tapeing prior to polishing

[unclestu]

I am new to useing a machine to polish. Can someone please explain the correct way to tape your car prior to polishing with a flex 3401. What areas other than the emblems do you need to tape off?

Thanks
Unclestu

[Blackthornone]

Lights, mouldings, and edges. Basically any area you don't want to polish that the buffer can get near. Raised ridges sometimes, too.

[loudog2]

Espeacially the fake chrome moldings that can get scratched up. Don't forget about the clear bra edges.

[killrwheels@autogeek]

remember to use painters tape ... some other tapes will leave residue.

[Blackfire]

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

remember to use painters tape ... some other tapes will leave residue.

and try to use 14 day release tape.

[unclestu]

Thanks for all of the help.
What do you guys/gals use to get into the very small spaces around the lettering of the emblems when you polish,seal, wax and buff after tapeing? As you can tell from mw questions I am a NEWBEEE and I can use all of the help I can get. And please remember that the only dumb answer is the answer not given lol.

[Blackfire]

Meguiars Slide Lock Detailing Brush.

I think Meguiars has discontinued their brush line, but there are few remaining.

[akimel]

Here are two helpful videos on taping a car:

How to Tape Your Car (part 1)

How to Tape Your Car (part 2)

[unclestu]

Thanks Akimel for the links to the tapeing videos. They as well as the detailingbliss site were very informative.

[SRHTX]

Here is some of the vehicles I've taped: