If You're Not Taping, Then What?

[SlamMan]

I was reading about taping and found out that some of you don't tape as much as you used to. Does that mean you're not polishing every last bit of paint, or going back to do a lot of stuff by hand, or just running over everything with the DA and cleaning it out later.

I'll definitely tape any rubber pieces and emblems but do you find it easier to clean polish out from between cracks and panels where paint meets paint or do you tape those too?

After taping a few places I just started thinking it might be easier to clean out polish later.

[fairlady350z]

I tape off emblems, plastic/rubber trim and headlights/taillights. I know some tape off more, but I found that this works for me.

[JohnnyCaretaker]

Taping is a time consuming process but it saves time in the end

[kdude]

I wing it with no major problems ... using a decent sealant or wax .. power lock , fuzion or lusso.. the stuff just comes off with a microfiber..

[Flash Gordon]

I tape anything thats rubber

[CEE DOG]

I tape a lot... basically everything when doing my best work. I go without sometimes but If I really want to do teh job right I tape. I know others can do the job right without taping but for me it's more fun to not have to worry about that when I am trying to perfect everything with a machine polish. I probably take longer than anybody to tape off a car but I am learning to get faster. Depending on what wax or sealant I am using I might leave the tape on to the last step or take it off after the finishing polish.

[Pie]

I only tape plastic/rubber areas. I did tape everything before but it's too time consuming. I just try to be careful.

If you're detailing for money, you should probably tape things up. I only do my own cars so I can always go back later if I miss a spot.

[SlamMan]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I'm going to have to go with just rubber and plastic because I just don't have the patience to do too much taping. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't making a big mistake. If I was getting paid doing another person's car I suppose I might feel different.

[rwright]

My personal cars or customer cars, everything is taped off. If you practice lazy you will work lazy.

[SlamMan]

My personal cars or customer cars, everything is taped off. If you practice lazy you will work lazy.

What all do you tape? Do you have any examples?