Painting pin stripes?

Bugman · #1 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 11:27 AM

Since this place is full of guys with knowledge on all sorts of topics perhaps someone can help me out. My son is building a Cobra to look just like mine. It is the ultimate compliment but before you envision twin Cobras blasting down the highway I'll let you know my son is 9 yrs old and is building his first pinewood derby car. I'll see if I can't get some side by side pics when he's through. My question is on how to paint the pin stripes. Here is the plan, after the base coat is applied and dry we plan on taping off the pin stripes then use a rattle can to paint on the stripes. How long should I let the paint dry before pulling off the tape? I don't want to pull too early and have the paint run and am worried if I let it dry overnight it will crack and peel the paint off. Any paint guys that can help out there???

Snakebit · #2 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 11:35 AM

Don't use masking tape. Get some 3M Fine line tape. It's a blue vinyl low tac tape. When the paint is dry, about 20 minutes for rattle can, or just touch the tape to make sure it's dry. Pull the tape off at an angle toward the painted edge of the stripe.

Bugman · #3 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 11:45 AM

Thanks Snakebit! I have some of the Duck painters tape but I'll go get the 3m stuff. The Duck brand seems more like masking tape than vinyl. I don't really want to have to do this more than once!

RedBarchetta · #4 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 11:56 AM

If you want the stripe edges to "flow" smooth, then you remove the tape immediately after applying the paint. Then when you clearcoat over it you won't feel the lines as much. Then again, this a pinewood derby car and not getting prepared for Barrett-Jackson.

Bugman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 02:11 PM

I don't know it might be Barrett Jackson material. I just left the auto body supply store after buying tape. It cost me $23 for just the tape! I left my jar of KY at home too.

RedBarchetta · #6 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugman

It cost me $23 for just the tape!

I don't think an auto paint store in Beverly Hills would get that much.

A simple roll of 1/4" fine line "poly" tape, along with a $6.00 roll of the 1" 3M "blue" masking tape, is all you really need.

Lists for around $15 and you can find the non-3M brands for about $10/roll.

Next time bring the KY.

Bugman · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008, 07:26 AM

Did the pin stripes this morning and they came out beautiful!! Thanks for the help I really appreciate it!

Snakebit · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008, 02:26 PM

Glad to hear it worked out. Post some pics.