Tape for paint detailing

What tape can I use for paint detailing?
I would like to try painting some flames on the fuel tank and need tape that can easily curve.

 

I do airbrushing and I use a material called Frisket material. You can pick this up at most art supply stores. It comes in sheets and you can trace any pattern on it, cut the pattern, peel and stick. I've attached a pic of what I did on my gas tank.

 

This is what it looks like in the process.

 

NAPA sells pinstriping tape.

 

tewlman - nice, is this something you stick on and clear coat over or lay the template over and paint?

kevineleven - Thanks, didn't think of that..

 

3M Pinstripe Blue Vinyl

Various widths.
Autobody Supply Store

Lays down nice. Can be continuously lifted and re-applied. "Pulls and shapes" ... "Rounds corners and curves"

Base for all Custom Painting.
Use this tape for the shape ... press down firmly for no-seep edge.
Masking tape is applied above this base leaving the vinyl edge.
Pulls-away from the applied color leaving a straight line with no under-edge seep.

 

Thanks dude

 

I've been using Fine-line tape for my flame jobs. You can get it in various widths all the way down to 1/32. It works great for making tight curves (which is where you really need it doing a good flame job) It comes in a kind of olive green color and there's also a medium blue, but that's thicker and doesn't make tight curves as well. I buy mine at an auto supply warehouse.
I have also used pinstriping tape for flame jobs. The kind that you peel off the backing and stick it on. If I find it on sale, I'll buy it because it works well for bigger arcs and I always like to have some on hand.
Most of my flame jobs are usually done with a fine line pinstriped along the outside edge, so if I have a fuzzy edge, that will cover it up.
"like a carpenter...you learn how to cover your mistakes!" >PD<

 

Thanks for the advice PD.
I post a pic when I get it done. I must admit, for my first time painting, my bike paint looks awesome. Hope I get the same results with the flames.

 

Oh BTW,
How many clear coats can I safely put on?
Can I paint over clearcoat and clearcoat again?

 

Nammy.
Yes you can do several layers of clearcoat. I did 8 coats on mine! Mainly because I wanted to get as smooth a surface as possible. I wet sanded between each coat (as soon as it set) to get rid of any ridges from the pinstriping and flames. I figured at minimum, I'd do three for sure to get good protection incase of a gas spill. >PD<

 

Good stuff, how about buffing, how long before I can start buffing the paint job to make it look perfect?

 

nammy,
With the acrylic enamel I used, it takes 7 days for it to set completely before buffing it out. Just go by the directions on how long it takes to set and you'll be fine. Buff it too soon and you'll just put burn marks in it.

 

Yes you paint it on your paint job before clearcoating. It will not leave a residue nor pull the paint up. I put on 10 coats of clearcoat, using 3000 grit between coats. I wanted pleanty of fudge factor for buffing. Make sure you use something compatible with your basecoat and automotive colors for your detailing. ensure you get a clearcoat that will resist chemicals, mainly Gasoline. Damn, so much to remember but your paint store will help you with all of this.

 

Thanks for the inputs guy's.