Pulling Masking Tape w/ Epoxy over it

[Rustyd02359]

I will be masking off a 3-4" lip on the concrete walls of my garage. Question is, When do I pull tape? As I paint? If I wait, When I go to pull the tape w/ epoxy hardened will this crack and ruin the epoxy edge? ANyone do this yet? Must be someone out there. I will be cleat coating too so I guess I will have to leave until clear is applied?

 

[bmwpower]

I would pull it off as soon as the epoxy is good enough to walk on. Bring a razor blade just in case. Pull the tape slowly and use the razor blade slice areas that are not coming loose.

How long are you going to wait until you coat with the clear?

 

[Rustyd02359]

As soon as I can, I think it can be done in 16 hours. WOUld have to check, but I plan on doing it in a weekend.

 

[jhchoppers]

I would do the same as any masking job. The sooner the better while it is still wet.

1) Paint the border first, then pull the tape. When you pull the tape, pull it at 45 degree angle in the direction that you are pulling. This will cut the epoxy and give you the best edge.

2) Then epoxy the rest of the floor.

When you paint graphics on cars or bikes, you always pull the tape while it is wet, this alows the edge to flow and prvents the graphic from pealling up.

Hope this helps.

 

[Hammerdown]

Good words of wisdom from JHChoppers. I try to pull tape from a wet surface every time, as it eliminates the chance of pulling paint with it. If you do not get to the tape before the epoxy dries, follow bmwpowers advice. Score the edge of the tape with a razor prior to pulling, and take your time. You don't want a rush to remove tape to ruin your newly completed project.

 

[Rustyd02359]

I actually sent jh a PM cuase he just di his. So I guess I should mask twice if I want it right then, Once for coat and once for clear. Here goes nothin'!

 

[Floorguy]

I agree with JH. You want to pull while wet. DO NOT LET IT HARDEN then pull. I learned the hard way and ended up with a blue trim from the tape.

I use spikes to go back and get it but trimming and then pulling before it dries works as well.

 

[Kelly]

DO NOT LET IT HARDEN then pull.

i used duct tape to mask the line along the front (where the doors meet the floor)
i waited for everything to dry and then pulled it up.
the epoxy flaked because it was dried, but i just swept it all up.

i was told not to use the blue masking tape because the expoy will soak through, making it a PITA to get up.

 

[Vicious_Cycle]

I used the blue stuff without any problems. My epoxy was the Sherwin Williams ArmorSeal 1000HS. I pulled the tape just as soon as I was finished rolling out the epoxy. Nice, clean line.

 

[Rustyd02359]

Thanx for the experiences, great info. I put up the "BLUE" stuff today so its too late for that. Just will have to paint it and pull it to avoid any problems.

"I love it when A Plan Comes Together" Coating fri or sat, but hoping for fri. Depends on how early I can get home from work.

I Know, don't celebrate, its not done yet.

I was saying at family dinner sunday that the best part of the work is watching it DRY!