Protecting Existing stickers/labels when painting

Broodwich

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i've noticed a few of you guys manage to paint parts of a cab without damaging existing factory stickers and i was wondering how you went about doing so. i was just going to tape a piece of paper/plastic over the sticker with a 1/8" border which wouldn't be painted (as the tape would have to stick there).

I've got a bunch of coin doors and trim pieces with either instruction labels or serial/part number stickers that i'd like to protect and save from overspray if possible.

Thanks for the info, feel free to share pictures/video if you have any of those as well.
 
You can saturate a paper label with acetone and it will come right off with no damage, let it dry (seconds) then you can re-glue it with super 77
 
You can saturate a paper label with acetone and it will come right off with no damage, let it dry (seconds) then you can re-glue it with super 77

acetone really??? i'd be worried about losing the ink with that.
 
I'd probably use the least stickiest tape I could find and hope for the best. You might even want to press the tape against your clothes so it can pick up a little lint and be even less sticky.
 
Stream might work too.

if possible i'd like to leave the sticker where it is and not remove it. just makes it easier with positioning and assures that it will stay stuck.

I'd probably use the least stickiest tape I could find and hope for the best. You might even want to press the tape against your clothes so it can pick up a little lint and be even less sticky.

yup yup the lint trick works great for tape that has to much adhesive, i was thinking of using that blue 3m painters tape for just over the sticker and then a more adhesive 3m tape on the edge.
 
I know there's more than 2 people that restore machines here...
 
Frisket Film has always worked for me. It's transparent, so you can easily cut out a paint mask or stencil with an exacto knife. Then you can remove it with ease, and not take the original sticker with it.

It's usually very good in dealing with overspray if you're using an airbrush, spray paint, or HVLP sprayer.

And if it makes you feel more comfortable, you can always put painters tape around the edges so no paint seeps in.
 
My secret is liquid Latex. You just slap it on, let it dry, & use a excato knife to remove what you don't need masked out.
Works great! Does no harm.

I've used them on many decals, ID tags as well. It will do the job, just make sure you mask them properly.

I'll perform an example later on this week.
 
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interesting idea's guys, never heard of Frisket Film. the liquid latex is also a great idea.

I tried some 3m blue painters tape but i'm pretty sure that it's going to pull off the paper sticker (atleast some of it) when i remove it. Luckily it's on a piece that i can easily replace/reproduce the sticker on.
 
I use the narrowest green painters tape available and put on a few layers always overlapping the decal. Once satisfied, I trim the excess tape with an exacto knive slowly not to gouch anything and away I go. 7 restos now doing this method and not one problem

Hope this helps :)
 
How about.....
Mask off around the sticker. Hit it (the sticker) with 3 - 5 coats of poly. Once it's dry you should be able to mask the sticker with no fear that the tape will stick.
Admission: I have not tried this, but I think I will.
 
Just get some wide enough 'application tape' from your local sign shop. Cover the sticker, trim the tape and paint.
 
Ok, Talk is cheap. right?

Allow me to show you how I mask at times. Here's my liquid masking Latex technique.

Here is the back of my Karnov Cab that I am restoring.
DemoBrood.jpg


Now I am going to place My Romstar/ Capcom Ghost 'n Goblins Instruction decal kit on it.
(Guys! Dont worry. I make these. I have tons.)
DemoBrood1.jpg


Now I am going to apply a layer of my liquid masking Latex.
DemoBrood2.jpg


I normally apply 2 layers.
DemoBrood3.jpg


Once dried, I trim what I dont need Masked.
DemoBrood3a.jpg


Now I apply the Paint.
DemoBrood4.jpg


Once the Paint is dried I remove the Latex
DemoBrood5.jpg


And here you go. A basic idea on How I mask my decals. This is not the greatest.
I rushed it just so I can show you guys another technique that can be done.
This is normally the way I do my masking.
DemoBrood6.jpg


Hope this helps a little. Now I have to go back and finish painting the rest of my Karnov Cab.

Enjoy!
 
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