Masking Question

[deeboy]

I am looking to paint "hot rod" style flames on a guitar body. I was wondering on how I should handle the masking of the flame.

Should I:

1- Prime the body, outline the flame shape with tape then mask the inner portion of the flame with tape and apply color to the rest of the body. If this happens, I would have to then unmask the inner portion of the flame, mask the rest of the body and then color the flame.

2- Prime the entire body. Then put my first layer of color over entire guitar. Once that has cured. One layer of clear, then allow that to cure then outline my flames and mask rest of body. Then I would shoot the flame color.

Which way is better and how long to allow for total cure? I don't want lines to appear in my color coats from masking.

[killemall8]

I am looking to paint "hot rod" style flames on a guitar body. I was wondering on how I should handle the masking of the flame.

Should I:

1- Prime the body, outline the flame shape with tape then mask the inner portion of the flame with tape and apply color to the rest of the body. If this happens, I would have to then unmask the inner portion of the flame, mask the rest of the body and then color the flame.

2- Prime the entire body. Then put my first layer of color over entire guitar. Once that has cured. One layer of clear, then allow that to cure then outline my flames and mask rest of body. Then I would shoot the flame color.

Which way is better and how long to allow for total cure? I don't want lines to appear in my color coats from masking.

definitly option 2. and yo dont neccessarily have to put a layer of clear over the first layer of color. spray your color, let dry, light wet sand, mask your flames, shoot flame color, let dry, lightly wet sand again, shoot clear on top of all of that and level it back until it is smooth.

[PaintIt]

I am looking to paint "hot rod" style flames on a guitar body. I was wondering on how I should handle the masking of the flame.

Should I:

1- Prime the body, outline the flame shape with tape then mask the inner portion of the flame with tape and apply color to the rest of the body. If this happens, I would have to then unmask the inner portion of the flame, mask the rest of the body and then color the flame.

2- Prime the entire body. Then put my first layer of color over entire guitar. Once that has cured. One layer of clear, then allow that to cure then outline my flames and mask rest of body. Then I would shoot the flame color.

Which way is better and how long to allow for total cure? I don't want lines to appear in my color coats from masking.

Option 2. If you are using automotive paints no clear would be needed but you need to clear within the MFG window for open time. Usually 24hours. You should not need to sand the base color unless it is out of window.. If it is a metallic color you cannot sand without damaging the flake and having to recoat. I like to use intercoat clear ( clear basecoat ) over anything that needs to stay unclear for awhile and this allows for scuffing without damaging the artwork or basecolors and gives the clear the proper adhesion.

[rooster]

Prime, base, lay out flames, mask rest of guitar, shoot flames as desired, clearcoat. Allow that to cure for a week or so depending on paint used, sand and buff. I use PPG Deltron Basecoats and Clears. You have a 24 hour window with this but like was stated earlier, you can use a mid coat clear or clear base to cover your work if more time is needed or you want to level or "bury" the edges left by the tape.

Remember when you mask the flames you're taping a negative image. Everything INSIDE the tape is your flame.

Here's what it looks like taped up.

and after it's unmasked...

If you use a sheet type mask it'll save you a TON of time taping in between all the flames. Take your time and have fun.

[toolfan88]

wow rooster that tank is amazing