that body shops use a special plastic tape - If you've a paint spayers near you try and beg some off?...

Do you mean pinstripping? what about using pinstrip tape as used by bodyshops? Check your local automotive paint suppliers, they normally have a selection .

you need fine line tape. and it sounds like you need to etch the surface your spraying.

if it takes 5-6 coats your using the wrong paint!!

[Edited on 22/9/06 by k33ts]

Definately need to key GRP, either with a selfetch primer, or fine wet and dry. Plus well degrease prior to this, as when it comes from the mould, it has a wax residue still on it. Agree about the fine line tap, use that, and back up the remaining masked area with ordinary tape and paper. Hope that helps. Ray.

you also need to consider using a razor blade break the seal between the paint and the tape. If you watch American Chopper or biker build off the painters who pinstripe the fuel tanks carefully slice with a razor blade.

How about using one of these?

Cheers

Mark

Cheers guys. I couldn't get my hands on the special masking tape. I etched the surface using wet+dry paper so no probs there....I didn't use a razor blade though which probably would have helped......I've done my painting now really cheaply so I can get an idea of how it will look....once I make my mind up I'll remove the paint again and take it down to the local paint sprayers and get them to do it properly.....Cheers Oli.