Taping before removing swirls

44Doug88

44Doug88

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Besides taping the obvious, what taping should be done on the gaps between the doors, hood etc. and the fenders?

I remember seeing a post by Mike of, what I guess, one of his classes where the students were doing some taping but can't seem to find it now.

Thanks for any info you could provide.
 
Most people do not tape door gaps

You could to protect an edge if the paint was thin or to keep dust out of an area like the engine bay
 
I guess just tape up anything you don't want a compound to touch, like rubber trim and high sharp spots in a hood or on doors.

I think he uses a vinyl tape some, especially with wool, from watching his videos, maybe from 3M.

When he sees your post maybe he will chime in and tell you everything you want to know.

I use 3M blue paper tape some but it will not protect from a aggressive compound very well. Works well on rubber trim though.
 
3M 233+ is more conformable, leaves less residue and resists water better than the Blue Stuff

The 3M Blue Vinyl is extremely durable and therefore is great for protecting bodylines when wet sanding. IMO, it is a bit expensive to use for basic taping duties

Some additional info from Mike P:

Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum - Search Results
 
I like 3M Automotive Making tape . It's green and more maneuverable than the blue tape. From what I can tell Mike uses the same in his videos I've seen.
 
Yep, rubber, plastic, vinyl trim for sure. Anything that is a 'sticker'.

One note when you're doing the belt line window trim (top of the door at the window). You'll probably want to do the first run at the bottom of the trim, top of the paint and leave the top edge loose. Then do another run that completely runs across the window glass and down onto the lower run, making sure to completely cover the window guide trim. With the lower part a bit loose, (and if you have frameless windows that go down a bit when you open the door) you'll end up with enough 'play' there that'll allow you to open/close the door without ripping all your tape job up. ;)

Reason for covering all that to begin with.... compound and polishing dust, residue, spent product etc. wants to settle down inside that trim between the glass and the felt/rubber. It can be a BEAR to get all that to clean out later, sometimes even calling for a light pressure wash so it'll rinse clean.

I'd rather buy a whole roll of tape than to have to rewash after compounding, much less after compounding AND polishing. :laughing:
 
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