Masking paint, filler, and putty edges

• Sources of error:
  • Sharp taping in surfaces during filling, filling, or painting.
  • The masking tape was applied too close to the working surface with sharp edges. The closer you get to the surface to be coated, the more important it is to use the correct masking technique.
  • Ignoring helping edges and beads on the object.
  • Making the wrong material choice for the application purpose.
• Error prevention:
  • Selecting the „closest possible“ rounding or edge as a masking option. On passenger cars, always look for the nearest edge. This avoids most of the problems associated with edge formation. Superfluous overspray on the surface can be easily eliminated by sanding.
  • Do not stick sharp edges around your workspace (the only exception is when filling „hard“ beads).
  • Mask off a wide area around the surface to be painted. In the surrounding areas, it is better to „soft paint“.
  • Do not „tape“ the filler – filler edges may be visible in the final coat despite sanding.
  • Work strategically. Each work step must be well thought out in advance. The more thought you give to your process beforehand, the less rework will be required later.
  • Use appropriate materials for masking. (Soft tape or „the worm“ in a door rabbet is a good example here. Instead of using a lot of tape, use a foam instead).
• Repair path:
  • During preparation: sand surface flat and continue paint buildup as planned. Sharp edges must be completely removed! Otherwise, this area will be marked in metallic paints.
  • Edges that are visible after the final coating can only be removed by a new paint build-up. Here the surface is sanded flat and recoated. Here it does not help to use only clear lacquer.

See also „Masking off“ – Possible working methods and usual materials