Masked the waterline for bottom paint then it rained

[felizcortez]

I was prepping to put on bottom paint tomorrow and it looks like it is going to rain tonight. I applied masking tape on the waterline this evening, so it would be ready to go in the morning. I used scotch painters tape, but if it rains am I going to need to redo the waterline masking?

[DefinitelyMe]

The scotch blue stuff? No it'll be ok. Just don't leave it on for too long (more than a couple of days) especially if it's gotten wet.

If you're worried, do a test strip. Peel back a foot or two in whatever spot got the most wet and if it comes off then the rest will too.

[felizcortez]

Will try the test idea. I probably can't paint tomorrow now.

I need to do a coat of barrier coat and then 3 coats of bottom paint at the waterline and leading edges so I can peel the tape in the same day.

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by felizcortez

Will try the test idea. I probably can't paint tomorrow now.

I need to do a coat of barrier coat and then 3 coats of bottom paint at the waterline and leading edges so I can peel the tape in the same day.

You may be in for a world of hurt.....should have just removed the tape and reapplied at the time you are able to paint. The only product I’ve found to remove masking tape residue is Interlux 202....and lots of elbow grease.

[SalingSue]

I’d redo it regardless, that isn’t quality painters tape by any means.

Frog tape is what you seek, it also will hold up to rain and leave a crisp line of surgical precision

You can also leave it on for a few days without any hard to clean adhesive mess, worst I had came right off with a swipe from a rag with some alcohol on it.


https://www.amazon.com/FrogTape-1358.../dp/B002Z8HB2A

[rslifkin]

I'll second Frog Tape as being much nicer to work with. The mint green 3M Precision tape is great as well. And the darker green 3M Automotive tape is almost as good. All are worlds nicer than the blue stuff.

[steamgoat]

Back in oct 2013,practical sailor did a 3M masking tape test.As a result I always use 3M 2080 ,low stick, ok for 4 weeks,clean edge and excellent weathering ability. You have to look carefully inside the roll to find the #. 2090 is not quite as good but is cheaper.

[felizcortez]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

I'll second Frog Tape as being much nicer to work with. The mint green 3M Precision tape is great as well. And the darker green 3M Automotive tape is almost as good. All are worlds nicer than the blue stuff.

I'm in Mexico so the hardware stores only sell the scotch brand. Don't think it will be possible to get frog tape.

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by felizcortez

I'm in Mexico so the hardware stores only sell the scotch brand. Don't think it will be possible to get frog tape.

Unless you can find something nicer at a specific paint store, in most places, the nicer tapes may be hard to find. Personally, I just order it online rather than hunting through stores to see who happens to have good tape in stock.

[Scubaseas]

See if there's an autobody supply store and get 3M Fineline. Usually cheaper than a hardware store anyway if they'll sell to you.

[Hyrdflyr]

[QUOTE=SalingSue;3293041]I’d redo it regardless, that isn’t quality painters tape by any means.

The best is the green Scotch 233+ that professional car and boat painters use. It's much stronger, it leaves clean lines and you can get it off when you're done up to a week or two later.



It's all I use anymore....


cheers

[felizcortez]

The best tape I was able to find is Scotch 2090. I removed the tape I applied, washed the hull to prep again since all the dirt from on deck ran down the hull. I retaped that evening and we got two coats of bottom paint on the next day. Removed it after we finished that evening and had a nice crisp line. I'm going to get some frog tape when we go back to the US at some point.