Masking tight curves, rounded corners

[SR99]

Anyone use narrow vinyl tape to mask rounded corners?

Compared to regular, non-elastic masking tape, narrow (1/8 or 1/4" width) vinyl tape is probably much easier to get it to conform to tight rounded corners such as the seams from parking sensor plugs in bumpers, and the rounded/curved seams where body-colored bumpers meet body panels.

When you polish over the top of this tape, I imagine it heats up. Does it leave behind sticky residue like electrical tape does when it gets heated up?

Is there a line of vinyl masking tape that does not leave behind sticky residue?

Or, how do you generally deal with masking tight rounded seams if you do something else?

[Mike Phillips]

I've used the 3M blue vinyl tape a lot and it works really well for like you say curves and rounded corners but it is on the spendy side.

I'm going to pick some up today or tomorrow for Sunday's class.

There's no perfect tape for "corners", rounded or not, you just have to do the best you can.


Pull the tape out about 2 feet off the roll and then use your hand holding the roll to guide the direction you want the tape to go and place and secure the tape with your left hand.

Hard to show with a keyboard but I think I show it in my video on taping off a car.



:)

[RaskyR1]

I've been using 3M Fineline tape for years now. Great for sharp bends and you get less adhesive pull compared to some other masking tapes. Never had it leave anything behind.

http://emob75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1968%20Firebird/IMG_3113.jpg?t=1273710941

http://emob75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/2006%20CTS-V/20110410-_MG_4456.jpg?t=1303182833


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SR99]

Thanks guys. This stuff is not easy to find in stock, but I was able to pick some up at a specialty auto paint store. It's 3M's 471+ series tape.

I think I'll try and just use it for corners and curves, and leave the straight parts to the much cheaper 233 series green masking tape. Might not work but worth a try.

[Crispy]

I have used a product similar to wrapcut fine filiment edge cutting tape. It is made for wraps but can use with masking tape. Put the filiment exactly where you want the cut and follow instructions. Makes a nice curve or circle.

[AZ Mike]

I have seen the 3M Blue Vinyl Tape at O'Reilly's. I still order from Autogeek, their prices are usually less and free shipping is only $150.00 or $7.95 on a special.