Tank design....??

[Doogie]

I am attempting/thinking about attempting to paint my tank a two tone and I am debating whether or not to even try it. I don't want to invest time and effort on it and have it turn out looking like a three year old did it.

Here is what I am going after


Obviously it will connect. The area in the middle will stay the burnt orange color and the rest will go black or something. I started to see how hard it would be to tape it off and have it look even/good but I'm getting cold feet just looking at it.

I will go get proper tape if I decide to go ahead with the idea just looking for advice/pep talk/how to/tutorial/etc.

Is there a good/effective way to measure on curves and bends? Thought about making a template so it would be the same on both sides.

Any thoughts/comments/etc. would be awesome.

 

[VonYinzer]

Make a paper template and use some ultra fine line painters tape. Get the good fine line stuff.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=141010841774

Use it to outline the panels, then tape off the rest. Simple as can be. Also, remember that both sides should be as close to perfexr as you can make them, but they're on oppositw sides of the tank. Can't be seen side by side. Catch my drift?

 

[HerrDeacon]

To help give visuals to what Von just said, I did exactly the same thing with my CB400T. Here are a few pics.

Paper template:


Thin tape, turns more easily than the tape you have in the pic above. Once you have the line you want with the thin stuff you can then use the thicker to overlap the thinner.




Using this method, you can do as many sections/colours as you want, just take your time.


Both sides of the graphic will most likely be able to seen from the seating position so make sure it is straight or it will haunt you

 

[SONICJK]

Yup.
For detail work its all in the tape, get something thin and flexible and you'll be in business. You'll be surprised how way it is after that.

Once you're done taping go back over it and press all the seams down good, because overspray will get very where.

 

[HerrDeacon]

Also, when you are about to spray, the first one should just be a light mist so that it helps seal the tape edge and won't bleed under.

 

[Doogie]

Thanks for all the replies...I figured I would need the "fancy" tape but I was being lazy...:read cheap:

Anyhow I will give it a go and see how it comes out. At least if I hate it I can repaint it this winter :

 

[Doogie]

BTW Herr...sick paint job. I guess I am a bit of an anal person but if I can get mine to look like yours I'll be really happy.

 

[VonYinzer]

Thanks for all the replies...I figured I would need the "fancy" tape but I was being lazy...:read cheap:

Anyhow I will give it a go and see how it comes out. At least if I hate it I can repaint it this winter :

Your other option is to tape off the entire area you want masked off with thicker tape like you already have then draw your panels on that. Once you have the right shape/size/etc you use an Xacto knife to cut away the excess.

 

[canyoncarver]

Make a paper template and use some ultra fine line painters tape. Get the good fine line stuff.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=141010841774

Use it to outline the panels, then tape off the rest. Simple as can be. Also, remember that both sides should be as close to perfexr as you can make them, but they're on oppositw sides of the tank. Can't be seen side by side. Catch my drift?

Yinz.. very helpful. I just ordered that roll.

 

[Doogie]

Your other option is to tape off the entire area you want masked off with thicker tape like you already have then draw your panels on that. Once you have the right shape/size/etc you use an Xacto knife to cut away the excess.

I thought about that but didn't want to slice up the paint too much. I'm gonna go ahead and get the thin tape and see what happens. I am thinking I will cover the tape lines with pin striping to finish it off. I might see how much a body shop would charge to do a pro pin stripe job...hmmmm.

 

[VonYinzer]

I thought about that but didn't want to slice up the paint too much. I'm gonna go ahead and get the thin tape and see what happens. I am thinking I will cover the tape lines with pin striping to finish it off. I might see how much a body shop would charge to do a pro pin stripe job...hmmmm.

Most body shops don't hand pinstripe anything. Kind of a lost art when it comes to modern commercial shops. That said... There are a few talented stripers here on DTT. Post up asking for some help.

 

[Doogie]

Most body shops don't hand pinstripe anything. Kind of a lost art when it comes to modern commercial shops. That said... There are a few talented stripers here on DTT. Post up asking for some help.

That's what I figured. Damn big industry. I will check out the local area on the forum to see if there is any info or someone local. Looking forward to possibly attending a meet soon too.