Tapeing idea

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

I'm putting down my epoxy floor coating this weekend. I will be using two different colors. Here's my thinking on a technique to tape off the two areas.

First, I plan to use scotch blue painters paint since it doesn't leave any residue. Next I went online and found some specs on this tape. I found out that it is 7.9 mils thick. The coating I will be putting down is supposed to yield a 20 mil thickness. Mine will probably be a little thicker since I ordered a little more to make sure.

So here's my tape plan. I'll first lay out my tape to seperate the two colors. Using a putty knive I'l run the edges just to make sure they have good contact with the floor. Next I'll take another piece of tape and overlap the first piece about 1/2". I'll do the same with two more layers giveing me a total of four layers of tape. Then I'll use a stratight edge and a good single edge razor blade to trim the tape based on the first piece of tape I put down. I'll then run the edges one more time to make sure all edges are smooth.

I figure thie should give me about a 32 mil thick "dam" for the epoxy to pool up against as it self levels. Then when I put down my second color the thickness of the first will give it a place to level too. Of course I'll still tape along the edge of the first color to prevent over run.

Does this make sense and sound like a good plan of attack ???

 

[dps]

That doesn't sound like a bad idea. I would think about maybe changing the upper layers of tape to duct tape though. A first layer of blue for the no residue factor, but then add any number of layers of the much stronger duct tape which will make it a lot easier to pull up in a single piece. The crepe tapes tend to come up in bits and pieces, especially if any of the epoxy has dried or bled between the layers.

 

[Jabberwalk]

I use a diamond blade on an angle grinder to score the floor (1'16"w x 1/16" d). The coating can run into the crevasse . Clean after it dries, and apply the second (or third) color. I know some people use painter tape with no problems. I like to leave the seam as a visual separation.

 

[04 Navi]

Awesome. I never thought of doing that.

 

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

That doesn't sound like a bad idea. I would think about maybe changing the upper layers of tape to duct tape though. A first layer of blue for the no residue factor, but then add any number of layers of the much stronger duct tape which will make it a lot easier to pull up in a single piece. The crepe tapes tend to come up in bits and pieces, especially if any of the epoxy has dried or bled between the layers.

Excellent idea. I'll probably go this way. Plus with duct tape being thicker will probably only need on extra layer of tape.

 

[PAToyota]

One thing to consider is that a number of epoxies have pretty strong solvents in them - having had some personal experiences with foam brushes and various roller covers "melting" when used with epoxy... I'm thinking that similar problems could occur with regular masking tape or duct tape - leaving one horrible ungodly mess when you went to strip the tape off. I'd make sure that the tapes being used were up to the task before depending on them for a large project.

 

[thegarageguy]

Hey Jabberwalk, nice work. Have you ever considered using a rollercart for your saw cuts?

 

[Jabberwalk]

Thanks-
I have thought of buying one like a Joe Due- but they are too damn expensive!! We are doing multi color floors about 10% of the time so I am going to have to break down and get one soon. Any recommendations?

 

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

One thing to consider is that a number of epoxies have pretty strong solvents in them - having had some personal experiences with foam brushes and various roller covers "melting" when used with epoxy... I'm thinking that similar problems could occur with regular masking tape or duct tape - leaving one horrible ungodly mess when you went to strip the tape off. I'd make sure that the tapes being used were up to the task before depending on them for a large project.

100% solids. No solvents so this is not an issue.

 

[thegarageguy]

Thanks-
I have thought of buying one like a Joe Due- but they are too damn expensive!! We are doing multi color floors about 10% of the time so I am going to have to break down and get one soon. Any recommendations?

I use it to cut my square and diamond patterns.
Check your PM.