Tank Painting with Rattle Cans

[tony.barnett]

I'm trying to paint my 1938 Ariel tank - the chrome was too far gone. I've got it primed, and a silver basecoat applied. Now I'm trying to paint on the red panels before lining it, but I'm finding that the masking tape (automotive stuff allegedly) is lifting the paint.

I'd appreciate any tips - general to preparing and painting with rattle cans, and specific to lining and masking.

Cheers

Tony

[Bernie Blundell]

Give this a try bud ... https://www.toolstation.com/masq-low-ta ... lsrc=aw.ds ... there automotive low tack tapes available quite often in different widths, just take more finding.
Edit: here you go ... https://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/low-ta ... W1EALw_wcB

[tony.barnett]

Thanks Bernie - the tape I am using is allegedly low tack - but its bloody sticky...

[SteveShone]

I've just left a reply on the VMCC forum for this, Tony. I'll attach the pdf here too just in case anyone else finds it useful.

Steve

Painting a tank.pdf

(1011.66 KiB) Downloaded 60 times

[tony.barnett]

So you have! Thanks Steve.

[JohnnyBeckett]

hi if the paint is lifting when removing the masking tape the tank was not keyed properly before painting

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

Maybe old hat but just for the sake of it.

Peel away the tape pretty soon after painting but not too soon
Wet paint releases itself easier than dryed paint as that wants to rip.
Pull the tape by moving slightly away from whatever you painted, not over the paint.
Pull under a pretty steep angle but take care not to let the freed tape (with fresh paint on it) touch your work .
Use 2K rattle cans for anything that comes in contact with petrol.
as a example : https://www.nonpaints.com/en/2k-ral-spr ... high-solid
Any other paint will blister in no time starting around the filler neck.
just the vapor from the petrol is attacking 1 K paint, wiping it clean will not help

[paul.jameson]

I use 3M Fine Lining tape, available in various widths but any tape bought for the purpose from a professional automotive paintshop supplies should do the job. I use Spraywell Paints in Bromsgrove.