Car masking solutions for coating and repair

Customer Challenge:
Choosing and properly using the right masking tape for eliminating issues related to quality and efficiency in the paint shop.

Technical Tip:
Look for 3M™ Premium Masking Tapes with release coatings and a primer layer that will anchor the adhesive to the backing. Similarly, masking tapes are available with different adhesives formulated for clean removal from different automotive substrates including rubber or glass, without leaving adhesive residue. Humidity is also a particular problem, as it can cause condensation on the panel surface. Many masking tape adhesives do not perform well when faced with high water penetration.

Customer Challenge:
Reusable, untreated plastic and paper sheeting does not prevent dried paint from flaking off and contaminating the fresh paint job upon removal.

Technical Tip:
Instead of a combination of plastic and paper, we recommend the use of 3M™ Premium Masking Films as they easily pay for themselves in shorter masking time and reduced rework. Our film surface is speciallly treated, which helps paint adhere to it and prevents flaking. You can also tape directly to the plastic sheeting instead of using it in conjunction with masking paper.

Customer Challenge:
Edge “elopement” is a physical effect that occurs when coating surfaces. This causes the coating on edges to be thinner than on flat surfaces, which often leads to massive rework due to sanding or polishing through the edges.

Technical Tip:
3M™ Soft Edge Foam Masking Tape PLUS and 3M™ Smooth Transition Tape are specifically engineered to soften or virtually eliminate hard paint lines on automotive jambs,bonnets, boot lines and other areas where paint must blend seamlessly. 3M uses soft foams, precision-engineered adhesives and more to allow paint to feather for virtually invisible paint lines.

Customer Challenge:
Masking tapes can deteriorate in quality over time if not handled properly.

Technical Tip:
Store your masking products right to protect their balanced properties and adhesion - at 20 °C, 50 %rh in a clean, dry space without direct sun light is ideal.

Best practice for attaching masking tapes:

Avoid stretching the tape, particularly when applying it in cavities or dips.
Firm press the edge of the tape to assure correct adhesion and prevent unclean edges.