When and what do I tape?

I do a lot of taping for various reasons:

First, to protect textured trim from staining.
Second: I mask off plastic parts where they join metal so the rotary doesn't burn the plastic.
Third: I mask off flat black painted trim or certain BMW parts that can be damaged by the rotary.

740i_Black_TopCompoundBottomGlazed.jpg


Finally, for a LSP, I use a non-staining product like Meg's #26. I also remove the tape prior to the final power wash (which removes compound and glaze from body seams).

Taping is not expensive, but it does consume some time. Plus, you save that time by not having to perform trim cleaning.

Toto
 
Ok- Sounds like it is better to be safe than sorry. Since I have very little experience I will error on the side of caution. It will take some extra time but sounds like it is worth it. What color is the tape for delicate surfaces or does it marked on the label?
 
Tonya said:
Nice Rottie!
Tonya
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..and thats a good looking kid you've got there.

FMINUS--if you are just starting with the rotary you are bound to be a little extra messy until you get control, so you might want to consider taping off a lot at first. Also, there can be a lot of throw until you get the hang of the right amount of product, and how to pick up a bead. As your skill develops, you can just tape as Totoland does, but that guy is a pro. Note from the pics that he does his side panel work with the vehicle on a lift.
 
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killrwheels@autogeek said:
It should also be noted for those that may not have done "taping" before, to use blue masking tape or what is commonly called Painters Tape. Most other tapes can/will leave some residue on paint, trim, and weatherstripping.
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:applause: :cheers:
Aim in, you want the 14 day release tape you can find it at any Home Depot or even any grocery store!

Get two or three size widths as well, you don't want wide tape for a small crevice

Im the MAN
 
Oh great advice, I didn't think about different widths!
 
i heard the green painters tape is the best . it comes off even easyer with out leaving any residue. 3m green tape.
 
Painter’s Tape (Masking Tape):
Mask-off around windows, badges, and door handles and any bodywork edges and vinyl trim, using Painter's Mate Green® brand masking tape; this tape for delicate surfaces, removes cleanly from a paint film or glass surface without adhesive transfer or surface damage for up to 8 days - even when exposed to direct sunlight. Remove by trying to keep to a somewhat horizontal plane don’t pull directly upwards. It is a medium adhesion tape with a flexible crepe backing allows for exceptional conformability to semi-smooth surfaces - http://www.paintersmatetape.com/
 
mywifehatesclowns said:
I have yet to see Green painters tape.
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I found it in the paint section of a parts store. Didn't really know what I was getting at the time but got it because of watching "Overhaulin". It's close to the price of the blue tape.
 
That wax wont do anything to your trim and wouldnt tape. In fact its nice on the trim.
 
Gnarboots11 said:
That wax wont do anything to your trim and wouldnt tape. In fact its nice on the trim.
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they have the green tape at sears hardwear and autozone
 
For the products you're using, I wouldnt tape. Even if you're new at detailing. If you get some on trim, no big deal, just wipe off with QD.

I always tape when using a machine/ polish though.
 
Totoland Mach said:
I do a lot of taping for various reasons:

First, to protect textured trim from staining.
Second: I mask off plastic parts where they join metal so the rotary doesn't burn the plastic.
Third: I mask off flat black painted trim or certain BMW parts that can be damaged by the rotary.

740i_Black_TopCompoundBottomGlazed.jpg


Finally, for a LSP, I use a non-staining product like Meg's #26. I also remove the tape prior to the final power wash (which removes compound and glaze from body seams).

Taping is not expensive, but it does consume some time. Plus, you save that time by not having to perform trim cleaning.

Toto
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Which "parts" on BMWs that can be damaged?
 
FMINUS said:
Which "parts" on BMWs that can be damaged?
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Door handles cannot take the rotary pad as long as the surrounding door panel. Also, the plastic body panels that adjoin sheet metal such as: bumper to fender, rocker panel to door bottom. I also tape the Roundel's on hood and trunk.

Hope that helps ya. I've burned enough parts to be extra careful anymore.

Toto
 
Totoland Mach said:
Door handles cannot take the rotary pad as long as the surrounding door panel. Also, the plastic body panels that adjoin sheet metal such as: bumper to fender, rocker panel to door bottom. I also tape the Roundel's on hood and trunk.

Hope that helps ya. I've burned enough parts to be extra careful anymore.

Toto
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When you say "plastic parts" you mean unpainted plastic body panels? Or painted plastic?
I know some lower end models have plastic moldings while most higher end or sport packages have all painted parts.

And can you explain "roundels"

Thanks!!!
 
FMINUS said:
When you say "plastic parts" you mean unpainted plastic body panels? Or painted plastic?
I know some lower end models have plastic moldings while most higher end or sport packages have all painted parts.

And can you explain "roundels"

Thanks!!!
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I tape the unpainted plastic door guards on the older Bimmers and when I use the rotary on sheet metal, I tape the painted plastic parts like the bumper edge.

Roundels are the plastic/metal BMW logos attached to the hood and trunk. It doesn't take much to ruin either with a rotary. I've known some folks that remove them, but it's easier to use painter's tape.

Toto
 
Totoland Mach said:
Taping is not expensive, but it does consume some time. Plus, you save that time by not having to perform trim cleaning.

Toto
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This is a very true statement, thank you Toto.
I would rather tape than painstakingly wipe off all products from crevices.
 
Totoland Mach said:
I tape the unpainted plastic door guards on the older Bimmers and when I use the rotary on sheet metal, I tape the painted plastic parts like the bumper edge.

Roundels are the plastic/metal BMW logos attached to the hood and trunk. It doesn't take much to ruin either with a rotary. I've known some folks that remove them, but it's easier to use painter's tape.

Toto
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"bumper edge" the part that meets the fender? The crack?
 
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