Taping off a test spot!!!! You still doing it?

[Dr Oldz]

While I feel performing a test spot is ultra crucial, I don’t feel taping one off is. Let me explain:

For years I have been taping off a spot and judging how the test spot came out by the fine line where the tape covered vs didn’t cover. It gives a great indication of what your process will do. My problem with taping and running a buffer over that tape line is 2 things.
1) What I like to call adhesive migration. This is when some of the adhesive from the tape actually pulls out from underneath during the buffing process and begins to affect the pad/buffing liquid performance.
2) The buffing liquid builds up right on the edge and gives you that line when the tape is removed. I find myself having to rub/remove that area excessively, possibly creating towel induced marring thus working backwards.

So I have stopped taping my test spots. To judge how my test spot came out I simply make a mental line of where to buff to. Then I fold a 16x16 in half then I fold in half again the same way giving myself a 4x16 towel that I use to lay down on the paint as my border. Then I simply take my light of choice and compare to see how my test spot came out. It’s much easier and a bit safer I believe. While it may not look as dramatic I feel this is a better method.

While taping when polishing is necessary the less you have to do the better. Most areas we tape don’t get the harsh treatment from a buffer as a test spot does so the above issues may not be as noticeable or even a problem.

I hope this may help someone.

Thoughts?

[PaulMys]

Agree. Tape line is SO nice for pics to show on the forum, or a "before and after" for anyone new to this process.

But for me, I have never found it necessary.

[kevincwelch]

Agree with PaulMys. Did it for some snazzy pictures, but it just adds unnecessary time when you're trying to dial in. You don't need to the tape to help with the results.

[LEDetailing]

Great point. How about something like this?



Small pieces of tape to make a virtual taped off test spot. Satisfies the inner perfectionist, without having to screw around with the above mentioned tape/polish issues.


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[supercharged75]

Never been a fan, I can make a brief video showing both sections.

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[FUNX650]

I never have taped-off a “Test Spot”;
or ever will in the foreseeable future.


Bob

[Paul A.]

I went through almost the exact same experience. I used to tape off my test spots but now simply compare the tested spot to an adjacent area that remained untouched.

[dlc95]

Nope.

[Dan Tran]

Starting out, absolutely.

Because I have a trained eye, I rarely anymore.

I will say that the progressive test spot that Dylan (Rupes) performed in one of the TRC videos was interesting. He started off with blue/blue for the entire door panel (of course in super rough shape).

Once finished, he put a tape line and then followed up with yellow/yellow for 2/3 of the panel.

After, for the final 1/3 of the panel white/white.

It demonstrated how much gloss he was able to produce with each step for sure. But we are also talking about the Rupes system specially.

[RayVega]

No way. Sometimes having to remove the tape line can really bite you in the butt.