The Tape Line ---> How to avoid the line when doing a Test Spot by Mike Phillips

[Mike Phillips]

The Tape Line ---> How to avoid the line when doing a Test Spot by Mike Phillips

While using a tape-line works to show dramatic before and after differences you want to be careful because there's a downside to using a tape-line when doing a Test Spot.

The downside is if you buff DIRECTLY on top of the painter's tape you can leave a physical line in the paint that can be sometimes impossible to remove.

When I do these types of things for articles I'm trying to create a DRAMATIC "Before & After" picture showing the before and after results with a strong demarcation line.

Unless you "want" or "need" the picture then just buff close to the tape line, not directly on top of the tape line and you'll avoid creating a physical surface level difference in the paint that shows up as an actual "line" in the paint. (that can sometimes be hard to buff out).

Make sense?

Here's an example of the kind of picture results you can get when using a tape-line for your test spot or any time you're trying to show others before and after results.

For example, I use a tape-line to showcase pads, product and tools on TV shows like Chasing Classic Cars, My Classic Car, Two Guys Garage and Motorhead Garage because in the TV world you have very limited time to get your message across, make an impact as well as leave a lasting impression with our audience.

Before and after demarcation line

You can get this type of dramatic before and after difference on neglected paint by using a strip of painter's tape on a body panel and then only buffing on one side of the tape.


Mike

 

[Fech]

Thanks for the article Mike!

 

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks for the article Mike!

This is a lesson I learned the hard way. I didn't think buffing directly on the actual strip of tape would alter the paint in a way that could not be undone, not even with sanding, as I've tried. I found this out when using a tape line to show before and after differences on a Mercedes-Benz for a video, which is also the picture above showing before and after differences. And also on a Ferrari F430, which can be seen on the cover of my RUPES how-to book.

Anytime anyone is using a tape line to show the before and after differences, its much safer to buff up NEXT to the tape line, but don't buff ON the tape line.


Try to learn from other people's mistakes, you may not live long enough to make them all on your own. Elenore Roosevelt



Mike

 

[VintageRestore]

Thanks Mike. How is it that polishing on the tape line actually damages the paint? Is it less risky with certain kinds of low-stick tape vs. 'regular' tape?

 

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks Mike. How is it that polishing on the tape line actually damages the paint? Is it less risky with certain kinds of low-stick tape vs. 'regular' tape?

I don't know the answer, I just know what I've seen over the decades. I also know, I'm not the only person that has created this type of line imperfection in car paint by buffing on the tape line.

Even after sanding, I wasn't able to remove the line. My guess is it has to do with a combination of dynamics taking place,

• Heat - paint swelling.
• Chemical reaction - combined with heat and pressure.
• Pressure - creating heat and affecting chemical interaction.
• Maybe - maybe the adhesive interacting under the tape?

Maybe someone with more experience or with a chemistry background an figure it out.


Mike