Best masking tape & technique for painting coachlines

[Oldmogman]

Could anyone recommend the best tape and technique for painting coachlines using Humbrol enamel paint?

I’ve heard Frog Tape is very good and see it’s available in two types, with green for multisurface and yellow for delicate surfaces. Which should I use?

Also, I’m guessing I should degrease the surface of the swage lines before applying the tape, but do I need to lightly key the surface of the paint where the lines will go – perhaps using T-Cut?

Finally, does anyone have any tips for applying the tape and painting? (I’m borrowing a sign-writer’s brush for the job (but I don’t think my hand is steady enough to paint freehand!)

Thanks all!

[Chief]

3M blue is the usual masking tape I've seen recommended for car paint work, which is why I've used it myself - that said it can leave bits you have to fingernail peel off the car - not tried it for coachlines, mine were painted on by the restorer we used.

[Steve Phillips]

Rather than papar backed regular masking tape have a look at fineline tape,
It's a vinyl tape that gives a much cleaner edge,
It is also normally much thinner than masking tape, 2mm 3mm 4mm wide etc
You used to be able to get it in single and multiple strand options, so fo example you could stick three sections simultaneously along the body line then peel out the center tape leaving you with an even 3mm line ready for you to paint into,
If you use the single strand you have to pinstripe the car with the first piece of tape then stick one above and one below then remove the first piece of tape leaving the section to be painted,
Use brake cleaner to degrease the area you will be working on,

Hope this helps

Steve

[Oldmogman]

Thanks Steve - that sounds perfect for coachlining!