Here is an overview on the steps for using paint masks. For right now, this should give you the basic idea of what it takes. When you order a paint mask, you will receive complete step by step instructions on how to get the best job possible. As a bonus, you will receive ideas on how to enhance your design with some easy to do techniques that help you get that custom look. A paint mask is made up of 3 parts; 1.backing, 2.the masking material itself, 3.transfer tape, this is the top layer. 
 
1. Make sure surface to be painted is clean and free from wax and grease, if necessary, use a wax and grease remover. Your hands should be clean and free from any nose picking during this procedure. You'll know if you did a lousy job at this, if your paint starts to flake off later on, and I'm sure you don't want that to happen. We came across this bum by our studio and he agreed to do this demonstration for us to prove how easy it is.

2. Determine placement of design. Secure into position by taping along upper edge of mask, allowing you to lift the mask up and carefully remove backing, (this is called the hinge method).

3.After backing has been removed, roll mask down into place trying to avoid getting any wrinkles along the edges of the design. Any place else on the mask doesn't really matter. If you are using paint mask on a rounded surface, such as a helmet or motorcycle tank, you probably will get some wrinkling along the design edge of the mask. An easy way to fix this is when the transfer tape is removed (which is the next step), you take 1/4 inch masking tape and position it so that it smoothes out the curve or straightens out a line.
 

4. Next, rub over the design edges through the transfer tape, then remove the transfer tape by starting at the upper right hand corner and slowly pulling it towards the opposite lower left hand corner. Don't pull it up towards you. You would be pulling up on the masking material and in turn, lifting the edge up.

 

4. Double check to make sure the edges of the mask are flat along the surface. This saves you time in going back and cleaning up any blow outs you might get. Now you should be ready to paint. If you are going to spray, mask off any areas that you want protected. If you are going to brush the paint in, you shouldn't need to mask off unless your a real slob and just can't help yourself. You still have to be careful not to get paint where you don't want it to be. Speaking of paint, the best paint to use for surface applications is One-Shot enamel. You can use any kind of paint you choose depending on application, but if you have been doing any research into custom work, you have probably come across this brand of paint already. If you would like to buy some for your project, there should be some place close to you that sells it, if not, check out this web site and take a look. pinstriperdepot.com , you can either purchase some or just get information. If you plan on clearing over your work, there are some other things to consider. Your paints should be compatible to avoid any kind of reaction. In custom work, even when your very careful, things can and do go wrong. Welcome to the world of custom paint!

5. Painting the exposed area is all up to you. Here, we had this guy use a small sponge to apply the paint. It leaves an interesting look without a lot of work, no masking off exposed areas. After the red was applied, he used another sponge to add yellow to the tips. The mask or stencil, which ever you prefer to call it, can also be modified or changed to suit your needs. Example, you could use one of our designs to start some line work along the side of a vehicle. It's really not hard to do and we'll give you examples and ideas to get great results. You'll notice in the next picture, that was done by using 1/4 inch tape to create that flare at the beginning of the flame.

6. When your done painting, you can remove the mask when paint is dry, or you can remove it when it's still wet, but realizing if the paint is wet, avoid touching your work with the mask or your fingers. If paint is dry, you can use your fingernail to remove mask. If it's wet, use an exacto knife and carefully peel up an edge to remove.


7. If you need to, you can carefully go in and clean up any mistakes or blow outs along the design edge by wrapping a clean rag around a butter knife, or something similar, soaked with a little paint thinner.

                   
These are just general guide lines and if you're familiar with custom paint, it makes sense to you. If you have no idea about custom paint, and you read this, it might seem a little overwhelming. But it really isn't that hard with our paint masks and the information that is provided along with it. If you have any questions or need help, you can always e-mail, or call us and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.