Masking Canopies

I always use the Scotch "frosty tape." After giving the canopy a bath in Future & waiting 2 days, I burnish the tape down, & trim, under magnification, w/ a brand-new blade. For compound curves, I trim the frame outline from individual strips of tape. I apply it just before painting, & remove as soon as the paint is dry to the touch. It always works for me, as I can't remember the last time I had any bleed-under or crooked lines. Hope this helps !

Thanks Pixilater, i will futurize my canopy today and will try your tip.

Saul

Saul - Make SURE that you let the Future cure COMPLETELY ( 2 days). It may seem like a long wait, but it takes less time than having to do it over again. The frosty tape "changes color" when it is firmly dow. You can use a Q-Tip to press down the "lighter" areas at the edges. First paint the interior color, (some follow this w/ black to make the paint more opaque), then the exterior color. If you paint the canopy before you mount it, remember to also mask the inside (I usually use drafting tape). Spray in light, even coats, as a heavy, wet coat can run under the tape.
GOOD LUCK !

A technique I have recently discovered is to mask all canopy framing in one direction first, ie vertical bars, and paint, before doing the same for the horizontals. This saves having to mask off individual panels.

Saw this in a book, so can take no credit for it!

Didn't know about frosty tape either!

Just wondering...what's the purpose in dipping the canopy in Future first?
Dana

Dana,

Future will help the transparence of your canopy as well as eliminate any minor imperfection. Believe me, I saw it mentioned this for years in books and magazines but have just tried and works fantastic!!

Saul